Greatest International Music Videos From The 80s & 90s

Hey guys! Ready for a trip down memory lane? Let's dive into the awesome world of international music videos from the 80s and 90s. This era was pure gold, filled with iconic tunes and visuals that still rock our world today. Get ready to reminisce about some unforgettable hits!

The Golden Age of Music Videos

The 80s and 90s were undoubtedly the golden age for music videos. Before YouTube and streaming took over, MTV reigned supreme, and music videos were the way artists connected with their fans. These weren't just simple performances; they were mini-movies, showcasing creativity, fashion, and groundbreaking special effects. So, grab your neon leg warmers and let’s get started!

Why the 80s and 90s Music Videos Were So Special

Music videos from the 80s and 90s hold a special place in our hearts for so many reasons. They weren't just promotional tools; they were art. Directors like Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, and David Fincher got their start crafting these visual masterpieces. Remember the days when you'd sit glued to MTV, waiting for your favorite video to air? The anticipation was part of the fun!

First off, the sheer creativity was mind-blowing. Artists weren't afraid to experiment with wild concepts, crazy costumes, and cutting-edge technology. Think about A-ha's "Take On Me" with its rotoscoping animation, or Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" using stop-motion. These videos were visual feasts that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Secondly, international music videos introduced us to a whole world of music beyond our own borders. Artists from the UK, Europe, and Australia brought their unique sounds and styles to the global stage. Suddenly, we were dancing to synth-pop from Germany, rocking out to Britpop from England, and grooving to funk from Down Under. It was a musical melting pot that expanded our horizons.

And let's not forget the fashion! The 80s were all about big hair, bright colors, and bold statements. Think Madonna's rebellious looks, Prince's flamboyant outfits, and Cyndi Lauper's eclectic style. The 90s brought a grungier, more laid-back vibe, with flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots becoming the uniform of the decade. These fashion trends were immortalized in music videos, influencing our own personal styles.

Finally, the international music videos of this era were just plain fun. They told stories, created worlds, and made us feel something. Whether it was the romance of George Michael's "Careless Whisper", the energy of Run-DMC's "Walk This Way", or the humor of the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage", these videos were unforgettable experiences that we still talk about today.

Top International Music Videos from the 80s

Alright, let's get into some specific international music videos from the 80s that absolutely slayed!

A-ha - "Take On Me"

This Norwegian band brought us one of the most iconic videos of all time. The rotoscoping animation was revolutionary, and the song is an absolute earworm. Who could forget Morten Harket's killer vocals and that unforgettable storyline?

"Take On Me" isn't just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. The video, directed by Steve Barron, tells the story of a girl who is pulled into a comic book world and falls in love with the cartoon version of Morten Harket. The innovative use of rotoscoping, which combines live-action footage with hand-drawn animation, created a visually stunning effect that was unlike anything else at the time. It won numerous awards and helped propel A-ha to international stardom.

Beyond its technical achievements, "Take On Me" resonated with audiences because of its romantic storyline and the sense of adventure it evoked. The video captured the imagination of a generation, and its influence can still be seen in music videos and other forms of media today. The song itself is a timeless classic, with its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics. It's the kind of song that you can't help but sing along to, no matter how many times you've heard it.

The success of "Take On Me" also helped pave the way for other international artists to break into the mainstream. It proved that music from outside the US and UK could be just as popular and influential. A-ha became a global sensation, touring the world and selling millions of albums. They remain one of Norway's most successful musical exports, and "Take On Me" continues to be their signature song.

Peter Gabriel - "Sledgehammer"

Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" is a visual masterpiece filled with stop-motion animation. It's quirky, creative, and totally unforgettable. This video was a game-changer, setting a new standard for creativity in music videos.

"Sledgehammer" is a testament to Peter Gabriel's artistic vision and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible in music video production. The video, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, took months to create and involved a team of animators, puppeteers, and special effects artists. The result was a mind-bending visual experience that perfectly complemented the song's funky, upbeat vibe.

The video features a combination of stop-motion animation, claymation, and live-action footage, all seamlessly blended together to create a surreal and captivating world. Gabriel himself spent hours lying under a glass sheet while animators manipulated objects around him, bringing the song to life in a truly unique way. The attention to detail is remarkable, with every frame packed with visual gags and hidden references.

"Sledgehammer" was a massive commercial success, topping the MTV charts and winning numerous awards. It helped solidify Peter Gabriel's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation. The video's impact can still be felt today, with many contemporary music videos drawing inspiration from its groundbreaking techniques.

