Each day a new 'year in review' countdown. Here's Nathaniel...
Ah the music video. The only reliably viral genre of short film, though they're rarely include in short film collections, festivals, awards, or whatnot. What follows is a semi-random collection of terrific music videos that debuted this year with the caveat that there could only be one per artist. Which means no "Little of Your Love" by HAIM even though it's directed by the great auteur Paul Thomas Anderson in somewhat rare joyful mode. Other music videos worth checking out that we couldn't find room for were the sci-fi pop glam of "Venus Fly" by Grimes feat. Janelle Monae, "Burning Star" by Their Name and its intergalactic fleshy nonsense, the interactive humor of "Words Hurt" by Naive New Beaters, and finally a video that's prominently featured in a lot of such lists due to its meta resourcefulness -- "Wyclef Jean" by Young Thug for its meta resourcefulness.
They're not as acclaimed but why not also give a shout out to "Beautiful Trauma" by P!nk for its playful pastiche and giving us Channing Tatum in movie musical mode again. And though Lady Gaga's recent music video output isnt as thrilling as it once was there's something about "John Wayne" that almost makes it hyper garish cuisinart cut overkill feel like a parody of music videos that are trying way too hard... though it's doubtful that that's what it was.
Okay enough talking. On to the singing and dancing...
17 WHAT ABOUT US (P!nk)
I adore P¡nk in Earnest mode and there's something about the helicopters and police lights circling that inchoate desperate "us" dancing on the lonely edge of town that totally works. Anthemic energizing anguish. Directed by Georgia Hudson and choreographed by the Goldenboyz
16 DARK SIDE OF THE GYM (The National)
Choreographed and performed by New York City Ballet resident choreographer Justin Peck and Miami City Ballet principal dancer Patricia Delgado
15 YOUNGER NOW (Miley Cyrus)
The 'look at me with all the past versions of myself!' subgenre in music video is crowded (Taylor Swift also went there this year) but Miley Cyrus makes hers feel disarmingly human and earned, even while her songwriting still has the instant catchy mechanical punch of Pop Music (I don't mean this as an insult). Plus her with the puppet. My ♥️
Directed by Diane Martel and Miley Cyrus
14 SIGN OF THE TIMES (Harry Styles)
Music videos tend to operate in one of two registers: overcrowded chaos or single visual hook. Both have their dangers in terms of numbing you, even in 3 minute running times but Harry Styles and director opt for the latter to stunning effect as Styles starts out basic soulful in closeup but soon lifts off in wide shot just as the song does.
Directed by Woodkid
13 GREEN LIGHT (Lorde)
The abandon of Lorde on the car's rooftop is just right. Plus the song is a delirious pleasure.
Directed by Grant Singer
12 DEADLY VALENTINE (Charlotte Gainsbourg)
It's always a bit odd to reconcile the two halves of Charlotte Gainsbourg's career: as an actress she can be dirge-like with heavy drama but her moodiness is much lighter in pop chanteuse mode.
Directed by Charlotte Gainsbourg. Her co-star is Dev Hynes.
11 HAVANA (Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug)
This video might have arrived in the 1980s its so mini musical full story. Cabello makes it extra charming playing multiple roles, a conversation with herself if you will which is relatable af when you're talking about romance.
Directed by Dave Meyers
10 SKIM (Torres)
What a visual hook! It's always so inspiring when videos find just the right angle in which to explore their song's interpretable feelings without reducing it with too definitive meaning.
Directed by Ashley Connor
09 HUMBLE (Kendrick Lamarr)
I should confess immediately that the narcissism of so much hip hop and rap is one of the reasons I'm not a bigger fan of that corner of music. That said I can handle the bragging much better if its fully aware of its self-mythologizing (or if its coming from a woman - that's just how I do!) but the epic religiousity of this one is witty counterpoint to its chorus mantra. And such memorable images.
Directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies
08 THE STORY OF OJ (Jay-Z)
It's not always easy to relate to the trials and tribulations of the super wealthy but Jay-Z's contextualization of his huge fortune (and callback to his bougie 'Picasso Baby') with American history paired with old school minstrel animation is a potent mix.
07 [tie] NEW YORK AND LOS AGELESS (St. Vincent)
06 THE GATE (Björk)
If they ever included the mutant Dazzler in an X-Men movie this is what I would want her powers to look like, not some generic CGI soulless blobs of light but hypnotically beautiful LIGHT. The kind that heal while also illuminating pain. Just like, well, this song.
Directed by Andrew Thomas Huang , dress by Gucci's Alessandro Michele, and masks by James Merry
05 WANT YOU BACK (HAIM)
The elegant simplicity and perfect execution. And somehow never dull but invigorating.
Directed by Jake Schreier.
04 I'M BETTER (Missy Elliott ft. Lamb)
I do not understand Missy Elliott's career (second year in a row now with a single that comes with a genius video but no album to pare it with?) I'm ready whenever she's better enough to deliver a full LP. It's been way way too long especially if you're a die hard fan (*raises hand* i have every single one of her records. Not one of the basics who just loved 'I Can't Stand the Rain' or 'Get Ur Freak On'
Makeup by Gloria Elias-Foeillet.
03 I WANT YOU (Chris Lake)
This song only has 8 words so in its honor I watched the video at least 8 times while writing this list. And probably 8 times before that, too. A morbid funny rave.
02 BOYS (Charli XCX)
The year's most rewatchable music video. So many videos that opt for the "look at all the famous faces I could pull in favors from" fall flat. In contrast this one is an absolute high, with or without the helium baloons and whether or not you know the faces. Smart in its color choices and funny, sexy, adorkable, whilst paired with the hormonal excuse-mongering.
I'm sorry that I missed your party
I wish I had a better excuse like
"I had to trash the hotel lobby"...but I was busy thinking 'bout boys
Directed by Charli XCX and Sarah McColgan
01 NEW RULES (Dua Lupa)
The genius choreography. The bold strokes message which is applied with such inventive joy. It's also busy thinking 'bout boys.
Directed by Henry Scholfield with choreography by Teresa “Toogie” Barcelo
Did you have any favorite music videos this year? Or just records? Which current artist should everyone be listening to?