These are the 10 hottest music videos today. Check them out to see what pop music fans are watching and check out the state of the art in pop music video.
1. Gotye - "Somebody That I Used To Know" featuring Kimbra
Courtesy Eleven
The music video for Gotye's breakthrough hit "Somebody That I Used To Know" is an artistic interpretation of the relationship represented in the lyrics. It begins with Gotye naked and through stop action photography paint gradually covers his body. When featured vocalist Kimbra appears she is similarly coated in paint and moves close to deliver her lyrics while Gotye winces in response. As the song fades, the paint disappears from her body seeming to provide a visual indication the pair are no longer connected. It is a very effective depiction of the song in very simple, direct terms.
2. fun. - "We Are Young" featuring Janelle Monae
Courtesy Fueled By Ramen
"We Are Young," the breakthrough hit song by indie pop band fun. is looking like it is turning into one of the top songs of the year so far. The music video uses extensive slow motion in a way that seems to fit the music perfectly. A massive bar brawl goes on around the bar. Ultimately, Janelle Monae walks in to deliver her featured vocal blissfully unaware of anything going on around her.
3. Carrie Underwood - "Good Girl"
Video still courtesy Arista Nashville
Carrie Underwood's music video for "Good Girl" is a great example of a clip that focuses on the star and presents her in the most visually positive way possible. Following the song, we see depictions of both good and bad girls, but all of them involve Carrie Underwood dressed in stunning fashions and riveting the viewer's attention. This music video was director by country music veteran Theresa Wingert.
4. Madonna - "Girl Gone Wild"
Courtesy Interscope
After many fans experienced frustration over everything connected with "Give Me All Your Luvin," they will be happy to recognize the Madonna they know and love in the Mert and Marcus directed music video for "Girl Gone Wild." It is sexually charged with scantily clad men dancing in stiletto heels while swarming and groping around Madonna. The "Girl Gone Wild" clip will bring back memories of "Justify My Love" and "Erotica."
5. Usher - "Climax"
Courtesy RCA
Usher's music video for the slow burning single "Climax" has a cerebral focus. It reveals what is going on in his character's head as he contemplates a failed relationship and whether it is worth rekindling. The clip was directed by Sam Pilling who is a rising star among music video directors. The star of the clip is arguably Usher's physical expression. He is the consummate entertainer and knows how to keep your attention.
6. Grimes - "Oblivion"
Courtesy 4AD
Grimes is the name Canadian singer-songwriter Claire Boucher uses when recording. She gained exposure across North American in 2011 opening for Lykke Li in concert. Her current album Visions has received strong positive critical comments. Grimes performs a brand of electro-pop that sounds deceptively simple. This video for the single "Oblivion" is simultaneously humorous and somewhat disturbing.
7. Lana Del Rey - "Blue Jeans"
Courtesy Interscope
Lana Del Rey has caused a major pop culture stir since first appearing in 2011 with her "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" style. Her album Born To Die picked up its fair share of admirers debuting at #2 in the US and #1 in the UK. The "Blue Jeans" music video is mysterious, sultry Lana Del Rey at her best as directed by Yoann Lemoine, and co-starring Bradley Soileau.
8. Daniel Bedingfield - "Rocks Off"
Courtesy UHT Productions
More than seven years after his last album singer-songwriter Daniel Bedingfield has returned with a raw, rock-edged song accompanied by an intense music video. It seems a horde of women want a piece of him instead of letting him play his music. This is one of the most unique music videos of the year thus far.
9. One Direction - "What Makes You Beautiful" (Behind the Scenes)
Courtesy Syco
Want to know how to sell a boy band as the hottest pop act around? Watch this music video. It is simple, but the combination of live performance footage and backstage antics of the guys in this hot British band is very appealing. The overall effect is to humanize the group while not losing sight of their status as pop stars.
10. Chris Rene - "Young Homie"
Courtesy Epic
Jeremy Rall, director of the "Young Homie" music video, is also an award-winning photographer and it shows here. The filming is strikingly beautiful. The scenes also ably illustrate the cleaned up lifestyle of former X Factor USA competitor Chris Rene.
