The 10 Best 80s Music Videos to Revisit
The 1980s was a revolutionary era for music videos, with MTV playing videos all day long. To honor this golden era, we’ve compiled a list of the best 80s music videos to revisit.
From Don Henley's classic “Boys of Summer” to Peter Gabriel’s groundbreaking “Sledgehammer” video, these music videos are masterpieces. Each is unique and memorable, representing the best of the 1980s.
80s music videos are unique for a variety of reasons. The combination of vibrant visuals, iconic fashion, and unique production techniques make the music videos of the 80s stand out. The vibrant visuals help to create a sense of nostalgia, and the iconic fashion provides a look back into the past.
The production techniques used in 80s music videos help to create a unique, retro-inspired feel that is distinct from the music videos of the decade. The music videos of the 80s often featured larger-than-life set pieces and special effects that helped to create an immersive and memorable experience.
Here are the best 80s music videos that can give you, your customers, staff, and visitors that sweet trip down memory lane. It will also thrill and entrall younger viewers who have never seen these iconic views:
Best 80s Music Videos
People who grew up in the 1980s with fond memories of the music are good fans of '80s music.
They may remember how they used to dance and vibe to these oldies when they were teenagers or young adults in the '80s. Because of the different settings and images, those born decades later may also enjoy 80s music.
These fans often enjoy the nostalgia of the music and the melodies, beats, and lyrics associated with the '80s. Many younger people enjoy the music of the 1980s to experience a different era of music.
If you have these kinds of people around your establishment, here are 10 of the best music videos from the 80s to entertain:
1. Boys of Summer by Don Henley
Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" is considered a classic 80s song for several reasons. First, it has a catchy and memorable melody that captures the nostalgic essence of the 80s. The song features a memorable guitar riff, synthesizers, and a driving beat that reflects the energy and excitement of the era.
Lyrically, the song paints a vivid picture of summer love and the bittersweet feeling of lost youth, which still resonates with many people today. The lyrics also touch on themes of regret, reflection, and the passage of time, which gave the song a depth and emotional resonance that set it apart from other pop songs of the era.
Moreover, "Boys of Summer" features Don Henley's distinctive voice and superb musicianship, which helped to make the song a commercial and critical success. The song topped the charts in several countries, won multiple awards, and has been covered by numerous artists, which is a testament to its enduring popularity.
"Boys of Summer" is an excellent 80s song that combines catchy music, poignant lyrics, and outstanding musicianship to create a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. The black and white video also holds up well today.
Playing Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" music video in an office, restaurant, bar, entertainment venue, or other public venue is a great way to keep guests entertained as guests can discuss the music video and sing along to the lyrics.
2. Running up that Hill by Kate Bush
Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" has a compelling and unique music video that adds an extra layer of depth to the song's themes and lyrics.
The video features Kate Bush dancing and singing on a dimly lit stage, surrounded by abstract shapes and patterns that create a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere. The use of lighting, camera angles, and special effects enhances the video's visual impact and creates a sense of tension and urgency that matches the song's driving beat.
Furthermore, the video's simplicity and focus on Kate Bush's performance allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the song's mood and emotions, making it a powerful and memorable experience.
Overall, the music video for "Running Up That Hill" is an excellent example of how visuals can enhance a song's meaning and impact. It adds a layer of depth and nuance to the song's themes, while also showcasing Kate Bush's artistry and creativity as a performer.
3. Beds are Burning by Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil's "Beds Are Burning" is considered an important music video from the 80s due to its powerful political message and the band's unique approach to using their platform to raise awareness about social issues.
The music video depicts the band performing the song in a rural Australian community, interspersed with images of indigenous people and their struggle for land rights. The video's imagery and lyrics confront the issues of colonialism, environmental destruction, and social justice, making it a bold statement that resonated with many viewers.
Moreover, the band's decision to film the video in the outback town of Mutitjulu, near Uluru, helped to raise awareness of the plight of Aboriginal people in Australia and their ongoing fight for land rights. This decision also brought attention to the negative impact of colonialism on indigenous people and their culture.
Ultimately, "Beds Are Burning" is an important music video from the 80s because it uses the power of music and visuals to shed light on social issues and advocate for change. The video's political message and the band's activism continue to inspire people around the world to speak out against injustice and fight for a better future.
4. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel's 1986 music video for “Sledgehammer” is one of the most iconic music videos of all time. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, produced by Adam Whittaker, and animated by Aardman Animations and the Brothers Quay, the video is a claymated, pixelated, stop-motion adventure.
Featuring Gabriel singing the tune in a disjointed, frame-by-frame manner as items sung in the song, like trains and fruit, swirl around his face, the video broke barriers in terms of creativity and production.
It took home nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987 and topped MTV’s 100 Greatest Music Videos Ever Made. Revisiting the song and video is a must for any music fan.
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel is a great song to play in the office because it has an upbeat tempo and uplifting lyrics that can help to energize and motivate your team.
The song's positive message encourages people to work hard and have fun while doing it, which can be a great way to lift spirits, boost morale, and increase productivity. The catchy melody and colorful images give it a vibe to keep everyone motivated throughout the day.
5. Take me Home by Phil Collins
Phil Collins' "Take Me Home" is a memorable 80s music video for several reasons. The music video follows Phil Collins on a surreal journey home using various modes of transportation, including a helicopter, a car, and a boat. The 1985 music video is creative and visually engaging as we follow Collins' journey across the world. The use of different landscapes, from the city to the countryside, also adds to the video's cinematic quality.
And, of course, the video features Phil Collins's charismatic and engaging performance, which adds to the video's overall appeal. His likability as a performer shines through in the video, making it entertaining and enjoyable to watch.
"Take Me Home" is a memorable music video due to its creative concept, engaging visuals, and Phil Collins's performance. It stands as a testament to the artistic vision and creativity of the 80s music video era.
