The Cheese and Charm of 1980s Music Videos: A Nostalgic Journey

Do you miss the cheesy music videos they made in the 1980s? Yes, I do. Unlike today's music videos that often prioritize visual spectacle and flashy production, the music videos from the 80s had their own unique charm and character. They were often driven by creative vision and pushed boundaries in ways that were truly innovative for their time.

Back then, MTV (Music Television) was Music TV. It was a platform where artists could express their creativity through a blend of music and visual art. However, as the title "Money TV" suggests, the landscape of the music industry has shifted towards a more commercial and production-heavy arena, where music videos need to be as visually appealing as they are musically compelling.

A Time of Innovation and Experimentation

Music videos were often a collaborative effort, bringing together artists, directors, and musicians to create something truly unique. This era saw a wide range of styles and genres, from the pop and rock hits to the more experimental work by artists like Peter Gabriel. These videos often expressed a sense of playfulness and experimentation, capturing the energy and creativity of the 80s.

Examples from the 80s Era

One of the great examples of 1980s music videos is Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" (1986). This video showcases the blend of music and visual storytelling that made the 80s such a vibrant and fascinating time. From its memorable sledgehammer sculpture act to the surreal visual elements, it perfectly encapsulates the artistic approach of the era.

Other notable examples include:

The striking visuals and conceptual storytelling of Prince's "Little Red Corvette" (1984) The colorful and quirky visuals of The Police's "Every Breath You Take" (1983) The experimental and innovative work of Talk Talk's "Round and Round" (1984)

These videos not only added to the music but were often the highlights of the albums they accompanied. They felt like mini-movies, pushing the boundaries of what music videos could be. Even today, they remain enjoyable and meaningful for their creativity and the artistic vision they represent.

Technology and Art

It's also important to note that the technology available in the 1980s was quite limited compared to today's standards. This limitation, however, often led to more thoughtful and creative approaches to videomaking. Directors and artists had to be more inventive with what they had, leading to a more unique and heartfelt approach to their work.

While some videos might have seemed "cheesy" by today's standards, they were revolutionary and pushed the envelope of what music videos could achieve. They served as a visual celebration of the music they were meant to promote.

Modern Nostalgia

Even in today's era, there's still a strong desire to revisit and relive the music and videos from the 1980s. Many of these videos are still cherished and have become classics in the world of pop culture. Fans, and even some critics, still hold a nostalgic place for these videos, appreciating their creativity and the cultural impact they had.

While modern music videos often focus on high production values and cutting-edge effects, the 1980s videos offer a different kind of charm. They are a testament to a time when creativity and artistic vision were celebrated, and music videos could be works of art in their own right.

Do you have a favorite 1980s music video? Share it in the comments below, and let us know if you miss the cheesy yet captivating nature of these videos!