In the 21st century, music videos have become essential tools for both artists and the music industry. They not only showcase a song’s visuals but also help define trends, influence pop culture, and sometimes even change the way we view music. The most iconic music videos that defined the decade are those that left a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape, blending music, fashion, and visual storytelling. These videos are more than just accompaniments to songs; they are a reflection of the spirit and creativity of the time. Let’s dive into some of these landmark music videos and explore why they became so significant.
1. “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga (2009)
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” is an unforgettable video that helped shape the pop music landscape in the late 2000s. Released in 2009, this music video is a prime example of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade. With its avant-garde imagery, extravagant fashion, and powerful performance, the video caught the attention of audiences worldwide. Lady Gaga's willingness to push boundaries with her visual storytelling and provocative art made it one of the defining moments in music videos during that era.
The video blends surrealism with glamorous pop culture, and Lady Gaga’s performance in it is nothing short of mesmerizing. The portrayal of intense, twisted love, paired with striking visuals such as the headgear and robotic choreography, cemented its place in music history. Even years later, it continues to inspire artists and filmmakers alike.
In addition, Lady Gaga's ability to combine art, performance, and commentary on society made the video iconic. It wasn’t just a catchy song; it had a message, creating a cultural moment. Lady Gaga’s work in this video set a new standard for what a pop music video could achieve, propelling her to become one of the most influential artists of the decade.
2. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé (2008)
Although it was released at the tail end of 2008, Beyoncé's “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” went on to dominate the early years of the 2010s, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade. The video featured Beyoncé and her backup dancers performing a sleek and synchronized dance routine that became an instant sensation. The viral dance and its empowering message for women helped this video cement its place in music video history, making it one of the most memorable in recent years.
The “Single Ladies” video stands out for its minimalistic yet highly effective approach. The simple black-and-white color scheme focused the viewer’s attention on the intricate choreography and Beyoncé’s commanding performance. This video marked a turning point in how dance routines could become integrated with viral internet culture, and it sparked countless recreations and tributes across social media platforms.
Additionally, the video’s cultural impact extended far beyond just the song’s release. It became a symbol of independence and strength for women, with many viewers relating to its message of empowerment. “Single Ladies” wasn’t just a music video; it was a movement. Its influence on the decade’s pop culture continues to be felt, with the video becoming a touchstone in Beyoncé’s career and the wider music industry.
3. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus (2013)
Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” became one of the most talked-about music videos when it was released in 2013. The video’s intense emotional performance, combined with the shocking visual of Miley swinging naked on a wrecking ball, stirred up controversy and conversation. This video is among the most iconic music videos that defined the decade because it symbolized a major shift in Miley’s career and illustrated how personal vulnerability could create powerful art that resonates with fans worldwide.
Cyrus, once known for her wholesome Hannah Montana image, fully embraced a new, more provocative identity with the release of “Wrecking Ball.” The video’s raw emotion, juxtaposed with its bold visuals, created a stark contrast to her previous work. This artistic shift marked her evolution from a pop princess to an adult artist, ready to tackle deeper, more meaningful themes.
The vulnerability expressed in the video also made it relatable for many people, as it spoke to the universal experience of heartbreak and self-doubt. The visual of Cyrus crying while swinging on the wrecking ball resonated deeply with viewers, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade. Even years later, the song and video remain a pop culture milestone.
4. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)
Released in 2014, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars became a global hit, and the music video contributed greatly to its success. The fun, retro aesthetic, combined with Bruno Mars’ smooth dance moves and charismatic energy, made it one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade. The video’s upbeat, feel-good vibe was a perfect reflection of the decade’s musical and cultural trends, cementing its place as one of the decade’s defining moments.
The video’s influences are clear, drawing inspiration from the funky, upbeat music of the 1980s and 1990s, while adding a contemporary twist. The choreography, which was heavily inspired by old-school street dancing, perfectly complemented the energetic and playful tone of the song. The video's color palette—rich purples, blues, and golds—added to its retro charm.
What makes this video stand out even further is its infectious energy and how it encourages the viewer to get up and dance. “Uptown Funk” perfectly captured the decade’s love for infectious pop and funky beats. Bruno Mars' undeniable charm and dance moves elevated the entire production, making it not only a hit song but also a defining video of the decade.
5. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran (2017)
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” became one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade after its release in 2017. The video tells a compelling story of a boxer and his romantic relationship with a woman, showcasing Sheeran’s ability to mix catchy melodies with engaging storytelling. The minimalist approach to the video, combined with the global success of the song, made “Shape of You” one of the most-watched music videos of the decade.
The video’s story, which revolves around the development of a relationship between Sheeran’s character and a female fighter, is both tender and playful. It brings an unexpected narrative to a song that could have easily been just a dance anthem. The clever use of boxing and training as metaphors for the highs and lows of love created a perfect visual counterpart to Sheeran’s lyrics.
“Shape of You” quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, topping charts and amassing millions of views on YouTube. The video’s simplicity and effective storytelling are key reasons why it became one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade.
6. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” became an unexpected hit in 2019, blending country and hip-hop in a way that had never been done before. The music video, with its quirky western visuals, perfectly matched the song’s genre-blending style. This video became one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade, not just because of its viral success but also for its innovative approach to merging genres and cultures, breaking down barriers in both music and video production.
The video’s colorful and playful narrative, with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus riding horses through various fantastical landscapes, helped elevate the song’s status. The merging of country and rap, with the video’s unique visual style, made it stand out and became a defining symbol of the 2010s music scene.
"Old Town Road" wasn’t just a success in terms of its viral appeal; it also highlighted the growing acceptance of genre fusion in the music industry. The success of the song and video laid the groundwork for future cross-genre collaborations, making it one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade.
7. “Gangnam Style” by Psy (2012)
The impact of Psy’s “Gangnam Style” on global music culture cannot be overstated. Released in 2012, it became the first music video to hit one billion views on YouTube, and its catchy dance moves took the world by storm. The video’s wild success marked a turning point in the global spread of K-pop, making it one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade.
The music video’s fun, quirky elements, including the signature horse-riding dance, made it instantly recognizable. It was a global phenomenon that not only introduced K-pop to the international market but also sparked a new way for videos to go viral. The success of “Gangnam Style” broke down cultural barriers, showing how music videos can transcend geographic and linguistic boundaries, making it a significant moment in music video history.
8. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
Released in 2018, Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” offered a striking commentary on race, gun violence, and societal issues. The video’s unsettling imagery, combined with the catchy beat and stark social messages, made it one of the most iconic music videos that defined the decade. It showcased the power of music videos to provoke thought and spark conversations about real-world issues.
The video’s haunting visuals, which juxtaposed moments of joy and violence, were designed to leave viewers uncomfortable yet captivated. The unexpected twists and deep symbolism resonated with viewers, making it one of the most talked-about videos of the decade. Its layered messages and powerful storytelling established it as one of the defining music videos of the 2010s.
