100 greatest music videos of all time

Channel 4 filmed a Documentary about the 100 greatest music videos, this included interviews with the directors of the videos and the artist themselves, both explaining there opinion of the video and the thought process behind it.

The Full 100

1. # Michael Jackson: Thriller
2. # Peter Gabriel: Sledgehammer
3. # A-ha: Take on Me
4. # Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
5. # Madonna: Like a Prayer
6. # Robbie Williams: Rock DJ
7. # Michael Jackson: Billie Jean
8. # The Verve: Bittersweet Symphony
9. # Madonna: Vogue
10. # Nirvana: Smells Like Teen Spirit
11. # Coldplay: The Scientist
12. # Michael & Janet Jackson: Scream
13. # Pink Floyd: Another Brick in the Wall
14. # Christina Aguilera: Dirrty
15. # REM: Everybody Hurts
16. # OutKast: Hey Ya
17. # Blur: Coffee & TV
18. # Beyonce: Crazy in Love
19. # Madonna: Material Girl
20. # Gorillaz: Clint Eastwood
21. # Queen: I Want to Break Free
22. # Justin Timberlake: Cry Me a River
23. # Britney Spears: ...Baby One More Time
24. # Radiohead: No Surprises
25. # Madness: Baggy Trousers
26. # TLC: Waterfalls
27. # David Bowie: Ashes to Ashes
28. # Foo Fighters: Learn to Fly
29. # Electric Six: Gay Bar
30. # Weezer: Buddy Holly
31. # Eminem: Stan
32. # Chris Isaak: Wicked Game
33. # U2: The Sweetest Thing
34. # The White Stripes: Fell in Love with a Girl
35. # Sinead O'Connor: Nothing Compares 2U
36. # Red Hot Chili Peppers: Give It Away
37. # Guns N Roses: November Rain
38. # Fatboy Slim: Weapon of Choice
39. # Pulp: Common People
40. # Missy Elliot: Get Ur Freak On
41. # The Spice Girls: Wannabe
42. # Bjork: It's Oh So Quiet
43. # Dire Straits: Money for Nothing
44. # Kylie Minogue: Can't Get You Out of My Head
45. # Aerosmith: Crazy
46. # Adam & the Ants: Prince Charming
47. # The Prodigy: Firestarter
48. # Johnny Cash: Hurt
49. # Jamiroquai: Virtual Insanity
50. # Paul Simon: You Can Call Me Al
51. # Run DMC & Aerosmith: Walk This Way
52. # Massive Attack: Teardrop
53. # Wham: Club Tropicana
54. # Daft Punk: Around the World
55. # Fatboy Slim: Praise You
56. # Eminem: Without Me
57. # Meatloaf: I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)
58. # The Cure: Close to Me
59. # Abba: Knowing Me, Knowing You
60. # Eurythmics: Sweet Dreams
61. # The Prodigy: Smack My Bitch Up
62. # Blur: Parklife
63. # George Michael: Outside
64. # Bjork: Human Behaviour
65. # Aphex Twin: Windowlicker
66. # Bob Dylan: Subterranean Homesick Blues
67. # The Beastie Boys: Sabotage
68. # Madonna: Ray of Light
69. # Frankie Goes to Hollywood: Two Tribes
70. # The Police: Every Breath You Take
71. # Bjork: All Is Full of Love
72. # Robert Palmer: Addicted to Love
73. # Basement Jaxx: Where's Your Head At?
74. # Wu-Tang Clan: Gravel Pit
75. # Duran Duran: Rio
76. # The Beatles: Strawberry Fields
77. # MC Hammer: U Can't Touch This
78. # Godley and Creme: Cry
79. # New Order: True Faith
80. # Radiohead: Just
81. # Ultravox: Vienna
82. # 50 Cent: In Da Club
83. # Shakespear's Sister: Stay
84. # The Boomtown Rats: I Don't Like Mondays
85. # Sid Vicious: My Way
86. # The Streets: Fit But You Know It
87. # Talking Heads: Once in a Lifetime
88. # Elton John: I Want Love
89. # Smashing Pumpkins: Tonight Tonight
90. # The Pet Shop Boys: Go West
91. # The Specials: Ghost Town
92. # Herbie Hancock: Rockit
93. # The Rolling Stones: We Love You
94. # Bonnie Tyler: Total Eclipse of the Heart
95. # The Cardigans: My Favourite Game
96. # So Solid Crew: 21 Seconds
97. # Cornershop: Brimful of Asha
98. # Bronski Beat: Smalltown Boy
99. # Supergrass: Pumping on Your Stereo
100. # Musical Youth: Pass the Dutchie

Out of the list:

I am going to analyse some of the video's which we have singled out based on different factors of what makes the video interesting and iconic. 

Smalltown boy- Bronski Beat (1984)

This video is Iconic as the theme of the song is to make a statement, an important point in society about the Homophobia. The song is about a gay man coming to town and his experiences with peoples attitudes toward him being gay which is why some people spit at him in the video, also the song states "The love that you need,will never be found at home" this lyric is expressed by the man's grandfather shouting at him, but this video is iconic as it says that no matter what your never alone. The release of this video was also very controversial as the topic is about homophobia but essentially Bronski beat made this song to draw a comparison in society and how judgemental can be even if you should be able to trust them.  

