I'll be honest: these aren't the music videos that will go down in history. However, some are true feats of artistry, and some just make you smile like crazy. Although they may not be the 10 best music videos of all time, here are 10 music videos I think you need to see.
10. "MICHUUL." by Duckwrth
Duckwrth doesn't do anything flashy in this video. He's just his sweet, funky self. The colors are pleasing to the eye. That is what got me interested. Then, Duckwrth's erratic movements and quirkiness kept me interested. The bit where "where the funk is she?" flashes on screen is just one of the many examples of what a fun, carefree music video this is.
9. "Back Pocket" by Vulfpeck
This video is sweet, bright, and summery: it's so perfectly Vulfpeck. You watch it and can't help but feel warm. And who doesn't love watching two sweet kids dance better than most people you know.
8. "Wide Angle" by Felly
This whole video is a visual experience. The changing colors, the fluctuations in the footage, the overlaying effects, all of it makes this video so fun to watch.
7. "Fight the Feeling" by Mac Miller ft. Kendrick Lamar
I have a special place in my heart for animated videos. An artist can be as creative as he or she wants.
This video is so simple, yet so perfect. To me this song is both uplifting and melancholy, and I think the running man exploring the vast landscape encapsulates that well.
6. "Work Work" by clipping. ft. Cocc Pistol Cree & "Inside Out" by clipping.
I like how these videos play off each other. The first, "Work Work," is done all in one moving shot, and does a good job of it. At the end of it, the rapper's head is crushed. Then, in "Inside Out," the video is again all one moving shot, but this time of a headless man with weird objects falling out of his head.
5. "The Season / Carry Me / The Waters" by Anderson .Paak
This video is plain artistry. Simply, it's the artist's Instagram on steroids—a dynamic collage of everything Anderson .Paak could call important. You watch it, and the whole time you are in awe.
4. "Link Up" by NxWorries
"Link Up" is so simple that it's perfect. The whole thing is filmed in a convenience store—not a novel concept. However, it's not some amateur rap video. Every shot is interesting, my favorite being when the camera is in one of the beverage fridges. The music is muffled, but when Anderson .Paak opens the fridge, the music returns to full volume. Sure, it's a simple music video, but for some reason I find myself watching this video over and over. It inspires happiness.
3. "Wyclef Jean" by Young Thug
This video is wildly funny. Whether you're a fan of Young Thug or not, this video will make you laugh. I also love the concept of a meta music video.
2. "The Story of O.J." by Jay–Z
An animated masterpiece, "The Story of O.J." has so much going on, but is able to tie it together so well. Every shot is so perfectly planned, the animation style fits the song's concept so well, and overall the video adds even more meaning to the track.
1. "Summertime" by clipping.
How does Daveed Diggs think of these things? The cut outs of Diggs rapping put on every filmed person's face was such a clever way to get around having to have these people sign waivers. I'm also a sucker for when behind the scenes are put into the video—in this case, the arrest.
