"California Gurls," "Blurred Lines," "Call Me Maybe." What do these songs have in common? All of these bonafide jams previously held the coveted title of ‘Song of the Summer.’ Another thing: these songs featured music videos that were equally as colorful, raunchy and spirited as songs they were set to. To complement our Summer Pop Round Up, here’s our list of the best music videos of Summer 2017.
“Despacito,” Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
This Reggaeton–pop song was immensely popular before Justin Bieber was added to the remix. It was the first time in over 20 years that a mostly spanish track had been in the top 10 (the last time was “La Macarena” in 1996). The video received its one billionth view after around 100 days of being released, becoming the second–fastest video on YouTube reach the milestone behind Adele's "Hello." The fun, high–spirited video which captures Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee performing at a bar in Puerto Rico is the embodiment of the perfect summer.
“Strip that Down,” Liam Payne featuring Quavo
Liam Payne has officially made his solo debut.
“You know I used to be in 1D (Now I’m out free) / People want me for one thing (That’s not me).”
If you need a banger in your life, Liam and Quavo are here to deliver. “Strip That Down” is a bouncy track with a sexy video to go with it. This song sounds like Ed Sheeran and Iggy Azalea decided to steal a Jason DeRulo/Chris Brown collab track—think about that for a second. The fun video has Saint Laurent jackets and Gucci sneakers. If you need another reason to listen to the song, it was actually written by Ed Sheeran.
“Now or Never,” Halsey
Halsey definitely gets the ‘Best New Artist Award’ out of this list. The singer that duetted on the Chainsmokers’ “Closer” just released a fire sophomore album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. The “Now or Never” video is about star–crossed lovers. The video is so cinematic that it could premiere as a Netflix original. Don’t sleep on Halsey.
“Know No Better,” Major Lazer featuring Travis Scott, Camila Cabello & Quav
“Lean On” set the bar for Major Lazer videos—arguably forever. The video for “Know No Better” is an inspirational, globetrotting, vlog–style–montage featuring dozens of people from around the world, featuring everyone from married couples to skydivers. This song may be the jam of the summer. Pitchfork completely agrees.
“Humble,” Kendrick Lamar
MY LEFT STROKE JUST WENT VIRAL. The “Humble” music video has been arguably more successful than the song itself. “Humble” is the type of song that when it comes up on shuffle you pause to play the video.
“Symphony,”Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson
If EDM is more your cup of tea. Clean Bandit is back with a video that’s as passionate and complex as the original song. The beginning of the video shows a man get into a car crash on his way home from the library. The rest of the video shows his lover experiencing flashbacks of their times together. The video perfectly captures the feelings of heartbreak and loss. If the intro alone doesn’t make you tear up, the ending surely will.
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