These are the 10 hottest music videos today. Check them out to see the state of the art and what pop music fans are watching.
1. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - "Can't Hold Us" featuring Ray Dalton
Courtesy Macklemore
The music video for "Can't Hold Us" was co-directed by Ryan Lewis, Jason Koenig and Jon Jon Augustavo, and it is a visual feast for the eyes. Footage for the clip was filmed across six continents and included locations from the Pacific northwest to New Zealand. The impact is one of triumphantly consolidating the rise of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis to the top level of pop stars.
2. Lana Del Rey - "Young and Beautiful"
Courtesy Interscope
Lana Del Rey has released some of the most striking music videos in recent years, and this clip continues the tradition. "Young and Beautiful" is the lead single from the soundtrack to Baz Luhrman's film of The Great Gatsby. However, she has released an original music video separate from promotion of the movie. It was directed by Chris Sweeney who is known for working with Paloma Faith in the UK and shot by music video veteran Sophie Muller. Lana Del Rey is appropriately bittersweet while dripping in diamonds and shown in soft focus.
3. Calvin Harris - "I Need Your Love" featuring Ellie Goulding
Courtesy Columbia
The music video for Calvin Harris' pop dance song "I Need Your Love" would make anyone thing he and singer Ellie Goulding are a real life couple, but they are not. The clip dials up the romance level with what looks like homemade camcorder footage of the couple having fun together and frequently in each other's arms.
4. Mariah Carey - "#Beautiful" featuring Miguel
Courtesy Island
Joseph Kahn, one of the most respected music video directors in the business, put together the music video for Mariah Carey's comeback hit "#Beautiful." At times the clip seems to border on soft porn, but it is quite impressive to see 43 year old mom Mariah Carey look like this. The music video is matched well with the song.
5. Demi Lovato - "Heart Attack"
Courtesy Hollywood Records
Demi Lovato's music video to accompany the hit single "Heart Attack" is an outstanding artist focused video. It has artsy touches like showing Demi Lovato emerging from an inky bath, but it is mostly focused on her engaging live performance style.
6. James Blake - "Overgrown"
Courtesy Republic Records
James Blake connected with acclaimed photographer and music video director Nabil Elderkin for this moody nighttime music video for the title track of his second solo album. The mysterious dancing, forest and seaside blend perfectly with Blake's darkly emotional soul. Nabil Elderkin is known for his work with top alternative artists including Frank Ocean and Bon Iver.
7. Pink - "Just Give Me a Reason" featuring Nate Ruess
Courtesy RCA
Pink collaborated with fun lead vocalist Nate Ruess for the song "Just Give Me a Reason" from her album The Truth About Love, and he shows up for the music video as well. However, the scenes are stolen by the appearance of Pink's real life husband Carey Hart in passionately romantic embraces with the singer.
8. Bruno Mars - "When I Was Your Man"
Courtesy Warner Brothers
If you are old enough to have grown up watching pop stars perform on shows like Midnight Special, the music video for Bruno Mars' single "When I Was Your Man" will look familiar. Bruno Mars collaborated with director Cameron Duddy to give the entire clip a retro 1970s look. It is very effective in providing atmosphere for a song that is a throwback to classic piano-based pop of decades gone by.
9. One Direction - "One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)"
Courtesy Syco
One Direction elected to go a low budget route for the music video to accompany their Comic Relief charity single. The clip incorporates candid shots of the group in Ghana, Tokyo, London, and New York City. There is a brief humorous cameo from UK prime minister David Cameron.
10. Justin Timberlake - "Suit and Tie" featuring Jay-Z
Courtesy RCA
The elegant black and white video accompanying Justin Timberlake's comeback single "Suit and Tie" was directed by filmmaker David Fincher. Justin Timberlake appeared in the David Fincher directed movie The Social Network. Jay-Z appears in the music video to deliver his featured raps.