So Solid Crew- 21 seconds

Unknowingly to the audience this song 21 seconds stays true to the name, each member has 21 second to represent there selves to their audience, this allow's the audience to understand each member , this is a interesting way of making group members individual even though they are in a group. Usually in groups the artists all meld together and only one is noticed for example destiny child Beyonce is the only person from that group that is really acknowledged , this way each group member is given there own profile and showcase of talent.

Radio head- Just

This video was directed by Jamie Thraves who will be mentioned in more detail in another post but is notoriously known for his short films during his university days. "Just" has a very well known video and it is very successful and all because of its mysterious nature, a middle aged man lays on the pavement without a sound, this strike the audience as odd and we know straight away that we want to get to the bottom of this. A group of people develop around the man asking question and he dismisses all of them but throughout the video we see what is said through, by the ending the man says "Yes I'll tell you, I'll tell you why I'm lying here... but God forgive me... and God help us all... because you don't know what you ask of me."  after this he says why he is laying there but the subtitles are no longer on therefore we don't not know why everyone who has heard him has become paralysed. Not only is this a amazing video it has the ability to make its viewers think, there has been many people trying to guess what is said at the end but ultimately it doesn't matter, Jamie Thraves states himself "To tell you would deaden the impact,and probably make you want to lie down in the road too", the fact that a couple of words would have this impact is what shocks and makes us wonder about this video, also I don't think the problem is what is said, its what is it to be so hidden the video appeals to our  need to know what's going on.

Kevin Godley & Creme- Cry (1985)

This Music video was very successful, when you hear the word Cry you assume that the song will have narrative at which someone is hurt, but Godly and Cremes video put a twist on the general and typical music video, they used multiple people and merged their faces together, I consider this a message claiming that everyone is emotion and everyone goes through the same feelings, their video doesn't generalise pain to 1 person it highlights that individually everyone goes through these feelings. The song is passionate therefore Godly and Cremes  video needed to show how each individual person  reacts when they are hurt, they may cry like the man at the start or they may look down like the woman but you cannot doubt that that person is in pain, the video makes you think beyond yourself and your reaction to circumstances.  

Basement Jaxx- Wheres Your head At ?(2001)

Where's your head at mocks society and science, it seems to mock the evolution theory, as the story behind the music video is meant to represent the fact that the human race evolved from apes. It shows the scientists being silly and showing the man really amateur diagrams, this supports the idea that science is being mocked.
The message I get from the video is that men are becoming degenerative, they are going back from apparently intelligent beings to being animals, but despite this this was one of the first music video's to use animals and humans together, it was also filmed in a mental institution which makes it somewhat surreal. It being unusual and surreal made it very successful as it is very intriguing.

Frankie Goes to hollywood-Two Tribes (1984)

Originally the band wanted the video to be a war game but due to the budget being minimum they had to think of something else. This video mocks society's views on war as it comments on the gulf war, this is shown through the 2 leaders fighting in a Cock-fighting ring although very controversial it impressed the public. As an marketing approach the band decided to let out multiple different versions of the CD and video, this engaged fans and doubled sales, people would buy these and feel special as if the CDs are like collector items they would compare each others CDs and work out who's was better. This video became very successful as fans would wear T-shirts and chant the song lyrics, showing their devotion to the group and how enthralled they were with the song. 

Bob Dylan- Subterranean Homesick Blues (1965)

As Bob Dylan was already very well-known he decide that the best thing for this video to be was simple, this simplicity is what made this particular particular video significant and memorable, This video also counts as a type of lyric video. This song was meant to send a serious and strong message about society, he didn't want his music video distracting the audience from what the real point of the song was, so he decided that the audience should see the lyrics not only hear them. Bob Dylan is a very down to earth artist therefore he wasn't trying to be famous so this method of making a video went hand in hand with his style and image. As an  marketing
 approach he used adverts, television programmes and films therefore making his video thoroughly seen and iconic. 

George Micheal- Outside (1988)

To understand this particular video we must understand the story behind the video, This video is based on the apparent scandal  George Michael went through when he was caught at a public restroom trying to have gay sex, this was the first time that anyone had heard anything about George being homosexual and everyone was outraged and shocked. George Michael was arrested by a undercover police man who fooled him into thinking that he would reciprocate but was shocked when he was arrested. "Outside"  was made to ridicule the police system and society's ideals of same sex relationships, George Michael wanted to do this by having men dress in police outfits and have them kissing behind the public toilet. The video stays true to the events that George Michael went through himself  apart from when he is trying to make a mockery of the system. during the video same sex and heterosexual relationships are compared based on the receptions of the public, he try's to make a point saying that if he was with a woman the reaction to this occasion would be less judgemental but the fact that it is with a male and homosexual it has become pessimistic also he wanted to outline how the media perceives situations to do with celebrity's and how they aim to make the worst of what they do. Its outrageous style had made "Outside" a big hit, people were shocked, But this was George Michaels break through and confession.

