The 1980s was a golden age for music videos, a time when MTV ruled the airwaves and artists used the medium to create bold, experimental visuals. Some videos became iconic, while others quietly pushed boundaries but faded into obscurity. These forgotten gems often explored themes, storytelling techniques, and visual effects that were ahead of their time, laying the groundwork for the music video art form as we know it. Let’s dive into 12 forgotten ’80s music videos that deserve a second look for being far ahead of their era.
1. “Take On Me” – A-ha
Sure, it’s remembered for its iconic rotoscope animation, but at the time of its release in 1985, Take On Me was unlike anything else on MTV. The video blended live action with pencil-drawn animation in a way that felt like stepping into a graphic novel. Directed by Steve Barron, it told the story of a romance between a real-world woman and a comic book character come to life, which was as daring as it was mesmerizing.
What makes it ahead of its time is how it combined groundbreaking visual effects with a heartfelt story, something rarely seen in music videos of that era. It set a standard for creativity in the medium, influencing countless videos and even movies that followed.
2. “Cloudbusting” – Kate Bush
Kate Bush has always been an avant-garde artist, and her 1985 video for Cloudbusting was no exception. Starring Donald Sutherland as a father and Bush as his child, the video was inspired by Wilhelm Reich’s controversial rain-making machine. The cinematic visuals and dramatic storytelling felt more like a short film than a traditional music video.
Decades later, this video is still celebrated for its artistry, but at the time, it was too unusual for mainstream audiences. It paved the way for artists to use music videos as a form of high-concept storytelling, even if it didn’t receive the recognition it deserved in its day.
3. “Sledgehammer” – Peter Gabriel
Although Sledgehammer is one of Peter Gabriel’s most famous songs, the video itself is often overlooked in discussions about his career. Released in 1986, it used stop-motion animation, claymation, and time-lapse photography to create a surreal, playful world. Each frame was meticulously crafted, with Gabriel himself enduring hours of stillness to achieve the effects.
At a time when most music videos were straightforward performance clips, Sledgehammer broke the mold with its innovative techniques. It’s still regarded as one of the most creatively ambitious videos ever made, a testament to what’s possible with imagination and patience.
4. “She Blinded Me with Science” – Thomas Dolby
This quirky 1982 video combined humor, science fiction, and surrealism to create a visual experience unlike anything else. Thomas Dolby played a mad scientist surrounded by eccentric characters and outlandish experiments, making the video feel like a cross between a comedy sketch and a sci-fi movie.
It was ahead of its time in its blending of absurdity with a cohesive narrative, paving the way for other artists to embrace humor and surrealism in their visuals. While the song remains a pop culture staple, the video deserves more credit for its inventive style.
5. “Love Is a Battlefield” – Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar’s 1983 video for Love Is a Battlefield was revolutionary for its depiction of female empowerment. The story followed a young woman who escapes her oppressive home life and finds strength in a community of dancers. The dramatic choreography and empowering storyline were groundbreaking, especially in an era where women in music videos were often relegated to secondary roles.
This video was ahead of its time for its strong narrative and its focus on independence and resilience. It helped establish music videos as a medium for storytelling, especially for female artists.
6. “Rockit” – Herbie Hancock
Released in 1983, Rockit was one of the first music videos to embrace the world of robotics and modern art. Directed by Godley & Creme, the video featured bizarre mechanical contraptions and disembodied mannequin parts moving in sync with Hancock’s groundbreaking electro-funk track. It was eerie, experimental, and unlike anything else on MTV.
The video’s focus on technology and its surreal aesthetic were far ahead of their time, influencing later music videos and even film visuals. It’s a perfect example of how the ’80s were a breeding ground for innovation in art and music.
7. “When Doves Cry” – Prince
Prince was always a visionary, and his 1984 video for When Doves Cry reflected his fearless creativity. The video mixed abstract visuals with deeply personal imagery, including a bathtub scene that shocked audiences at the time. The sensual yet introspective tone was unlike most flashy ’80s videos.
Its minimalist approach and emotional depth set it apart, showing that music videos could be as expressive and intimate as the songs they accompanied. Prince’s genius was evident in every frame, even if the video is sometimes overshadowed by his other work.
8. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
Yes, Thriller is legendary, but it’s easy to forget just how groundbreaking it was when it premiered in 1983. Directed by John Landis, it was more than a music video—it was a 14-minute cinematic masterpiece. With a full storyline, elaborate costumes, and movie-quality special effects, it set a new standard for what a music video could be.
It was ahead of its time not just for its production value but for how it redefined the possibilities of the medium. Thriller turned music videos into events, paving the way for artists to think bigger and dream bolder.
9. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Eurythmics
The video for Sweet Dreams (1983) was as enigmatic as the song itself. Annie Lennox’s androgynous style, combined with surreal imagery like cows in a boardroom, created an unsettling yet captivating visual experience. The video dared to defy expectations, much like the Eurythmics’ music.
Its use of surrealism and its bold embrace of nonconformity were years ahead of their time, influencing artists to push boundaries both visually and stylistically. It’s a video that still feels fresh, even decades later.
10. “Close (to the Edit)” – Art of Noise
Art of Noise was known for their experimental sound, and their 1984 video for Close (to the Edit) reflected that same avant-garde spirit. The video featured surreal, chaotic visuals, including the destruction of musical instruments and abstract imagery that felt more like modern art than a music video.
Its boldness and rejection of traditional storytelling made it stand out in a sea of formulaic videos. It was a precursor to the experimental visuals we see in many indie and electronic music videos today.
11. “Big Time” – Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel’s Big Time (1986) continued his trend of pushing visual boundaries. The video used claymation, stop-motion, and live-action to create a surreal and satirical world where Gabriel’s larger-than-life persona explored themes of greed and consumerism. It was both a feast for the eyes and a biting commentary on excess.
This video was ahead of its time for its use of mixed media and its willingness to tackle complex themes. It’s a prime example of how Gabriel used the medium to challenge and entertain audiences simultaneously.
12. “Goody Two Shoes” – Adam Ant
Adam Ant’s 1982 video for Goody Two Shoes was a playful, theatrical romp that poked fun at celebrity culture. The video followed Ant as he navigated a whirlwind of fame, complete with eccentric costumes and over-the-top performances. Its satirical tone and vibrant visuals made it stand out.
Ahead of its time for its commentary on fame and media, the video remains a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. It’s a reminder of how Adam Ant used humor and style to elevate his music and videos.
These forgotten music videos from the ’80s remind us just how much creativity and innovation defined the era. They may not have gotten the recognition they deserved at the time, but they paved the way for countless artists to push the boundaries of the medium. Which of these gems do you think deserves a comeback?
