The Most Groundbreaking Music Videos Of 2014
For some, music videos make or break a song. The music video can emphasize a facet of the song you might not have otherwise picked up on, and for better or for worse, your mind will forever recall images of the video whenever you hear the song. The following 12 music videos only add to the songs they were made for—so much so that we deem them to be the best of the best music videos this year. From Sia's "Chandelier" to Kiesza's "Hideaway" to FKA Twigs' "Video Girl," check out the most groundbreaking, unforgettable music videos of 2014.
"Chandelier" by Sia
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Maddie Ziegler became the face of this song as she danced and twirled in a platinum blonde wig and nude bodysuit in the music video that went viral shortly after its release in May. Sia and Ziegler proved that they could perform this song just as well live as in the video in their series of joint live performances throughout the year.
"7/11" by Beyoncé
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Not only was she the queen of the entire year, Bey also gave us 15 new shades of her when she dropped the music video for her 2014 release "7/11."
"Video Girl" by FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs gave us a taste of her dancing roots when she starred in her haunting, black-and-white video for "Video Girl."
"Sanctified" feat. Kanye West & Big Sean by Rick Ross
Thank you, Rick Ross, Big Sean, and Kanye for giving meaning to all the emojis the rest of us never understood. Eggplants make so much more sense now.
"Grab Her" by Disclosure
Gravity can't hold anything down in this music video for Disclosure's "Grab Her," and it definitely can't stop a horrible boss from botching a business deal.
"Just One Of The Guys" by Jenny Lewis
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Jenny Lewis was the front woman of a star-studded band, including Anne Hathaway and Kristen Stewart, in her video for "Just One Of The Guys."
"We Exist" by Arcade Fire
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Andrew Garfield stars as a trans woman in this Grammy-nominated music video for Arcade Fire's "We Exist."
"Uptown Funk" feat. Bruno Mars by Mark Ronson
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Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' funk jam was one of the catchiest songs of 2014. Don't believe it was also one of the most joyous music videos of 2014? Just watch.
"Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj
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Did Kim Kardashian's butt almost break the internet or was that Nicki Minaj's? It's hard to tell, but Nicki's celebration of the female derrière, AKA her music video for "Anaconda," comes close.
"Never Catch Me" feat. Kendrick Lamar by Flying Lotus
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Flying Lotus' EP You're Dead! focuses a lot on the afterlife, and the music video for "Never Catch Me" featuring Kendrick Lamar is just one example of how.
"Chasing Time" by Azealia Banks
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Azealia Banks may have let her beef with Iggy Azalea get the best of her, but it still doesn't take away from her innovative music video for "Chasing Time."
"Hideaway" by Kiesza
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Kiesza and her posse took to the streets for this video for her dance hit, "Hideaway."
[Photo: YouTube]