Top 10 ’80s Videos
I wasn’t born when man landed on the moon. I was around, though, when the MTV Man landed on the moon. Yep I was witness to video killing the radio star and I totally loved it. Videos started out slow, mostly just being concert shots or staged shots of bands just pretending to play. But then they got so much better, telling stories or being just all-around neat. Nowadays, though, youve got a 1 in 10 shot of actually seeing a video if you turn on MTV. So sad.
So in an effort to live in the past, I give you my 10 favorite videos from the ’80s. I may not be the biggest fan of the music or the band, but these videos definitely stick out in my mind as some of the best, coolest and most memorable. Party on.
Top 10 ’80s Music Videos
10. Walk this Way - Run DMC/Aerosmith
I hate rap. Always have. I also thought Aerosmith was an old, boring drugged-out band who had really annoying and boring music. Although I liked “Dream On” but that was about it. And then two bad tastes met in one video and became one great taste! Awesomely entertaining video and a great combination of styles through the music started to change my mind on the whole rap thing a bit.
9. Venus - Bananarama
Okay, I’ll admit it. This is the video that made me a man. Yeah, I can’t stand the song itself, but come on, it’s a bunch of super hot babes wearing next to nothing (well, at least it was back in the ’80s), dancing and slithering around all over the place. What else was a super-frustrated teenager to do with himself while watching this one?
8. Land of Confusion - Genesis
Yeah, they’re poppy. But it’s a fun song. And it mentions Superman. And it’s got all these freaky Muppet-like puppets running around.
7. Hot For Teacher - Van Halen
Homework was never quite like this…
6. (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party) - Beastie Boys
Aerosmth and Run DMC opened my eyes a little bit to rap. But these guys made me actually like it. Somewhat. I still don’t like most rap. Or R&B. Or wtf you call it these days. I just know I fought for my right to party right along with these guys.
5. Walk Like an Egyptian - The Bangles
Easily one of the stupidest and most overplayed songs ever. But this vid’s on the list for one reason. That one shot of Suzanna Hoffs with her “I want you right now” look in her eyes. She was looking right at me, y’know.
4. Money For Nothing - Dire Straights
I never understood why the video was basically about some dudes packing boxes in a Best Buy type of store. But the whole video game-style kept me glued to my TV. I want my MTV indeed.
3. Parents Just Don’t Understand - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Geez, who woulda thought I”d have 3 rap songs on here. Crazy! But these guys are like the Huxtables of rap, so it’s just good clean fun. I just enjoyed the total ridiculousness of this vid. And the big bright shiny colors.
2. Kiss Me Deadly - Lita Ford
Dear lord, Ms. Ford! A crazy hot blonde with giant hooters and she plays a mean guitar? Yeah, she had me at “didn’t get laid.”
1. We’re Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister
Overplayed? Yes. Great, motivating song? Sure. Hilarious video? You bet! And it’s got Neidermeyer from Animal House so you just can’t beat it! This is the full version with the super long intro. Sorry for the semi poor quality, but this is exactly how videos should be done.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
I remember almost all of those videos! I left a comment on your last post yesterday but I don’t think it went through, I hope this one makes it.
p.s.
“Holy Readers!!” Congrats!
awesome list. i LOVE lita ford!! what little girl of the 80s/90s didn’t want to be her? she’s so badass…!
You know I’ve been wondering if some of these videos were out there in YouTube-land and there they are! Thanks for these! Love Land of Confusion and Money for Nothing… Surprised that “Take on Me” from AhA! isn’t on the list! (you can find it here funny enough — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUod3jGQt0U)
Thanks for the great post!
–Fitz
All the cops in the donut shop say
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian
Walk like an Egyptian ………………. Sorry you had me up dancing. I even had the 80’s hair. You can see it on my blog. 
You and I are the same age! Doncha feel old? 
Great list, dude. I sure remember these videos. Although the most memorable ones are for me are Duran Duran’s Reflex and Michael Jackson’s Thriller videos. Not surprisingly, they were big budget videos.
Jason - Oooh, good one too!
Christy - Howdy! And I knew you’d remember the bulk of these.
Ms. D - … and what guy in the 80s/90s didn’t want to do her?
Brian - Thanks for the kind words. And yeah, I’m a fan of Aha too. “Take on Me” is a great video. It’d surely make the “Next 10″ list.
Rose - 80s hair is something that should never be spoken of.
Rudy - Nope, I don’t feel old. Do you? Glad you liked the list. Reflex I don’t remember nearly as much as “Rio” or “Hungry Like a Wolf.” But yeah, “Thriller” is awesome too.
The Suzanna Hoffs video that did it for me was “Eternal Flame”.