In the pre-digital era, before the rise of dedicated music platforms and the proliferation of streaming services, MTV stood as the definitive hub for music videos. This iconic network, known as the MTV Generation, was home to legendary acts across diverse genres, showcasing rock icons like AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne and pop legends such as Madonna, George Michael, and Cyndi Lauper. MTV skillfully curated a balanced mix of music, making it a coveted platform for artists looking to establish their names in the industry.
However, as cultural preferences shifted, so did the network’s programming. What began as a vibrant stage for music videos has evolved into a focus on reality television, a departure that some view as a disservice to contemporary artists like Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo, who might have thrived in that environment. Still, the unforgettable music videos from the MTV heyday will forever resonate with fans, marking significant moments in music history.
11 U2 – With Or Without You
Album: The Joshua Tree (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujNeHIo7oTEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujNeHIo7oTE
Emerging in 1980, U2 spent their early years cementing their place in the music world. Their defining moment came with the diamond-certified album The Joshua Tree, which included timeless hits like “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”and the emotionally charged “With or Without You.”The music video played a pivotal role in amplifying the song’s resonance, featuring the band in a minimalist yet impactful performance that left a lasting impression.
Though simple in concept, the video’s raw emotion allowed audiences to connect deeply with U2’s artistry. The single soared to the top of the U.S. charts, marking a pinnacle in the band’s career and showcasing their capacity to evoke powerful emotions. Over the years, the track has remained popular, being performed live more than 850 times, illustrating its timeless appeal and influence on subsequent generations.
10 Beastie Boys – Sabotage
Album: Ill Communication (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UE
While “Sabotage”was released towards the latter days of MTV’s emphasis on music videos, its impact was undeniable. The Beastie Boys had already captured audiences with their earlier hits, demonstrating their unique blend of rap and rock that defined an era. Their energetic style became a hallmark of the decade, making “Sabotage”a defining track in their discography.
The accompanying music video, directed by Spike Jonze, stood out for its humor and creativity, earning the respect and admiration of fans. This iconic video would go on to earn five nominations at the MTV Music Video Awards and has consistently been featured in ‘greatest songs’ lists by publications like Rolling Stone, solidifying its legacy in music history.
9 Prince – 1999
Album: 1999 (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4
Prince’s “1999”encapsulates the exuberance of the early ’80s while addressing themes of celebration amidst uncertainty. By embracing the danceable synth-pop sound, Prince broke prevailing barriers, paving the way for future artists to gain access to mainstream audiences. His MTV performances helped spotlight his talent, earning him widespread acclaim.
The track’s commercial success is reflected in its 4x platinum certification, with “1999”establishing itself as one of Prince’s most performed songs live, showcasing the enduring energy it continues to inspire across generations.
8 Guns N’ Roses – November Rain
Album: Use Your Illusion I (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE
Despite MTV’s inclination towards pop and dance hits, Guns N’ Roses showcased the enduring appeal of rock. With a stunning debut in 1987, the band became a sensation, known for classics like “Paradise City.” However, in “November Rain,” they explored a softer, more poignant side. This power ballad, complemented by a breathtaking music video, captivated viewers and added depth to their artistic legacy.
The music video is notable for its narrative depth, featuring striking visuals, including Slash’s iconic guitar solo against a breathtaking backdrop. Recently, the song’s resurgence in culture was evidenced through its use in promotional campaigns by All Elite Wrestling, demonstrating its lasting significance.
7 George Michael – Freedom! ‘90
Album: Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diYAc7gB-0Ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diYAc7gB-0A
Before launching his solo career, George Michael made waves with Wham! and quickly attained pop stardom. His sophomore album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, showcased his versatility, with “Freedom! ’90″standing out as an anthem of self-expression and personal liberation. The music video, featuring notable supermodels, fused fashion with music, creating a striking cultural statement.
This song’s message of resolving to break free from societal constraints resonated powerfully with audiences, marking it as a significant moment in music history.
6 Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
Album: Nevermind (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg
The rise of the grunge movement marked a monumental shift in the music landscape, with bands like Nirvana leading the charge. With the release of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,”Nirvana became synonymous with a generation’s ethos, delivering an anthem that encapsulated teenage rebellion. The accompanying music video complemented this sentiment, showcasing a chaotic high school pep rally which epitomized youthful angst.
Nirvana’s influence extended beyond this one hit, as they delivered one of MTV’s most iconic Unplugged performances, further solidifying their status as integral to the network’s narrative.
5 Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Album: She’s So Unusual (1983)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-Ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A
Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”stands as a cultural marquee, epitomizing female empowerment through infectious energy and playful rebellion. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed considerable airtime on MTV, where Lauper’s exuberant spirit shone bright. Her MTV Music Video Award win solidified her impact, marking her as an essential part of music video culture.
The video resonates with nostalgia, encapsulating 1980s fashion and sentiment while featuring Captain Lou Albano, who connects with the pop culture trend of the time, including wrestling. Lauper’s artistry integrated with her vibrant persona contributed to her enduring legacy.
4 Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer
Album: So (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJWJE0x7T4Qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJWJE0x7T4Q
Peter Gabriel’s illustrious career began with Genesis, but his solo journey brought new artistic heights. The single “Sledgehammer”became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing not only Gabriel’s musical talent but also his innovative approach to music videos. This memorable video achieved unprecedented acclaim, garnering nine MTV Video Music Awards and being recognized as the best animated video of all time, showcasing the powerful intersection of music and visual artistry.
Even today, “Sledgehammer”remains a groundbreaking achievement, representing Gabriel’s role as a pioneer in music video history.
3 Michael Jackson – Thriller
Album: Thriller (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA
Michael Jackson, often revered as the “King of Pop,”transformed the music industry with an unparalleled level of artistry in both music and dance. His groundbreaking video for “Thriller”is not just a music video; it is considered a cinematic masterpiece. Jackson’s innovative approach to storytelling through music videos set new standards, culminating in an unforgettable narrative that captivated audiences.
With nearly 14 minutes of groundbreaking visuals and choreography, Michael Jackson redefined what a music video could achieve, showcasing the potential of merging film and music into a cohesive experience. “Thriller”remains an enduring legacy, amassing over a billion views on YouTube.
2 Madonna – Vogue
Album: I’m Breathless: Music From And Inspired By The Film Dick Tracy (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTaXtWWR16Ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTaXtWWR16A
With a reputation as the “Queen of Pop,”Madonna harnessed the power of music videos to elevate her image and messaging. Her track “Vogue”not only showcased a catchy beat designed for dance but also elevated voguing as an art form, merging fashion, dance, and personal expression. Her ability to reshape cultural dialogues through music videos earned her the title of “Queen of MTV”, influencing countless artists and setting trends.
Madonna’s extensive catalog of music videos has made her a household name, driving home the concept that visual storytelling is essential in promoting music and culture.
1 The Buggles – Video Killed The Radio Star
Album: The Age Of Plastic (1980)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8r-tXRLazshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8r-tXRLazs
The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star”heralded the dawn of MTV, marking a transformative moment in the music landscape. This song transcended borders, topping charts in 16 countries and becoming a universal anthem for a changing industry. As MTV launched on August 1, 1981, it redefined the synergy between music and television, reshaping how artists and fans connected.
The platform opened doors for artists to share their vision and creativity directly with viewers, establishing a new paradigm in the music industry. MTV’s cultural impact remains crucial to the evolution of music and media, illustrating how innovative storytelling through music videos can revolutionize the consumption of art.