I didn’t appreciate the artistic value or potential for social change that great music videos can offer until this year, when I started watching them on the treadmill as a means to pass the time. I became infatuated with each director’s unique choices in blending incredible music and powerful visuals to create masterpieces that can truly instigate movements and change perspectives. Here, I compiled a list of the 8 videos that made me think, smile, cry, and share.
1. Leon Bridges – River
Three years later, this powerful ballad still finds relevance in representing the struggle of those who live surrounded by violence and poverty. The video was shot on location in Baltimore during the 2015 Baltimore protests, depicting Bridges in his hotel room watching live news coverage. Bridges said, “When thinking about how to best visually represent this universal battle, I reflected on the depiction of black communities in our media and particular experiences within my own life. This video showcases the unique struggle many black men and women face across this country. However, unlike the captured images which tend to represent only part of the story, I wanted to showcase that through all the injustice, there’s hope in the real world. I want this video to be a message of light, I believe it has the power to change and heal those that are hurting.”
2. Alessia Cara – Scars to Your Beautiful
Similar to Colbie Caillat’s “Try,” this empowering video emphasizes the importance of positive body image, and the ways in which our appearance-obessed society consistently warps it. The video wraps with inspiration from Cara herself: “Often times, the world both directly and indirectly tells us that we shouldn’t be happy with ourselves if we don’t fit certain beauty standards. Scars to your beautiful is a reminder that beauty isn’t only one look, shape, size, or colour. It isn’t even always tangible. It comes in an endless amount of forms and we need to recognize that.” Preach.
3. Joyner Lucas – I’m Not Racist
The only thing almost as powerful Lucas’ lyrics to “I’m Not Racist” is his video. The narrative opens with a white man in a “Make America Great Again” hat spewing racists insults and accusations at the black man sitting opposite him. The second verse flips the perspective, giving the black man a chance to express his own suppressed feelings about white supremacy, privilege, and cultural appropriation. Both employ some very strong language and fire insults that can be jarring and uncomfortable to the viewer. Make sure you watch it through to the end though; you’ll understand why this production is fueling a raw, much-needed conversation about race relations in America.
4. J. Cole – Crooked Smile ft. TLC
This upbeat popular song reveals some heavier topics though director Sheldon Candis’ video stressing the war on drugs and the victims who are affected by it. J. Cole dedicated the video to Aiyana Stanley-Jones, a 7-year old girl who was shot and killed during a police raid on her house in Detroit. The imagery in the video reflects a life similar to hers, and presents some extremely powerful themes.
5. Yellow Claw, Diplo & LNY TNZ – Techno Ft. Waka Flocka Flame
This is a video I personally believe every college student should watch. Diplo and Wocka Flocka Flame are two of the biggest names in Dance/EDM music, which comes with the expectation that they promote rave culture, partying hard, and casual use of psychoactive drugs like ecstasy. Not quite. “Techno” explores the life of a working-class father who covertly sells ecstasy pills to financially support his daughter. He faces ironic tragedy when she ends up trying molly with her friends at a rave. Today, more and more people are dying from overdoses at raves all over the world. I certainly will think about this emotional PSA when crossed with certain decisions going forward.
6. Kodaline – All I Want (Part 1)
It’s okay to be different. A simple message that too often is forgotten. This video is a beautiful reminder, and the perfect accompaniment to one of my all-time favorite songs. The video harps on the importance of inner beauty, positivity, and hope. And the fact that dogs never judge :) Get the tissues ready.
7. John Legend – Surefire
After his release of “You & I,” it became clear that John Legend is no stranger to poignant music videos. “Surefire” portrays a heart-wrenching love story between a couple who faces religious difference and ceaseless discrimination. Director Cole Wiley says the video is a demonstration “that love is the most powerful force in the universe.” So. Well. Done.
8. Logic – 1-800-273-8255 ft. Alessia Cara, Khalid
My list could not be complete without this video. After Logic’s performance at the VMA’s, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline reported receiving the second-highest daily call volume in all-time history. “By using his artistic voice, Logic addressed suicide thoughtfully and creatively to inspire fans to seek help and find hope,” said Lifeline. The music video masterfully delivers these themes through the eyes of a young man struggling with his sexuality. A must-see.
Images Courtesy of: IMDb. Sources: Rolling Stone, Pigeons and Planes, CNN