- Year: 1967
- Artist: The Beatles
- Song: “Strawberry Fields Forever”
In the swinging ’60s, music videos as we know them were still in their infancy, but this particular clip proved that visuals could transform a song into a surreal, mind-bending experience. Released in 1967, this video paired psychedelic imagery with innovative editing techniques, creating a dreamlike world that perfectly matched the song’s introspective lyrics.
It wasn’t just about performing on a stage, colors, camera tricks, and visual metaphors became part of the storytelling. For many, it marked one of the earliest moments when a music video felt like an art form in its own right, setting a high bar for creativity and experimentation. In short, it was proof that music could be seen as well as heard.
- Year: 1975
- Artist: Queen
- Song: “Bohemian Rhapsody”
By the mid-1970s, music videos were beginning to flex their creative muscles, and this iconic clip redefined what a video could be. Released in 1975, it wasn’t just a performance, it was a cinematic experiment with dramatic lighting, bold visual effects, and unforgettable framing that perfectly matched the song’s operatic shifts.
The band’s theatrical poses and split-screen imagery created a sense of grandeur and mystique, turning what could have been a simple promotional tool into a pop-culture milestone. Its influence is still felt today, proving that a music video could tell a story, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression. Simply put, it made audiences realize that visuals could be as legendary as the music itself.
- Year: 1983
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Song: “Thriller”
The 1980s were the decade MTV was born to dominate, and nothing exemplified its power quite like this groundbreaking video. Released in 1983, it wasn’t just a music video, it was a mini horror movie, complete with elaborate choreography, makeup, and a storyline that had audiences glued to the screen.
Suddenly, a song could tell a full narrative, blend dance and cinematic spectacle, and become a cultural event all at once. Its zombie-filled sequences, iconic dance moves, and jaw-dropping production values set a new standard, proving that a music video could be both entertainment and art. Decades later, it remains a benchmark for creativity, ambition, and the sheer magic of combining music with visual storytelling.
- Year: 1991
- Artist: Nirvana
- Song: “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
The 1990s brought a raw, rebellious energy to music videos, and this one perfectly captured the spirit of a generation. Released in 1991, it was a loud, chaotic, and unforgettable visual punch, blending gritty performance footage with high-school rebellion and anarchic energy.
The video didn’t rely on polish or glamour; instead, it embraced mess, sweat, and attitude, reflecting the angst and disillusionment of youth culture at the time. Its iconic imagery, from the flailing crowd to the explosive stage antics, made it an instant symbol of the decade’s alternative movement.
More than just a song on the screen, it became a cultural phenomenon, proving that a music video could be raw, defiant, and absolutely unforgettable.
- Year: 2008
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Song: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
By the late 2000s, music videos had become a global stage for performance, style, and social impact, and this one took all of that to the next level. Released in 2008, it featured minimalist sets, bold black-and-white visuals, and a choreography-driven concept that instantly captured the world’s attention.
The hand movements, the synchronized steps, and the sheer confidence of the performance turned it into an iconic cultural moment, inspiring countless tributes, parodies, and viral videos. It wasn’t just a song, it was a movement, proving that a music video could combine simplicity, power, and memorability in perfect harmony. By the end of the decade, it had cemented itself as a defining visual anthem of the 2000s.
- Year: 2012
- Artist: PSY
- Song: “Gangnam Style”
The 2010s were the decade of viral sensations, and this music video became the ultimate global phenomenon. Released in 2012, it combined catchy beats, absurd humor, and an unforgettable horse-riding dance that swept across the internet and into pop culture worldwide. Its quirky visuals, over-the-top energy, and playful choreography made it impossible not to watch, or imitate.
The video shattered records, becoming one of the first to hit billions of views online, proving that the internet could elevate a music video to unprecedented fame in hours, not weeks. More than just a song, it was a global event, showing how a simple, funny, and infectious video could unite audiences everywhere in dance, laughter, and sheer joy.
- Year: 2021
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Song: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
The 2020s proved that music videos could be epic storytelling experiences, and this release set a new bar for emotional depth and cinematic ambition. Dropped in 2021, it paired an extended song with a fully realized short film, blending intimate performances, vivid visuals, and a narrative that felt both personal and universal.
Every frame was carefully crafted to convey heartbreak, reflection, and emotional nuance, turning the video into more than just a song, it became a visual journey that fans dissected, analyzed, and celebrated. Its blend of storytelling, artistry, and raw emotion showcased how the modern music video can be both a narrative masterpiece and a cultural event, proving that even in the streaming era, visuals remain a vital part of music’s power.
