10 Best Eighties Music Videos That Defined the Decade

The 1980s were a golden age for music videos, a time when artists and directors pushed the boundaries of creativity and technology to produce some of the most iconic and memorable visuals in music history. From the groundbreaking special effects of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to the surreal, dreamlike imagery of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights,” the best music videos of the 1980s were not just accompaniments to the songs but works of art in their own right. These videos defined a generation and continue to inspire and entertain music fans today.

One of the most striking things about 1980s music videos is their diversity. There was no one dominant style or approach; instead, artists and directors experimented with a wide range of techniques and aesthetics. Some videos, such as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” were overtly sexual and provocative, while others, such as Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” were more introspective and atmospheric. Some videos, such as A-ha’s “Take On Me,” featured innovative animation, while others, such as Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” were more straightforward performance-based videos. This diversity reflects the eclectic nature of 1980s music itself, which encompassed everything from synthpop to heavy metal to new wave.

The best 1980s music videos were more than just promotional tools; they were cultural touchstones that helped to define the decade. They were a way for artists to connect with their fans on a more personal level, and they played a major role in shaping the way that music was consumed and experienced. Today, these videos continue to be celebrated as classics, and they continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists and music fans.

MTV’s Revolutionary Impact

A New Era of Visual Storytelling

On August 1, 1981, MTV forever altered the landscape of music and entertainment. With its groundbreaking 24-hour video programming, MTV introduced a new era of visual storytelling that transformed the music industry and cultural consumption. By showcasing music in a highly visual and immersive way, MTV revolutionized the way artists connected with their audiences and influenced popular culture.

MTV’s impact on the music industry was profound. It provided a platform for new and emerging artists to reach a wider audience and gain recognition. The channel’s heavy rotation of music videos helped launch the careers of countless bands and solo artists, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Bon Jovi. MTV also played a crucial role in the rise of music genres such as heavy metal, hip hop, and alternative rock.

Beyond its impact on music, MTV also had a significant cultural impact. The channel’s visually driven programming became a defining element of the 1980s and early 1990s. Its music videos shaped fashion trends, hairstyles, and even social attitudes. MTV’s style and aesthetic influenced everything from film and television to advertising and art.

The following table summarizes some of the most significant ways in which MTV revolutionized the music industry and popular culture:

Impact	Description
Platform for New Artists	MTV provided a platform for new and emerging artists to reach a wider audience and gain recognition.
Music Genre Revolution	MTV played a crucial role in the rise of music genres such as heavy metal, hip hop, and alternative rock.
Cultural Icon	MTV’s visually driven programming became a defining element of the 1980s and early 1990s, shaping fashion trends, hairstyles, and social attitudes.

The Birth of the Music Video Era

The Birth of MTV

The launch of MTV on August 1, 1981, marked a watershed moment in the history of music videos. The groundbreaking 24-hour cable channel dedicated solely to music videos revolutionized the way music was consumed and promoted. MTV’s non-stop rotation of music videos gave artists a powerful platform to showcase their music and build their visual identities. It also created a new industry for music video production companies, directors, and artists.

The Rise of the Music Video

Prior to MTV, music videos were more akin to short films, often featuring elaborate sets, narratives, and cinematic techniques. However, the constraints of MTV’s short video format forced artists to adopt a more dynamic and concise approach. This led to the development of a new visual language, characterized by quick-paced editing, stylized lighting, and a focus on performance and visual impact. The use of groundbreaking editing techniques, such as split screens, jump cuts, and chroma keying, became commonplace and helped define the aesthetic of the eighties music video.

The Impact of Technology

Technology	Impact
Video Synthesizers	Allowed for the creation of abstract and psychedelic visual effects.
Digital Editing	Enabled seamless transitions and sophisticated video effects.
Compact Cameras	Facilitated the production of low-budget music videos.

Advancements in video technology played a crucial role in the evolution of the eighties music video. Video synthesizers, such as the Fairlight CVI, allowed artists to experiment with abstract and psychedelic visual effects, creating a distinctive and otherworldly aesthetic. The advent of digital editing systems, such as the Sony Betacam, revolutionized the post-production process, enabling filmmakers to create smooth transitions and manipulate footage with unprecedented precision. Compact cameras, like the Sony Handycam, democratized music video production, making it more accessible to independent artists and filmmakers.

Storytelling through Imagery and Movement

1. Directing with a Painterly Eye: Peter Gabriel’s "Sledgehammer"

This groundbreaking video used innovative techniques such as claymation and stop-motion to create dreamlike, surreal imagery that seamlessly meshed with the song’s powerful lyrics.

2. Narrative through Movement: Michael Jackson’s "Thriller"

Jackson’s iconic video tells a gripping horror story through elaborate choreography and cinematic effects, solidifying its status as one of the most influential music videos of all time.

3. Music as Visual Poetry: Eurythmics’ "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"

This video beautifully illustrates the song’s themes of identity and female empowerment through visually striking imagery and Annie Lennox’s evocative dance performance.

4. Theatrical Expression: David Bowie’s "Ashes to Ashes"

Bowie’s video for this track is a miniature sci-fi film, featuring elaborate sets, dramatic lighting, and Bowie’s signature theatrical presence.

5. Kinetic Energy: ZZ Top’s "Legs"

This video’s energetic and playful choreography celebrates the band’s Southern rock roots and humorously depicts the beauty of long, shapely legs.

6. Impressionistic Art in Motion: George Michael’s "Freedom! ’90"

The video for this anthem of liberation combines abstract imagery, bold colors, and flowing camerawork, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

7. A Kaleidoscope of Motion and Imagery: Prince’s "1999"

This visually groundbreaking video blends live performance, psychedelic effects, and symbolic imagery, showcasing Prince’s unparalleled artistry and the transformative power of music and dance.

Scene	Description
Opening	A close-up of Prince’s face, bathed in purple light
Verse 1	Prince performs amidst a swirling backdrop of abstract patterns and colors
Chorus	The camera pans over a crowd of jubilant dancers
Bridge	Prince’s body is draped in a billowing cape, creating flowing and dynamic imagery
Outro	The video ends with a burst of rainbow-colored fireworks

Best Eighties Music Videos: A Timeless Masterpiece

The 1980s marked a golden era for music videos, as they became an integral part of pop culture and helped launch the careers of countless artists. With the advent of MTV, music videos gained immense popularity and became a visual medium for expressing creativity and storytelling. Among the vast array of music videos created during this decade, several stand out as true masterpieces, captivating audiences with their groundbreaking visuals, iconic imagery, and enduring appeal.

One such iconic music video is “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. This groundbreaking 14-minute mini-movie revolutionized the medium, featuring elaborate dance routines, stunning special effects, and a haunting narrative. Directed by John Landis, “Thriller” became one of the most successful and critically acclaimed music videos of all time, solidifying Jackson’s status as a global superstar.