Top 10 Best Music Videos of 2018 So Far
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Owen Maxwell
2018 has certainly been a banner year for amazing art, and it's only half-way done. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Music Videos of 2018 So Far.
We're looking at the most inventive and stunning music videos that have blown us away in the first six months of 2018. We're basing our picks on a mix powerful lighting, unique visuals and the energy that helped them elevate their songs to another level.
We're looking at the most inventive and stunning music videos that have blown us away in the first six months of 2018. We're basing our picks on a mix powerful lighting, unique visuals and the energy that helped them elevate their songs to another level.
#10: "Finesse (Remix)" feat. Cardi B Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars and Cardi B travel back to an iconic moment in '90s television, while bringing their own attitudes to 'Finesse.' While the goofy camera play and fashion may seem dated compared to something like 'Be Careful' the video is an accurate recreation of 'In Loving Color.' Bruno and Cardi paint the camera lens, before busting some moves on the show's classic set. Though the appropriate 4:3 aspect ratio may have looked weird on YouTube, the video still racked up 13 million views in 48 hours. It's the amazing choreography and attention to detail though that have us coming back to 'Finesse.'
#9: "Make Me Feel" Janelle Monáe
After Janelle Monáe walks into a strange nightclub, she falls head over heels for Tessa Thompson and a stylish man. Lighting with bright colors and striking outfits give 'Make Me Feel' a distinct look, while it pays homage to '80s music videos. Along with the song's direct connections to Prince, Monáe also emulates his videos and over-the-top sexuality. The LGBT community praised the video's fearless representation of bisexuality, and it was also included on Monae’s “Dirty Computer” mini-film. Despite all the style, Monáe's undeniable swagger and eccentric dance moves are why people are in love with 'Make Me Feel.'
#8: "Jumpsuit" Twenty One Pilots
Following the burned wreckage of the 'Heavydirtysoul' video, 'Jumpsuit' finds Twenty One Pilots on the run from masked horseman. Though it has a distinctly post-apocalyptic aesthetic, the Icelandic landscapes also add to the video's fantasy themes. The mix of muted colors with the sharp yellows and reds focus viewers in on our main characters, as well as who's good and evil in their world. Just as it seems like our hero is captured, his friends guide him with flowers away from the villain. With enough iconic shots for Twenty One Pilots fans to make memes out of, “Jumpsuit” is easily one of their best videos to date.
#7: "All the Stars” Kendrick Lamar & SZA
As Kendrick Lamar sets off on a boat to Africa, seas of hands rise under him like both fans and ghosts of his ancestors. Director Dave Meyers shows Lamar travelling through villages representing a variety traditional African fashion and dances. Next to Meyers' recent collaboration withKendrick on 'King's Dead,''All The Stars' is also a feast for the eyes. The video's vision of Afrofuturism has SZA wandering through painting-like scenes that fuse generations of African art. While 'All The Stars' was born as a 'Black Panther' tie-in, its colorful reinterpretation of African culture and strife sets it apart from the film.
#6: "Walk It Talk It” feat. Drake Migos
Jamie Foxx's Ron Delirious introduces us to Culture Ride, Migos' hip hop-infused take on 'Soul Train.' 'Walk It Talk It' sees the Atlanta rappers grooving on stage, while Foxx breaks things up with hilarious games. Offset, Drake and Lil Yachty deliver exceptional dance moves, which was all done without a choreographer. As humorous as it is, the video also hides several Black Panther posters in the background. Acclaimed director Daps’ directed and shot the video using Beta to make his era-specific transitions and zooms look right. The heart and soul of 'Walk It Talk It' though is its comedic chops and amazing costumes.
#5: "No Tears Left To Cry" Ariane Grande
The camera whizzes by 'Inception'-like cityscapes, as we're introduced to the disorienting world of 'No Tears Left To Cry.' The gothic interiors and confusing settings reflect Grande's own sense of uncertainty going through life. While there's plenty of mesmerizing CGI effects, Ariana defies gravity using a practical rotating set. Grande also had a mold made so her eerie masks would look like her real face. It even blew 'God Is A Woman' out of the water by getting 15 million views in 24 hours. As unreal as 'No Tears Left To Cry' looks, the little details make its world feel lived-in and captivating.
#4: "After the Storm” feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins Kali Uchis
While Bootsy Collins dances on the cover of a cereal box, Kali Uchis tries to survive as an idealistic '50s housewife. 'After The Storm' also shows the struggles of romance, and how bleak fictional worlds can be. Just as we adjust to the intense colors, flowers bloom like magic and Kali's hair is swarmed by birds. Uchis buys a seed to grow the perfect lover, and soon Tyler, The Creator sprouts his way through the seasons with his usual wacky charm. With a surrealistic take on American life and love, 'After The Storm' is as fun as it is bizarre.
#3: "APES**T" The Carters
The fact that Beyoncé and JAY-Z rented out The Louvre to film 'Apes**t' is a testament to their status as music royalty. The Carters dance their way through the gallery, while cutting between dozens of classic paintings. Though many shots compare Jay and Bey to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, they also mirror themselves with historical kings and queens. 'Apes**t' also reflects on African-American representation in Western art, and even references similar work by Carrie Mae Weems. All the little details and amazing choreography earned the video endless accolades and eight MTV VMA nominations. By bringing a multicultural perspective to The Louvre, 'Apes**t' redefines art.
#2: "God's Plan" Drake
Rather than making an over-produced story for 'God's Plan', a crew follows Drake donating money to people around Miami. As Drizzy doles out nearly a million dollars to schools, communities and families, most of the video focuses on peoples' overjoyed reactions rather than Drake himself. The Karena Evans-directed video also features Destiny James, whose financial struggles with education made plenty of headlines. While it may seem like a big PR stunt for the 6 God, there's something heartwarming about all the genuine happiness on display. By doubling down on the song's themes of starting anew, 'God's Plan' is Drake at his most human.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
"Bubblin"
Anderson .Paak
"Pa'lante"
Hurray For The Riff Raff
"Say Amen (Saturday Night)"
Panic! At The Disco
#1: "This Is America" Childish Gambino

From the opening gunshot of 'This Is America,' Childish Gambino makes it clear that he has a lot to say about the United States. Despite all the constant violence in the video, Donald Glover and others dance around like everything's fine. Guns are even carried off-screen with more respect than the people, as 'Atlanta' director Hiro Murai visually references tragedies like the 2015 Charleston church shooting. The controversy and amazing direction saw the video climb well over 300 million views on YouTube. The subtle commentary and dozens of historical Easter eggs still have people talking about 'This Is America.'