The prodigy- Smack my bitch up 

The Prodigy decided to test social conceptions with this video, by imitating gender stereotypes and ultimately fooling us. The Prodigy basically made a short film about a man's typical night out although were shown drug abuse and strip clubs and acts of sexual relations we aren't shocked, because although it is explicit we stereotype this to be a typical male, and as we know briefly of this lifestyle we assume that this is a man's actions we also assume that because he is with a woman therefore he is a male but we are shocked to find that when we see the reflection in the mirror is is a woman who looks into it. This video was made to test social boundaries as in some ways this is a very negative video but also it gives equality to women as it shows whatever a man is perceived to do a woman can do the same, testing stereotypes and changing gender ideals. Even the Lyrics "Smack my bitch up" suggest that it is said by a male as "bitch" is a derogatory word used against women in the music industry such as rappers. Reception from the public made this video well known and therefore successful as they were angry at how R rated the video was, and truely the video hasnt really got a filter, it seems to condone this treatment of women but then  turns the tables by suggesting that women can also treat women like this, turning the tables. 

Fatboy slim- Praise you 

Its common in Fatboy Slims video's like Elton John that he doesn't appear in the video himself, this could be because like Elton John he may not like the way he looks, but I think this is based on the fact that his a DJ most DJs don't really star in their videos that much as it may be a bit foolish to just have a man on decks in a video. This video is the performance of a flash mob in front of a cinema, the only people who knew that this was being filmed purposefully for a music video is the mob and the director therefore we are able to have the real reactions of the people lining up. The audience within the video's confusion is at one with our own as the video weirdly matches the music, because it is so real and creative and mostly weird it was very successful. 

Paul Simon- You can call me Al

This music video is used to take away seriousness of the lyrics, it is made to be comedic. The use of the very short and very tall guys makes it extremely funny, also giving the idea of a double act that is also very humorous although they are talking about poverty. This video just has a Tv star in it this could be to gain popularity or views as the use of a well known name usually has there fans viewing what ever they are in.

Jamiroquai- Virtual insanity

This music video is very original and innovative as it has a very unusual  concept, when it was first released everyone was amazed and was trying to figure out how it was done. The fact that the public were so curious the producers decided to feed there curiosity by making them believe that they moved the furniture by special magnets but in actuality they moved the walls. It was a really brilliant idea for a music video as it just amazed the public and made them think about it. 

Johnny Cash- Hurt

As a totally heart warming and emotional end to his career, Johnny Cash decided to make a video saying goodbye to his music career  by looking back at all he has accomplished in life, this included his career and his family showing photographs and also showing his wife who died soon after the filming of the video. The video was even filmed in his own home. This song was in his last album before Cash passed away himself, this made the video and the lyrics very heartfelt, also the fact that the video is like a journey makes us feel special as he is allowing us a view of his personal life. 

 Fatboy Slim- Weapons of choice

Christopher Walken stars in this video showing another side to his acting ability, until this video we have seen him in films where he is casts as the bad guy such as in sleepy hollow, he always plays the customary bad guy, but in this video we see him dancing and flying about, this is how he originally got into the business but it was never really shown before this video. The video appeals to an fantasy aspect again such as the doors opening when he is positioned in front of them or when he fly s about. not only is it very creative it draws curiousity as we wonder why this man is dancing in an empty hotel which is the marriott hotel. It must have been a success as it won six awards at the 2001 MTV music awards, I personally think its so funny and brilliant.

Eminem- Stan

Eminem's Stan is personally one of my favourite videos, Stan has a brilliant narrative story serving the illustration of the topic at which the song surrounds. It is a very original video that was made to highlight the problem  of  the idolization of celebrity's and how far fandom is exaggerated and in some cases dangerous.Through out the music we hear the scribbling of a pencil and a storm aligning with the music video's  feeling of doom and the fact that they are writing letters. Although we are set with a very cruel and tragic video this video is very influential and shows the lengths at which fandom can go, it is a bleak video but that seems to be the purpose anyway. Also this song links to Eminem's other songs and personal life, he lets us see into what he thinks is essential and when he performs he is doing that he doesn't take everything he says in a literal sense, for example "But what's this shit you said about you like to cut your wrists too? I say that shit just clowning dogg, c'mon - how fucked up is you?"

This video is very post modern as it questioned celebrity culture. This song also made Dido famous. This video is very emotional and has a strong message as the public claimed it was "haunting track", there was alot of media outcry toward this song due to the darkness at which surrounds it.    

Bjork- Its oh so quiet

This is another of my favourite videos, Bjork was always well known for her quirky sense of style and to be frank her weirdness, but in this cover she celebrates old fashioned musicals which is why she based the video on the 1964 film  Les Parapluies de cherboug which ends in a musical number. Within a typical musical there are always contrast of  reality and fantasy , the video starts in a dirt area as the start of the video also like a musical the person is always in a bad place then we are shown the fantasy as she dances with back up dances an inanimate objects come alive also flying into the air at the end. Its oh so quite is 8th of the top 40 most memorable videos, it was done in 2 days in 40 degrees of heat and Bjork even lost her voice during.