I’ll start: November Rain
I’m always impressed by a music video that can “yes, and” the song it was made for - one that feels like it was created as an extension or an exploration of the song, rather than an expression of the vibes (though, don’t get me wrong, I’m all about the vibes too). I love that this video tells a clear story and puts a pretty fun twist on the lyrics while it does.
Bonus: The actors seem like they were having a blast during filming.
Goated song and music video
Take on Me - Aha
Another great one and very inventive for the time.
I… I think I just got Rickrolled by my own brain.
Bwahaha I love this.
You made me rickroll myself. Never Gonna Give You Up is so iconic online, how could it not be the first thing that comes to mind?
Second one that came to mind was Somebody That I Used To Know.
Frankly, I don’t watch music videos, so internet memes are the majority of my exposure to them.
Literally this - the very first thing that I thought, was well it’s obviously going to Never Going to Give you up - before I could even actively start thinking of any other music video, like Zombies for example (it’s been on YouTube a lot recently because of people reacting to it).
Money For Nothing - Dire Straits. All-time classic. 80s CGI knows no comparison. 😩👌
I just remember the weird Al version from UHF and thinking that was the official version of that song and music video for the longest time as a kid. Lol
Thriller (Credits and everything…) - Michael Jackson
Hah, this is also what I thought of
There are many other more impressive and even more famous music videos, but this one is THE video I think of when anyone mentions music videos.
I love all their videos. so complex and creative.
While you absolutely answered the question correctly, I think this is my favorite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MejbOFk7H6c
WTF? and Obsession are close seconds.
Sober by Tool. Very cool video.
The video is great and creepy.
I only read as far as “first music video” before my brain served up the first video on MTV, “Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g93mz_eZ5N4
Peter Gabriel SledgehammerTurn Down for What - Lil Jon
Directed by (And starring one of) the directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Which makes me feel vindicated for loving this video, so fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMUDVMiITOUVirtual Insanity I have brain rot.
This is my all time favourite.
Probably Thriller, even though my favorite is probably Californication
Both awesome videos but Californication was more my era and I love how creative and good graphics it was! Really took you on a journey.