By: Gemma Mastroianni
2020 is coming to an end, and I can't say that I'm upset about that. Although it has not exactly been the best year for all of us, there has been some amazing art that has come of it. Whether it was the perfect timing of the Fleet Foxes album drop on the first day of Fall, a Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa pop/rock collab, or even the controversial 'WAP' music video, it's been an entertaining and inspiring year for music. Here are my top favourite music videos of the year, in no particular order.
Can I Believe You - Fleet Foxes
This song represents the struggle of trust issues within a relationship, which is represented by two dancers in the video. (Jade-Lorna Sullivan and Jean Charles.) Through a variety of different lighting and props, they move towards each-other but can never manage to reach one another.
Headaches - Raveena
This video is a dreamy-psychedelic journey with lots of pink and purple shades, fitting in with the theme of love. Follow along with her relationship struggles and see the ups and downs, which are constantly fluctuating as her and her partner are seen having the best of times, but quickly flashing back to Raveena being alone and upset.
Lonely - Justin Bieber & benny blanco
A very impressive video from Bieber, the best I have seen thus far. A one-shot style piece where you follow along with a younger Bieber and get a glimpse into what it is like to be one of the most famous people in the world, but a child and alone at the same time.
Let You Down - Mother Tongues
Enter a journey of self reflection as you watch Mother Tongues play "Let You Down" in a breezy field with a bright and eye-catching wardrobe. The grainy filter and colour palette filled with greens, reds, oranges, and yellows bring you back to the 70's, with an explosive ending.
Midnight Sky - Miley Cyrus
A self-directed disco pop adventure with Miley Cyrus that will take you to a room filled with mirrors, swimming with gumballs, and lots of purple eyeshadow.
10% - KAYTRANADA and Kali Uchis
A groovy dance party in a club featuring KAYTRANADA spinning the tracks, with Kali Uchis looking fly as ever reminding us of our worth, with tons of characters dancing in between.
Sledgehammer - Kid Bloom
This video doesn't exactly tell a story, but it will take you back to the 80's with the background graphics and keeps it entertaining! The song is absolutely stunning and I would have loved to see what a video with a storyline would have looked like, but these vibes are great in their own way.
Tesfay - Witch Prophet
This is a beautiful video that shows the benefits of a relationship of a father/grand-father and daughter. Within just four minutes you get to see dancing, emotional connection, and wonderful cinematography.
Need Your Love - Tennis
A video that will take you in a studio, to the ocean, and to the dessert with a 70's style filter over it. This song meant a lot to singer Alaina Moore as it represented finding healing in unhealthy relationships. The video is a glimpse into her emotions as you see her ponder and go through the waves.
Trying - Luna Li
This song never fails to give me goosebumps between its melodies and emotional lyricism. Let Luna Li take you on a colourful, dark, and breezy journey through coping with heart-ache in this colourful video.
Love Games - Niiva
We've all dealt with the frustration of "games" within relationships. NIIVA depicts the feelings perfectly, and the editing including graphics of text messages is an accurate representation of our current times as we are all isolated. Whether it's with a friend or significant other, we all get this! Check out NIIVA as she roams through an apartment in pain from the "love games" complimented by some amazing lighting work, and a cool wardrobe!
Perfume Genius - Describe
A hazy video taking place in the countryside with movie-like cinematography. The song represents being in a dark/depressive episode where you can no longer find any happiness in your life, in which you then rely upon others. You will see an artistic representation of this mindset through dancing and fighting, time-lapse style filming, and beautiful over-layed graphics that represent flashbacks.
Black Mamba - aespa
This was one of the strongest musical debuts of 2020! The colourful and adventure filled K-Pop video was trending in the top 10 on Youtube the day it came out. "Black Mamba" is a fun and catchy pop song, accompanied by fun dancing, digital graphics, and adventurous locations.
Dora - Tierra Whack
This video is unpredictable, exciting and colourful. The animation and visuals are incredible and always leave you guessing for what is coming next. I recommend giving this a few watches to take in everything!
Sun Dance - Crownlands
Crownlands absolutely nailed this one with all of the psychedelic rock feels. Let them take you on a trip through the Toronto Allen Gardens, and perhaps you will levitate too!
TKN - Rosalia featuring Travis Scott
A thrilling video and diverse combination of genre between Rosalia and Travis Scott. This video is upbeat featuring a ton of dancing, chasing, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I Feel Alive - TOPS
"I Feel Alive" has 80's movie written all over it. I mostly love this one for it's up-close filming style and studio location. It really just reminds me of cheesy portraits taken back in the day.
No Good - Tafari Anthony
Tafari brings us through the rollercoaster of a relationship in this apartment based music video. Feel the emotion of the twists and turns, while admiring this stunning apartment.
Maybe That's Why - RALPH TV
"Maybe That's Why" will take you on a psychedelic trip with the band to a bowling alley, through a kaleidoscope, and endless places. The editing style is the coolest part about this one for me!
Delicate - Crash Adams
A fun Toronto based video! Watch as signs are held up by those roaming the streets that display what people are really feeling/going through - a good reminder to always keep this in mind. Although that aspect is a bit heavier, it ends with a funky dance party.
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