Top 10 Music Videos of February 2017

#10: “I Wanna Prove to You” The Lemon Twigs

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Top 10 Music Videos of 2017

  Directed by Nick Roney and co-starring his adorable grandparents, this music video parody blends retro style with a touch of dry humor. Whether it’s the font or the Wes Anderson-like framing, “I Wanna Prove to You” feels indie through and through, and the D’Addario brothers seem right at home as they learn about lasting love. While the throwback approach isn’t anything new, it’s a clever way to highlight The Lemon Twigs’ personalities, as they go through the ringer before finding redemption and clarity. It’s fun, quirky and positively cool.    

  This stylized production brings the party to the links. Directed by Max Hlvia, “Swang” also features some retro filters and senior citizens, all the while demonstrating that people of all ages like to have fun. But while the first half of the video is more subdued, the second half is all about wilding out. There’s a few rap video clichés to be found, but the golf course setting allows for some comedic moments, along with a strong visual theme of green. Everybody, including Rae Sremmurd, seems to be enjoying the outdoors.     

  Focusing on racial and political tension, this explosive video may disturb some viewers. With that being said, “Tunnel Vision” addresses the violence that has plagued American society, depicting shocking images but never pushing too far. With Kodak Black staged before a burning cross, the contrasting visuals of the daytime confrontation mirror the realities that so often appear in the news. But whereas some music videos blatantly support violence, “Tunnel Vision” concludes with a glimmer of hope, leaving the viewer with plenty to contemplate.   
   

  At seven minutes in length, this music video can trip you out in a variety of ways. Directed by Grimes herself, “Venus Fly” mixes futuristic flair with dream-like imagery and poetic slo-mos. It’s all quite surreal and cryptic, enhanced by the undeniable charisma of both Grimes and her featured guest, Janelle Monáe. Some pop videos thrive on big moments, yet “Venus Fly” thrives through its collective visuals, all of which stand on their own as freeze frame images. Given the title of Grimes’ latest album, “Art Angels,” the otherworldly aesthetic makes perfect sense.      

#6: “John Wayne” Lady Gaga

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  Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, this video is fueled by old-fashioned fun. With “John Wayne,” Lady Gaga embraces her wild side, riding a hog and even firing bullets from her kicks. She also blends genres a bit, as she transitions from a traditional Western theme into something a little more modern and spooky. The neon color palette reminds of classic horror and grindhouse films, with Gaga transforming into a gothic femme fatale. Of course, there’s the choreography, too, which allows Gaga to bust loose and stray from the more practical productions that preceded “John Wayne.” All in all, it’s a bold and vibrant music video; one that showcases Gaga’s endless imagination.  

    

#5: “Spring Day” BTS

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  K-Pop music videos really are a sight to behold, and this one from BTS is no different. Directed by YongSeok Choi, “Spring Day” has plenty of naturalistic visuals to match the uplifting lyrics, complete with seamless editing and expansive wide shots. With that being said, the interior shots continuously shine a light on the BTS members, further accentuating the seasonal metaphors. The story unfolds though visuals alone, which makes “Spring Day” even more accessible across the globe. It’s a poignant and evocative video, and serves as a nice pairing to their sensational new video for “Not Today”, which quickly became the fastest rising K-Pop music video to date.   

  

#4: “P.O.W.A.” M.I.A.

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  With its lush and colorful opening sequence, this video immediately delivers the goods. But in contrast to the hyper beat and background chant, M.I.A. ultimately takes a subdued visual approach for her self-directed production. For a song about individuality, the group choreography supports the central theme, with M.I.A. literally staged away from the pack, doing her own thing. She’s connected with the world around her, yet she’s also marching to her own beat, celebrating life and originality. And with such a distinct color palette, M.I.A. easily stands out in “P.O.W.A.”      

#3: “Same Drugs” Chance the Rapper

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  Directed by Jake Schreier, this minimalist video re-introduces a special guest from Chance the Rapper’s 2016 “Magnificent Coloring Day” festival. With “Same Drugs,” the Chicago native and his puppet initially seem to connect, at least until the colors change and snow begins to fall. But while the first three and half minutes emphasize the lyrical content, the production takes a more conceptual turn once Chance leaves the stage. Not only does “Same Drugs” have an endearing quality, but it raises questions about society and how loneliness can lead people astray, for better or for worse.      

  For this music video, vocalist Tyler Joseph takes an existential ride towards self-destruction. And the overcast setting only reinforces the bleak outlook for the narrative directed by Andrew Donoho. With Josh Dun’s drum set on fire and his bandmate under the control of personal demons, “Heavydirtysoul” evolves into an explosive, metaphorical commentary on the obstacles that bandmates must overcome. It’s a highly cinematic music video, bolstered by clever staging, rising tension and a chaotic musical backdrop. Just as the climax arrives, Twenty One Pilots take “Heavydirtysoul” back to reality, concluding with a moment of reflection as the sun rises.  
    Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.   “Reminder” The Weeknd  

  “Thumbs” Sabrina Carpenter
   

  In this playful video, a smiley D.R.A.M. muppet upstages the real-life artist. Directed by Nathan Smith, “Cute” focuses on self-confidence and romance, reminding that a positive outlook goes a long way. In this case, Muppet D.R.A.M takes the lead by wining and dining his love interests, as Big Baby D.R.A.M. takes note and learns from his alter-ego. Like Chance the Rapper’s “Same Drugs” video, the prop keeps the video light-hearted and accessible, all the while supporting the underlying message. And whereas Chance the Rapper’s puppet leaves the artist questioning himself in “Same Drugs,” D.R.A.M.’s proactive Muppet keeps him smiling from ear to ear.  

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