Top 10 Best Music Videos of July 2017
In July 2017, these music videos had our office and the world abuzz. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Music Videos of July 2017. For this list, we've selected our favorite music videos of the past month – productions that stand out in both style and substance.
Submit your ideas for new Top 10's today at WatchMojo.comsuggest!
#10: “The World Is Yours”
Arch Enemy
Top 10 Music Videos of April 2017
With Swedish director Patric Ullaeus behind the camera, this music video immediately establishes a sense of calm. But Arch Enemy – a death metal band - is anything but quiet. “The World Is Yours” focuses primarily on their hardcore stage presence and the charisma of Montreal’s own Alissa White-Gluz. Her primal screams charge the production’s first half, magnified by the dark lighting and collective thrashing. When the music slows, the visuals become more hypnotic and mystical, guiding viewers into a new realm. This sets the tone for an impactful finale, bookended by the worldly final message.
#9: “Glorious”
Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey
In this narrative, this artist pays respect to his 100-year-old granny and celebrates the joy of truly living. “Glorious” blends retro style with spontaneous fun, as Grandma receives a free pass to do whatever she pleases. The premise works because each sequence feels authentic, so even the most poignant moments ring true. It’s less about clever cinematography and more about the human experience, depicted through consistent wide-angle shots. With an uplifting and slightly comedic approach, “Glorious” enhances the lyrical message of enjoying life while we still have it.
#8: “Electric Blue”
Arcade Fire
Madonna 2023 Ticket Prices | Axl Rose | Which Artist Would You Bring Back? | Electric Mob Interview
Set in New Orleans during the aftermath of a Mardi Gras parade, this video features a unique disco aesthetic. In contrast to Arcade Fire’s more cryptic videos, “Electric Blue” stays grounded, literally, with Régine Chassagne dancing in the streets. The visuals produce a dreamy vibe, while the pacing and framing accentuates the real-life events taking place. As a result, “Electric Blue” feels both modern and retro, accessible and imaginative. It’s a striking contrast to some of the biggest party videos of recent years, and we would expect any less from the band.
#7: “Sorry Not Sorry”
Demi Lovato
Top 10 Music Videos of 2017
In what could easily serve as the prequel to Arcade Fire’s “Electric Blue”, director Hannah Lux Davis takes the reigns for this fun video. There’s a simple premise, and like all great party videos, “Sorry Not Sorry” features the usual pool antics. But its Demi’s personality that stands out most, with Jamie Foxx, Wiz Khalifa and even Paris Hilton adding some extra star power. The neon visuals boost the late night, setting a new standard for both summer pool parties and music video cinematography. As the title suggests, Demi is clearly unapolgetic for ocassionally wildin’ out.
#6: “Loyalty”
Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna
As the fourth video off his critically and commercially successful album DAMN., King Kendrick teams up with Rihanna for this take on crime epics. Opening with some red-tinted visuals of Lamar surrounded by dancers, “Loyalty” matches the first three videos in the musicians 2017 output in terms of impressive visuals, but takes a more narrative approach with Kendrick taking multiple roles within the criminal underworld. Whether it’s the unexpected street shark, or the somehow hilarious deadly car crash, these visuals just leave us wanting more!
#5: “Talking to Myself”
Linkin Park
On the morning of July 20, 2017, this Mark Fiore-directed music video premiered online. Sadly, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington was found dead just hours later. So, it’s a difficult video to watch, especially considering that the lyrics are written to reflect the point of view of Chester’s wife. Visually, “Talking to Myself” utilizes split screen montages to examine personal and public moments, allowing for some insight into the band’s musical process. The production falls in line with familiar Linkin Park themes, but it will always be remembered for the context, and a life that ended too soon.
#4: “Don’t Get Captured”
Run the Jewels
Top 10 Music Videos of January 2017
Per usual, Killer Mike and El-P stay highly original in this claymation video. With the assistance of director Chris Hopewell, the duo navigates a nightmarish setting, surrounded by politically conscious skeletons. While some artists are quite blunt with their sociopolitical ideologies, Run the Jewels takes a more artistic route with “Don’t Get Captured,” pushing viewers to think deeply about the subtext and organizational institutions. Each frame stands on it own, and it’s one of those unique videos that expands the mind, as Run the Jewels observe and process the bizarro world around them.
#3: “New Rules”
Dua Lipa
Top 10 Best Music Videos of June 2017
For this Miami-themed music video, director Henry Schofield strays from beachside clichés to focus on female chemistry. From the jump, “New Rules” pops with its strong color themes, but symmetry and staging ultimately dominate the production. Rather than merely staging Dua in front of the camera, the director makes her the central figure of a larger concept. The choreography produces a sense of harmony, and given the lack of men, “New Rules” offers a different take on the South Beach experience, with Dua Lipa further establishing herself as one of pop music’s most intriguing new artists.
#2: “Praying”
Kesha
Directed by music video extraordinaire Jonas Åkerlund, this production makes a powerful statement about self-worth. Visually, “Praying” features vibrant colors, contrasted by affecting black and white sequences. Considering Kesha’s personal and professional struggles over recent years, this video marks a triumphant return. “Praying” shines a light on Kesha the woman and her journey, along with the effects of too much media consumption. Kesha concludes with a powerful statement about inner peace and new beginnings, a concept that she takes a step further in another new video, “Woman.”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Magnolia”
Playboi Carti
“Imitadora”
Romeo Santos
“Butterfly Effect”
Travis Scott
#1: “The Story of O.J.”
Jay-Z
Top 10 Best Music Videos Of May 2017
Fueled by the razor-sharp lyrics of a hip-hop legend, this music video examines the relationship between race and pop culture. “The Story of O.J.” parodies “The Story of Little Black Sambo,” an early 20th century children’s book with heavy African-American stereotypes. In collaboration with director Mark Romanek, Jay-Z offers a timely spin, using black and white animation for a stripped-down approach. As a result, the focus lies on the concept and visual statements. On a practical level, there’s plenty of artistry to appreciate. Most importantly though, it’s an educational production and a thought-provoking companion piece for Jay-Z’s other new video, “Bam.”
