Our Favorite Music Videos Of 2014 (So Far)
We're already halfway through 2014, giving us tons of pop culture fare to sift through. So now that we're in the dead heat of summer, we've taken time to look back on the music videos we fell in love with during the first half of the year.
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It's no surprise that Iggy Azalea's lovable video for "Fancy" made our list! Inspired by the 1995 film Clueless, the clip features the Australian rapper as California high school queen Cher Horowitz. In the VH1 News video above, Iggy sat down with us to talk about why she decided to recreate the world depicted in one of her favorite `90s movies.
So which other brilliant videos made the cut? Browse through the pages in this post to find out!
[Photo Credit: Def Jam Recordings/Capitol Records]
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"Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
Sam Smith is everything! As our You Oughta Know artist for June, the British crooner captivated us with his soulful sounds and smooth falsetto.
— Ali Read
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"Fancy" by Iggy Azalea f. Charli XCX
This stellar video flawlessly recreates memorable scenes from Clueless, from plaid mini-skirts to freeway freak-outs. The only way to make I-G-G-Y's clip more perfect would be a surprise cameo from happy couple Mr. Hall (Wallace Shawn) and Miss Geist (Twink Caplan).
— Emily Exton
AS IF! The Aussie rhyme-slinger's bid for Summer Song 2k14 gets a '90s tinged vid with this loving nod to the cult classic Clueless. Iggy appears as the oh-so-stylish (and fancy) Cher Horowitz, complete with computer assisted wardrobe, and featured vocalist Charli XCX makes a turn as her best friend, Tai. Although slightly updated for the 21st century, director Director X shot at the same L.A. high school where the original was filmed. Bonus points for authenticity! From tennis lessons, school speeches, cheerleaders, and an off the chain "Val party," this video combined our two favorite things: a catchy hook and Clueless. What's not to love?
— Jordan Runtagh
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"Pills N Potions" by Nicki Minaj
In my book, the queen of Jamaica, Queens can do no wrong. I'm loving the fact that after about a year of us waiting for new music from her, she came back with a reinvented, stripped down version of herself. The video is subtly sexy but still allows Nicki to be Nicki (yup, she beheads the Game), and leaves us wanting more. Can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
— Taylor Ferber
"The Writing's On The Wall" by OK Go
Surely you must be wondering how many times OK Go can re-invent the "viral music video" but their latest effort is a dizzying visual masterpiece. It brilliantly combines two of internet's favorite things — optical illusion street art and one-take video dubs — into an "OMG, how did they do that?" must-see music video. Bravo.
— Stacy Lambe
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"Love Never Felt So Good" by Michael Jackson f. Justin Timberlake
It has been five long years since Michael Jackson passed away but this video serves as the perfect tribute to his life and contribution to music. Everything about the King of Pop is represented in the video: the iconic choreography, the fans and the happiness he brought to everyone around the world.
— Diane Cho
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"Chandelier" by Sia
There's never been any question about Sia's brilliance, so I can't help but think she had a hand in conceptualizing this clip. The dazzling young dancer who dons a wig with Sia's signature hairdo is beyond talented. The visuals perfectly capture the emotional wasteland described in Sia's hauntingly beautiful lyrics.
— Rahsheeda Ali