Top 10 Music Videos You Can't Watch in Public

Fountains of Wayne
Fountains of Wayne's memorable video explores a kid's fantasies about his friend's mom. In a number of dream sequences, the main character imagines the woman getting outdoor massages and wearing skimpier clothing than usual. The finale features a parody of the 80s movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and its famous pool scene. For those that know what that means, it's probably best to steer clear of watching this one on public transit. There are several voyeuristic moments and even the inclusion of a stripper pole that is intentionally ridiculous and somewhat explicit for regular viewing purposes.

Rihanna
The title says it all in this sultry video for Rihanna's "S&M." The singer appears tied up in ropes in just one of several purposely over-the-top moments. She also parades Perez Hilton around on his hands and knees with a dog leash, in the kind of scene that would prompt many questions from the general public. Most of the scenes land on the kinkier side of things in a visual package that you should observe behind closed doors. There's nothing wrong with this colorful romp through Rihanna’s mind, but it's not likely that it'll be screened at the local park.

Chris Isaak
Few music videos capture a romantic beach rendezvous quite like “Wicked Game.” The 1991 version features singer Chris Isaak and model Helena Christensen hanging around a sandy paradise. Without much in the way of clothes, the couple embrace in images that clearly inspired perfume commercials for years to come. By this point, you’re better off using the music video to set an intimate mood rather than setting up a massive public screening. Isaak’s crooning lays the groundwork for this exotic setting and many memorable shots of him and his scene partner embracing. For that alone, it’s clearly a short film for only special occasions.

Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” took the world by storm in 2014. Boldly throwing caution to the wind, the rapper talks about her sexual preferences while taking a cue from Sir Mix-a-Lot. Minaj works out with a team of dancers who all wear similarly revealing clothing. Along with their dancing, the performers lean into their routines with nothing less than complete flexibility. By the time that the artist crawls over to Drake, there’s little chance that anyone watching in public hasn’t reconsidered their decision. “Anaconda” makes for a great party song, but there aren’t many images from it that would be considered appropriate for all ages.

Tyga feat. Offset
Creating his own California-set fantasy world, Tyga hangs around a multitude of women in bikinis at a debaucherous pool party for “Taste.” The closeups of the extras in their bathing suits follow a long tradition of hip-hop videos. There are also tons of squirt guns in use and most of them are aimed at the female cast members. Several rappers like 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa join in on the fun, standing out as some of the only cast members that aren’t twerking. The other detail that is hard to miss would be the extensive use of whipped cream. Call it sexy or even exploitative, but definitely don’t project this film for your neighbors to see.

Nine Inch Nails
One of Nine Inch Nails’ most explicit songs has an equally memorable music video. Trent Reznor explores a set from a forgotten horror movie in a string of unsightly images. There’s everything from nude performers to a monkey on a cross, all in a laboratory that’s as creepy as it is strange. These assorted decorations will shock the faint of heart, but then again, a pig’s head on a stick isn’t the kind of thing most people see every day. It’s all in the service of an increasingly creepy short that intentionally stretches the limits of good taste. Unless you’re gearing up for an adults-only Halloween party, don’t show this one to a crowd of people you don’t know.

Eric Prydz
Taking aerobics to its logical extreme, the video for “Call on Me” by Eric Prydz revels in its ridiculous and unbridled energy. The synchronized dance moves come together in moments that take an immediate and more mature turn. As if they’re preparing for a much different kind of film, the dancers clearly excite the one man in the studio with their routines. The entire sequence only gets wilder as slow-motion and close-up camera shots take over. If there’s one thing that’s clear about this sequence, it’s less informative about exercise than it is about human anatomy.

D’Angelo
D’Angelo is probably best remembered for this solo video that left little to the imagination. Shirtless for the whole time, the camera only shows the singer from the waist up as he serenades the lens. Viewers can make up their own minds about anything that isn’t on screen, but there are plenty of theories that easily push this into more adult territory. The entire concept revolves around the performer’s body, which is reason enough to be careful about where you experience it. D’Angelo’s breakout moment amounts to an effective tribute to chiseled physiques that is anything but suitable for all audiences.

Kanye West
Teyana Taylor's one-woman show provides the basis for this steamy film. Taking over a workout space, Taylor sweats up the unlikely dance floor with moves and gyrations that go well beyond the usual safe choreography. Whether she’s on her feet or lying on the ground, the performer makes every move count in this engaging video. Kanye West's song sends her into a trance that most viewers should check out in the comfort of their own homes. By the end, she joins her husband Iman Shumpert in the shower. Yet another reason to be mindful about where you watch “Fade.”

Madonna
Madonna never misses an opportunity to push boundaries as an artist and this particular artistic stroke is no different. In "Justify My Love," she appears here in one of her most sultry videos ever. The loose plot involves her going to a hotel room with her gentleman caller, later making out with him and another woman as they strip down to share several intimate moments. With glimpses of sadomasochism, the costumes and actors' positions provoked controversy upon its release in 1990. It was declared so graphic that it was even banned from MTV, which is one of the most clear-cut arguments to not watch it in public.