Top 10 Best Music Videos of June 2017

Directed by Daniel Brereton, this video captures those little moments in life - events that may seem inconsequential. But as “Glory” suggests, spontaneous acts often create timeless memories. Through a road trip narrative, Bastille offers a portrait of American life, as two dreamers reflect on their experiences. The character framing creates an intimate feel, while the more expansive shots shed light on the subjects’ point of view. “Glory” celebrates the journey of life, and the bonds that are formed along the way.

For this thrashing video, Green Day brings their musical narrative full circle. Performing at the same Berkeley club where they started, Billie Joe Armstrong and company provide their usual performance flair, complemented by retro clips for a hint of nostalgia. Green Day directed the video, and the visceral cinematography explores the venue in full. “Revolution Radio” features the same intensity that captivated fans way back when, and the production works on various levels as it successfully reminds just how far Green Day has come.

In this comedic video, director Jesse Peretz takes a retro approach, inspired by the 1993 film “Dazed and Confused.” For some extra flair, Selena Gomez plays various characters, all of which are feeling a little frisky.“Bad Liar” presents a meta narrative, placing Selena in typical high school scenarios with her doppelgangers always on her mind, and vice versa. It’s one of Gomez’s more unique videos demonstrating that she doesn’t take herself too seriously, and is willing to rock fake mustache from time to time.

You can always count on Big Boi for unique music videos. With “Kill Jill,” he teams up with director Bryan Barber for a majestic visual, aided by moody lighting and Eastern themes. The title itself pays homage to a Quentin Tarantino classic, and the camerawork and set design establish a similar mood and atmosphere. While Killer Mike, Jeezy and Big Boi all get a chance to flex in the video, “Kill Jill” is more about the cinematic experience and the visual poetry. The video fuses Big Boi’s creative influences with his original style, creating a surreal aesthetic.

In this “We the Best” production, sensuality reigns supreme. Assisted by a seductive Rihanna, director Colin Tilley creates a fever dream atmosphere through warm reds and neon lights. The visuals match the track’s laid-back vibe, with each subject moving naturally within the frame. There’s a Southern Gothic influence, too, which further accentuates Rihanna’s presence. “Wild Thoughts” inspires exactly that with its provocative imagery. There’s an outdoor party element to enjoy, while the interior shots highlight Tilley’s knack for stylish staging and framing. All in all, it’s a hypnotic production with a bold visual theme.

Given the sudden passing of Chris Cornell in May 2017, this video has special pop culture significance. Directed by Meiert Avis and Stefan Smith, “The Promise” addresses heavy themes, focusing on the plight of worldwide refugees. Chronicling the physical and emotional hardships of being uprooted and left to fend for yourself, “The Promise” stands out with it’s raw and visceral cinematography. The video will surely become part of Cornell’s legacy, both as an artist and activist, but it will also live on as an important and moving production.

Symmetrical and stylish, this video places heavy emphasis on directorial form. The Weeknd enlists Pedro Martin-Calero for “Secrets,” a minimalistic production that values design over a clear narrative. That’s quite all right, as each image stands on it own, with the director utilizing shapes and a red-white color palette to contrast the grey setting. To conclude the visual, Martin-Calero takes full advantage of physical space, as The Weeknd is confronted with something much bigger than himself. From beginning to end, “Secrets” keeps the eye roaming with all its Kubrickian flair.

The Foo Fighters have a reputation for making overtly comedic music videos. Directed by Dave Grohl, “Run” begins slow and escalates quickly, as the grizzled band kicks out the jams and starts a riot. It’s a clever premise, suggesting that age ain’t nothing but a number. The Foo Fighters break free, literally and figuratively, while delivering a hard-hitting message to a car full of millenials. If that moment doesn’t get your attention, then the final dance sequence most certainly will. The moral? Foo Fighters can still rock.

Never one to disappoint, Kendrick Lamar is back this month with the third visual from his new album. For “Element”, Director Jonas Lindstroem and company paint a chilling portrait of violence in America. Opening with a single hand emerging out of water, the imagery throughout this video is not unlike Kendrick’s “Humble”, with a strong emphasis on framing, light and use of slow motion. Stringing together sequences of brawls, a police chase and a severely injured man, the video is contrasted with themes of youth, faith and unity. In classic Kendrick fashion, “Element” serves as a stunning yet deeply disturbing depiction of American life.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Turf” (Stripped)
Aminé



“Shine Forever”
Monsta X


“The Man”
The Killers

Directed by The Sacred Egg, this production is both a visual statement and a return to form. Given the band’s knack for conceptual albums, “Everything Now” seems to be one piece of a larger puzzle. Even so, the video alone speaks volumes with its bold proclamation and earthly themes. “Everything Now” is both a celebration and send-off, as Arcade Fire once again embarks on a new journey. Given the looks of their follow-up June video, “Creature Comfort,” they seem to be on the right path.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite music video from June 2017? For more musical Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.