Music video is clearly back as a key part of the pop music scene. A number of clips presented during the year in 2010 had the status of a pop culture event. These are the 10 best videos of the year.
10. La Roux - "In For the Kill"
Courtesy Cherrytree Records
Directed by LEGS
La Roux went back to their breakthrough UK single as a follow up in the US to the hit "Bulletproof." That was the occasion for shooting a new "In For the Kill" video. It's lush and set in New York City's legendary and historically significant Hotel Chelsea.
9. Eminem and Rihanna - "Love the Way You Lie"
Video Still courtesy Interscope
8. Kylie Minogue - "All the Lovers"
Video still courtesy Parlophone
Directed by Joseph Kahn
Kylie Minogue's expansive dance anthem displays a literal mountain of love. The primary influence was artist Spencer Tunick known for his massive art installations of nude people. Ultimately the "All the Lovers" clip is simply a celebration of the beauty of humanity.
7. Cee Lo Green - "F**k You!"
Courtesy Elektra
Directed by Matt Stawski
Cee Lo Green's music video for "F**k You!" became a viral sensation. It presents a fun-loving illustration of the song by showing Cee Lo dealing with romantic turmoil at various points in his life. All is presented with great humor.
6. will.i.am and Nicki Minaj - "Check It Out"
Video Still courtesy will.i.am Music
Directed by Rich Lee
K-Pop style collides with the visual flash of Nicki Minaj and the sample happy pop production of will.i.am. The result is something deliriously goofy and fun.
5. Adele - "Rolling In the Deep"
Courtesy Columbia
Directed by Sam Brown
This is one powerful relationship falling apart. Conceptual art is used to provide visual metaphors for the pain when two lovers split. Watch for a mountain of broken dishes, hundreds of glasses of troubled water, and more.
4. OK Go - "This Too Shall Pass" (Rube Goldberg Machine)
Photo courtesy Capitol Records
Directed by James Frost
The kings of unique kinetic approaches to music video hit another bullseye here. Their first clip for the song "This Too Shall Pass" was fun as well featuring the group as marching band musicians. However, it's the second video demonstrating a massive Rube Goldberg machine that really caught our attention.
3. Kanye West - "Runaway"
Courtesy Roc-a-Fella
Directed by Kanye West
I'm still not sure how to interpret Kanye West's massive 35 minute video opus, but it is a visual feast for the eyes and the mind. A part-human female phoenix, a giant Michael Jackson head, and a swarm of ballerinas are just a few elements drawn together in this work of art.
2. The xx - "Islands"
Courtesy Young Turks
Directed by Saam Farahmand
Do you think this music video is boring and repetitive? Look a bit closer. Yes, the movements of the dancers do change bit by bit...and they are telling a story. Let it all settle in and this quickly becomes one of the most addictive three minutes of pop of the year.
1. Lady Gaga and Beyonce - "Telephone"
Courtesy Interscope
Directed by Jonas Akerlund
Strip away all of the hoopla and all of the imitations. What you are left with is truly a monumental achievement in music video. It's a loving pop homage to Madonna, a mini-film with a real plot, a tongue in cheek parody of Lady Gaga and Beyonce, nine minutes of hysterically funny comedy, and the king of revenge fantasies plus much more all at the same time.