6. When Doves Cry by Prince
Prince's "When Doves Cry" has a stark black and white aesthetic that matches the song's minimalist and haunting quality, creating a cohesive and impactful experience. The use of shadow and light creates a dramatic and moody atmosphere that captures the song's emotional intensity.
The video features Prince's distinctive and dynamic performance, which adds to the video's overall appeal. His energetic dancing, expressive gestures, and striking fashion choices create an unforgettable visual experience that matches the song's innovative and genre-defying sound.
Additionally, the video's use of imagery, such as the scenes of Prince in a bathtub and the dove flying towards the screen, adds a layer of symbolism and depth to the video that enhances the song's meaning and impact.
The video's storyline, which follows Prince's character as he navigates the complexities of love and relationships, adds a relatable and universal element to the video that resonates with many viewers.
"When Doves Cry" is a nostalgic 80s music video that combines striking visuals, powerful performance, and meaningful storytelling to create an iconic and memorable experience that continues to captivate viewers today.
7. Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks
The music video for "Edge of Seventeen" uses colorful and dynamic visuals, such as neon lights and sparklers, that create an energetic and lively atmosphere that captures the song's upbeat and catchy nature.
The music video features Stevie Nicks's captivating and charismatic performance, which adds to the video's overall appeal. Her confident and engaging stage presence, combined with her signature fashion style, creates a memorable and iconic experience that showcases her artistry as a performer.
The video's storyline, which follows a group of young people enjoying a night out at a concert, adds a relatable and fun element to the video that appeals to a wide audience. The video captures the excitement and energy of live music and the joy of sharing that experience with friends.
Furthermore, the video's use of quick cuts and fast-paced editing adds a dynamic and engaging quality to the video that keeps viewers entertained and engaged throughout.
"Edge of Seventeen" is a solid 80s music video that entertains with its lively and dynamic visuals, Stevie Nicks's captivating performance, and relatable storyline that captures the joy and excitement of live music.
8. Shout by Tears for Fears
The "Shout" music video's striking and dramatic visual aesthetic, which features the band performing in a dark and moody industrial setting, creates a powerful and intense atmosphere that matches the song's emotional intensity.
Moreover, the video's use of symbolism and imagery, such as the burning crosses and the man in the gas mask, adds a layer of depth and meaning to the video that enhances the song's message about power and control.
"Shout" features the band's dynamic and passionate performance, which adds to the video's overall appeal. The band's energetic and expressive stage presence, combined with their striking fashion choices, creates a memorable and iconic experience that showcases their artistry as musicians.
Furthermore, the video's use of quick cuts and fast-paced editing, combined with the use of slow-motion and close-ups, adds a dynamic and engaging quality to the video that keeps viewers entertained and engaged throughout.
Overall, "Shout" is an engaging music video that combines powerful visuals, meaningful symbolism, and passionate performance to create an intense and captivating experience that continues to resonate with viewers today.
9. How Soon Is Now by The Smiths
The Smiths were known for their unique and distinctive sound, which combined Morrissey's poetic lyrics with Johnny Marr's jangly guitar melodies. Their music was often melancholic yet catchy, and it appealed to a wide range of listeners who appreciated their emotive and intelligent songwriting.
Moreover, Morrissey's charismatic and often controversial persona added to the band's entertainment value. He was known for his wit, humor, and outspoken views on a variety of topics, and his idiosyncrasies often made for engaging interviews and performances.
Additionally, the Smith's fashion style, which included Morrissey's signature quiff and the band's affinity for vintage clothing, added to their overall appeal. Their unique and alternative fashion choices were often imitated by fans and became a defining aspect of their image.
Furthermore, The Smiths' live performances were known for their energy and intensity, with Morrissey's dynamic stage presence and Johnny Marr's impressive guitar skills. Their concerts were often memorable experiences that left a lasting impression on fans.
Overall, The Smiths were an entertaining band due to their unique sound, Morrissey's charismatic persona, their fashion style, and their dynamic live performances. They continue to be a beloved and influential band, whose music and legacy continue to entertain and inspire new generations of listeners.
10. Runnin' Down a Dream by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The "Runnin' Down a Dream" music video features a dynamic and captivating performance by the band, with Tom Petty's signature stage presence and energetic guitar playing. The Heartbreakers' infectious energy and musicianship create a lively and engaging atmosphere that is sure to entertain customers.
Moreover, the video features an engaging storyline, which follows Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as they embark on a road trip across America, performing at various venues and encountering interesting characters along the way. This storyline adds a relatable and fun element to the video that keeps viewers engaged and entertained.
The music video features stunning visuals of the American landscape, captured through shots of the band driving through various locations, such as the desert and the city. These visuals add a cinematic quality to the video and enhance the sense of adventure and freedom conveyed by the song's lyrics.
The video's use of quick cuts and fast-paced editing adds a dynamic and engaging quality to the video that keeps viewers entertained throughout.
"Runnin' Down a Dream" is an entertaining music video that combines dynamic performance, fun storytelling, stunning visuals, and fast-paced editing to create a fun and engaging experience that captures the spirit of rock and roll.
Entertain Your Visitors With The Best 80s Music Videos
The best way to entertain customers with the best 80s music videos is to have a channel of the most iconic and popular videos of the 1980s. This could include classics like Midnight Oil's "Beds are Burning," Kate Bush's "Running up that Hill," and Don Henley's "Boys of Summer."
If you want to play music in the office, it is best to choose songs that are more suitable for a professional environment.
To create an upbeat and energetic atmosphere that customers will enjoy, try using a premium service like Loop TV, which can make all the difference. With Loop, offers a huge variety of licensed music channels that match your brand and audience and play the best music videos to entertain your customers.