Ah, the music video - the perfect combination of visual art and audio pleasure. MTV truly revolutionized the way we consumed music in the early 80s, and we haven't looked back since. But let's not forget the pioneers of the music video, like the Beatles and their animated masterpiece "Yellow Submarine," which was way ahead of its time.
As the 80s rolled around, music videos exploded in popularity, and suddenly it wasn't enough to just have a catchy tune - you needed a music video to match. It was the era of excess, and music videos reflected that with their extravagant sets, over-the-top outfits, and flashy special effects. It was like the music video equivalent of a Las Vegas buffet - a little bit of everything, and all of it spectacular.
But as the 90s arrived, the music video landscape began to shift. Grunge was in, and suddenly the flashy excess of the 80s was out. Directors like Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze brought a more subtle and artistic approach to music videos, creating works that were visually stunning and emotionally resonant. And who can forget the iconic video for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which perfectly captured the angst and energy of the grunge era.
As the 2000s came around, the internet changed the game once again. Suddenly, anyone with a camera and a YouTube account could create their own music video and share it with the world. The result was an explosion of creativity and innovation, as artists and fans alike began experimenting with different styles and techniques.
But while the democratization of the music video was a good thing in many ways, it also led to an over-saturation of content. Nowadays, it seems like every artist and their dog has a music video out, and it's hard to sort through the noise to find the real gems.
So what makes a great music video? Is it the flashy special effects and outrageous costumes, or is it something more subtle and emotional? Well, it's all of those things and more. A great music video is one that captures the essence of the song it accompanies, whether that's through stunning visuals or simple storytelling.
And let's not forget the impact that music videos have had on culture as a whole. From Madonna's iconic "Like a Prayer" video, which tackled issues of race and religion, to Beyonce's powerful "Formation," which celebrated black culture and activism, music videos have always been a way for artists to express themselves and make a statement.
So here's to the music video - a constantly evolving art form that has brought us so much joy, inspiration, and entertainment over the years. May it continue to push boundaries and capture our hearts and minds for many years to come. And who knows - maybe the next "Thriller" or "Sledgehammer" is just around the corner, waiting to blow us all away.