Duran Duran - "Rio"

Duran Duran were the kings of new wave, and "Rio" perfectly captures their stylish, sophisticated vibe. The video, shot in Antigua, is pure eye candy with its beautiful scenery and fashionable outfits. This video is like a fashion magazine come to life!

"Rio" is not just a music video; it's a lifestyle. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, transports viewers to a tropical paradise, where the band members are seen sailing on a yacht, lounging on the beach, and enjoying the good life. The video's luxurious setting and glamorous visuals perfectly complemented the song's smooth, sophisticated sound.

The video's fashion is also a key element of its appeal. The band members are dressed in stylish outfits that perfectly capture the new wave aesthetic of the era. From Nick Rhodes's flamboyant makeup to Simon Le Bon's sleek suits, every detail is carefully considered to create a visually stunning and iconic look. The fashion in "Rio" helped to define the style of the 80s and continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.

"Rio" was a massive hit for Duran Duran, helping to propel them to international stardom. The video's popularity helped to solidify MTV's role as a major force in the music industry, and it set a new standard for music video production. The song itself is a timeless classic, with its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics. It's the kind of song that you can't help but dance to, no matter how many times you've heard it.

Top International Music Videos from the 90s

The 90s brought a different vibe to music videos, with grunge, alternative, and hip-hop taking center stage. Let's check out some of the best!

Massive Attack - "Teardrop"

"Teardrop" by Massive Attack is hauntingly beautiful. The video features a fetus singing the song in utero. It's a visually stunning and emotionally powerful piece of art that stays with you long after you've watched it.

"Teardrop" is a masterpiece of visual storytelling. The video, directed by Walter Stern, features a lifelike animatronic fetus singing the song in utero. The video's surreal and unsettling imagery perfectly captures the song's melancholic and introspective mood. The fetus's movements and expressions are incredibly realistic, creating a powerful and emotional connection with the viewer.

The video's use of technology was groundbreaking at the time, and it helped to set a new standard for music video production. The animatronic fetus was created by special effects artist Chris Cunningham, who is known for his work on films like "Alien 3" and "A.I. Artificial Intelligence." The video's seamless integration of technology and artistry helped to create a truly unforgettable visual experience.

"Teardrop" was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and helping to solidify Massive Attack's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 90s. The video's impact can still be felt today, with many contemporary music videos drawing inspiration from its surreal and emotional imagery.

Björk - "It's Oh So Quiet"

Björk's "It's Oh So Quiet" is pure joy. This video, directed by Spike Jonze, is a burst of energy and creativity, blending Hollywood musical aesthetics with Björk's unique style. It's quirky, fun, and utterly captivating.

"It's Oh So Quiet" is a celebration of contrasts. The video, directed by Spike Jonze, seamlessly blends moments of quiet introspection with bursts of explosive energy. The video's use of classic Hollywood musical tropes, such as synchronized dancing and elaborate sets, creates a sense of nostalgia and whimsy. At the same time, Björk's unique style and personality add a layer of quirky originality to the video.

The video's choreography is particularly impressive, with Björk and her dancers moving in perfect unison through a series of elaborate routines. The video's use of color and lighting is also striking, creating a visually stunning and dynamic effect. The video's overall effect is one of pure joy and exuberance, perfectly capturing the song's playful and uplifting mood.

"It's Oh So Quiet" was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and helping to solidify Björk's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential artists of her generation. The video's impact can still be felt today, with many contemporary music videos drawing inspiration from its playful and surreal imagery.

Blur - "Coffee & TV"

Blur's "Coffee & TV" is a heartwarming and quirky tale featuring a milk carton searching for a missing band member. It's funny, endearing, and totally memorable. This video is a perfect example of British humor and creativity.

"Coffee & TV" is a testament to the power of storytelling in music videos. The video, directed by Hammer & Tongs, tells the story of a milk carton named Milky who embarks on a quest to find Blur's missing guitarist, Graham Coxon. The video's quirky and endearing characters, combined with its heartwarming storyline, create a sense of emotional connection with the viewer.

The video's use of special effects is particularly impressive, with Milky brought to life through a combination of puppetry and CGI. The video's animation is seamless and realistic, making Milky a believable and sympathetic character. The video's humor is also spot-on, with plenty of visual gags and witty moments to keep viewers entertained.

"Coffee & TV" was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and helping to solidify Blur's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 90s. The video's impact can still be felt today, with many contemporary music videos drawing inspiration from its quirky characters and heartwarming storylines.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of some of the greatest international music videos from the 80s and 90s. These videos were more than just promotional tools; they were works of art that shaped our culture and defined a generation. Whether you're reliving your youth or discovering these gems for the first time, there's no denying the impact and influence of these iconic videos. Keep rocking!