43/100 Video - "Love is a Battlefield" – Pat Benatar (1983)

 

Pat Benatar has such a powerful stage presence in the video for "Love is a Battlefield".

The cinematic video that acts like a mini-movie evokes full-on girl power and a rebuttal of sorts against men using women as their possessions.

The 90s have often been cited as the decade of the emergence of female artists.

But much of the groundwork had been laid in the 80s, thanks in part to the proliferation of music videos.

44/100 Video - "Frozen" - Madonna (1998)

From the opening frames showing a black-haired Madonna cladded in black levitating above a bleak desert landscape, I knew the video the "Frozen" would be a good one.

 

The song, a mid-tempo electronica ballad, is hypnotic. 

 

The dark imagery showcases Madonna as a Gothic, shape-sifting witch mourning a broken heart and a lost love. 

The visuals are astounding, especially as Madonna transforms into a raven then later as a dog. 

"Frozen" won an MTV Video Music Award in 1998 for Best Special Effects.

45/100 Video - "Lullaby" - The Cure (1989)

If you have arachnophobia or a fear of sleep, then the video for "Lullaby" by The Cure may not be for you.

The song is apparently based on a recurring nightmare Robert had as a child when he was eaten by a giant spider.

The swirling classical instruments and hypnotic beats jive well with the visuals.

And the vocals are Robert Smith at his creepiest, and are likely to cause a few nightmares and over-the-shoulder glances. 

The video was inspired by David Lynch's 1977 debut horror movie Eraserhead.

46/100 Video - "Dayvan Cowboy" - Boards of Canada (2005)

My morning breakfast consists of one slice of toast and a banana. I put on headphones and sip a cup of dark roast. On some days I start the day with this track.

For a slow tempo song, "Dayvan Cowboy" sure is lush, ideal for day dreaming. 

If you enjoy ambient psychedelic electronica, this may be your jam. 

The video is all space, sky, sea and surf. 

The track opens with a majestic intro, before leading into the incredible second half in which the melody soars, accompanied by measured, reverby acoustic strums and spine-tingling cymbal crashes. 

I've found this tune is super soothing while flying, so calming, as the textured guitars, drums and synths simulate what it may sound like while drifting in space.    

47/100 Video - "Summertime" - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (1991)

 

"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince may just be the ultimate anthem celebrating all things summer.

The tune has an amazing flow...

The relaxing vibe of the tune and the chill video forever remind us of carefree days with your crew and kids down the street.