The 1980s marked a defining moment in music history, with the advent of MTV and the explosion of visually striking music videos. These 80s music videos not only brought new life to the music industry but also revolutionized how artists presented their work. The fusion of fashion, choreography, technology, and music made 80s music videos a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence the industry today. This article takes an in-depth look at why 80s music videos are still celebrated and remembered, focusing on their key elements and iconic moments.
Table Of Content
- The Rise of MTV and the Birth of 80s Music Video
- The Aesthetic and Style of 80s Music Video
- Iconic Artists and Their 80s Music Video
- The Impact of Technology on 80s Music Video
- Fashion and Dance in 80s Music Video
- The Enduring Legacy of 80s Music Video
- Final Thoughts Of 80s Music Video
The Rise of MTV and the Birth of 80s Music Videos
In August 1981, the launch of MTV (Music Television) transformed the landscape of the music industry. With its mission to “rock the music world,” MTV introduced music videos to a broader audience, fundamentally changing how people experienced music. The visual element of music became just as important, if not more so, than the sound itself. Artists in the 80s recognized this shift, leading to the production of innovative and creative 80s music videos.
Prior to MTV, music videos were mostly promotional tools used by record companies. This period marked the beginning of a new era where creativity and visual storytelling went hand-in-hand with musical expression.
The Aesthetic and Style of 80s Music Videos
One of the standout features of 80s music videos is their bold, distinctive aesthetic. Bright colors, eccentric fashion, and dramatic visuals were the hallmark of the decade’s videos. The combination of cutting-edge technology, including early video effects, and the eccentricity of 80s fashion made these videos memorable. From neon outfits to extravagant hairstyles, 80s music videos created a visual spectacle that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Some of the most iconic music videos from this era were groundbreaking in their approach to visuals and storytelling. For example, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is not only a music video but a short film, combining horror elements, dance choreography, and an unforgettable storyline. The video broke new ground with its narrative-driven approach and became a cultural touchstone for both the music and film industries.
Iconic Artists and Their 80s Music Videos
The 80s were a time when music videos became an essential part of an artist’s persona, and several artists rose to fame not only because of their music but also due to their memorable 80s music videos. Let’s take a look at a few of the standout artists whose videos shaped the decade:
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is undoubtedly the king of 80s music videos. His music videos for songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the aforementioned “Thriller” are legendary, not just for their groundbreaking visuals, but for their immense cultural impact.
Madonna
Madonna’s 80s music videos are iconic in their own right, often pushing boundaries in terms of style and cultural references. Videos like “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” and “Like a Prayer” showcased her evolution as an artist and a visual innovator
Duran Duran
Duran Duran was another band that capitalized on the power of 80s music video. Their videos were known for their exotic locations, dramatic lighting, and cinematic quality. “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Rio” are two standout tracks where the visuals helped define the band’s glamorous, adventurous persona.
A-ha
Norwegian band A-ha became famous worldwide thanks to their groundbreaking video for “Take On Me.” The combination of animation and live-action in this video was revolutionary at the time and remains one of the most creative music videos of all time.
The Impact of Technology on 80s Music Videos
The 1980s were a period of significant technological innovation in the music video industry. Music videos during this time showcased the potential of new video effects, such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop-motion animation, and advanced lighting techniques. This technological advancement allowed artists and directors to bring their most imaginative ideas to life.
For example, the video for Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” made use of stop-motion animation, Claymation, and other cutting-edge techniques to create an engaging and visually stunning piece of art.
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Fashion and Dance in 80s Music Videos
Fashion and dance were an integral part of 80s music video. The vibrant and exaggerated style of the decade, which included bold colors, oversized clothing, and heavy accessories, became a major influence on the music videos of the time.
Dance also played a key role in 80s music video. Artists like Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Janet Jackson showcased intricate choreography that became an essential element of their videos.
The Enduring Legacy of 80s Music Videos
The influence of 80s music video continues to be felt today. Many of the techniques and trends that emerged during this period are still used in modern music videos, and the cultural impact of these videos is undeniable.
The influence of 80s music video extends beyond music and fashion. The visual storytelling that was pioneered in the 80s has influenced the world of advertising, film, and even social media content. The way we consume and engage with media today—on platforms like YouTube and Instagram—has roots in the 80s music video revolution.
Final Thoughts Of 80s Music Videos
The 80s were a defining time for the music video industry. The fusion of music, fashion, dance, and technology in 80s music video created an entirely new form of artistic expression that captivated audiences around the world. From Michael Jackson’s revolutionary “Thriller” to Madonna’s boundary-pushing visuals, 80s music video set the stage for the music video culture we know today.