Best Music Videos of 2017

This year saw gorgeous, inventive videos from industry heavyweights and independent newcomers alike.

Dec 12, 2017

P&P Original

Image via Jon F.

The ways in which we consume media have changed drastically in recent years. The music industry has been in a constant state of reinvention for as long as this site has been alive. Fortunately, through it all, the art of the music video has been resilient.

In fact, music videos might be more important than ever. More people consume music on YouTube than on any other streaming platform, and music videos are the best way for artists to convey that they have the total package—communicating their musical ability, visual identity, and charisma on screen. Plus, what else would we all make GIFs out of if it weren't for music videos?

2017 saw an abundance of creative, boundary-pushing videos from industry heavyweights and independent newcomers alike.

These are the 25 best music videos of the year.

Director: DAPS and Quavo

Summer is neat and everything, but Migos are living proof that winter is the best time of the year for fashion. Layered up, the group's half-Revenant, half-fashion show video for “T-Shirt” is the epitome of what makes Migos the most effortlessly cool trio around. Hunting one moment, and looking cozy the next, Migos started Culture season strong with this one. — youtu.be

**Director:** DAPS and Quavo

Summer is neat and everything, but Migos are living proof that winter is the best time of the year for fashion. Layered up, the group's half-*Revenant,* half-fashion show video for “T-Shirt” is the epitome of what makes Migos the most effortlessly cool trio around. Hunting one moment, and looking cozy the next, Migos started *Culture* season strong with this one.

youtu.be

**Director:** DAPS and Quavo

Summer is neat and everything, but Migos are living proof that winter is the best time of the year for fashion. Layered up, the group's half-*Revenant,* half-fashion show video for “T-Shirt” is the epitome of what makes Migos the most effortlessly cool trio around. Hunting one moment, and looking cozy the next, Migos started *Culture* season strong with this one.

Director: London O'Connor

You never know what's going to happen when a DIY bedroom artist gets ambitious and ups the production quality on their work. Sometimes, the intimate magic of their early work is lost in translation. But, in other instances, these new tools finally give them a way to execute big ideas that they've been waiting to pull off for years—and that's exactly what happens in London O'Connor's video for "Nobody Hangs Out Anymore." Bringing to life the charming yellow-hued world he constructed on his O∆ album, O'Connor uses clean, stark imagery to reinforce the song's message of isolation. As for the opportunity to work with a talented team of video pros, the nomadic artist says, "I'm very grateful to not just be making art alone out of a backpack anymore.” — youtu.be

**Director:** London O'Connor

You never know what's going to happen when a DIY bedroom artist gets ambitious and ups the production quality on their work. Sometimes, the intimate magic of their early work is lost in translation. But, in other instances, these new tools finally give them a way to execute big ideas that they've been waiting to pull off for years—and that's exactly what happens in London O'Connor's video for "Nobody Hangs Out Anymore." Bringing to life the charming yellow-hued world he constructed on his O∆ album, O'Connor uses clean, stark imagery to reinforce the song's message of isolation. As for the opportunity to work with a talented team of video pros, the nomadic artist says, "I'm very grateful to not just be making art alone out of a backpack anymore.”

youtu.be

**Director:** London O'Connor

You never know what's going to happen when a DIY bedroom artist gets ambitious and ups the production quality on their work. Sometimes, the intimate magic of their early work is lost in translation. But, in other instances, these new tools finally give them a way to execute big ideas that they've been waiting to pull off for years—and that's exactly what happens in London O'Connor's video for "Nobody Hangs Out Anymore." Bringing to life the charming yellow-hued world he constructed on his O∆ album, O'Connor uses clean, stark imagery to reinforce the song's message of isolation. As for the opportunity to work with a talented team of video pros, the nomadic artist says, "I'm very grateful to not just be making art alone out of a backpack anymore.”

Director: Jesse Peretz

It happened. Selena Gomez made a P&P end of the year list. As strange as that sounds, she deserves it. Her Jesse Peretz-directed video for "Bad Liar" was legitimately one of the most compelling visuals of the year. Pulling a Nutty Professor, Gomez plays all the lead characters herself in a Dazed and Confused-tinted world, in which a dizzying schoolyard love triangle unfolds. It's the kind of video that gets better with each viewing, as you pick up on new details in the complex plot. Not bad for a video from a Disney star. We see you Selena. — youtu.be

**Director:** Jesse Peretz

It happened. Selena Gomez made a P&P end of the year list. As strange as that sounds, she deserves it. Her Jesse Peretz-directed video for "Bad Liar" was legitimately one of the most compelling visuals of the year. Pulling a *Nutty Professor*, Gomez plays all the lead characters herself in a *Dazed and Confused-*tinted world, in which a dizzying schoolyard love triangle unfolds. It's the kind of video that gets better with each viewing, as you pick up on new details in the complex plot. Not bad for a video from a Disney star. We see you Selena.

youtu.be

**Director:** Jesse Peretz

It happened. Selena Gomez made a P&P end of the year list. As strange as that sounds, she deserves it. Her Jesse Peretz-directed video for "Bad Liar" was legitimately one of the most compelling visuals of the year. Pulling a *Nutty Professor*, Gomez plays all the lead characters herself in a *Dazed and Confused-*tinted world, in which a dizzying schoolyard love triangle unfolds. It's the kind of video that gets better with each viewing, as you pick up on new details in the complex plot. Not bad for a video from a Disney star. We see you Selena.

Director: Dan Emmerson

With a keen ear for otherworldly, often ambiguous sounds, it's fitting that elusive British producer Actress would return with such a surreal and precise video as "X22RME." Director Dan Emmerson offers the same attention to detail in his visuals that Actress does with his sounds, providing “X22RME” with the type of high-concept video it deserves. Featuring a welder in barren, dystopian locations against elevated models, this video looks how the song sounds, creating a fully mesmerizing viewing experience in the process. — youtube.com

**Director:** Dan Emmerson

With a keen ear for otherworldly, often ambiguous sounds, it's fitting that elusive British producer Actress would return with such a surreal and precise video as "X22RME." Director Dan Emmerson offers the same attention to detail in his visuals that Actress does with his sounds, providing “X22RME” with the type of high-concept video it deserves. Featuring a welder in barren, dystopian locations against elevated models, this video looks how the song sounds, creating a fully mesmerizing viewing experience in the process.

youtube.com

**Director:** Dan Emmerson

With a keen ear for otherworldly, often ambiguous sounds, it's fitting that elusive British producer Actress would return with such a surreal and precise video as "X22RME." Director Dan Emmerson offers the same attention to detail in his visuals that Actress does with his sounds, providing “X22RME” with the type of high-concept video it deserves. Featuring a welder in barren, dystopian locations against elevated models, this video looks how the song sounds, creating a fully mesmerizing viewing experience in the process.

Director: Jamie Hewlett

Every time a new Gorillaz record rolls around, it’s an event—and not just because of the music. One of the things that makes Damon Albarn's project so exciting is the fictional band aspect, and this always shines through in the group's inventive videos. Jamie Hewlett is responsible for Gorillaz' visual identity as well as the direction of the music video, and with each album he takes risks while keeping the spirit alive. Presented in two versions—one a regular video combining 2D and 3D animation and another a 360° VR-friendly version—the “Saturnz Barz” video finds Hewlett at his most innovate. It's always a trip to follow along with the animated Gorillaz world, and this is one of their strangest adventures yet. — youtube.com

**Director:** Jamie Hewlett

Every time a new Gorillaz record rolls around, it’s an event—and not just because of the music. One of the things that makes Damon Albarn's project so exciting is the fictional band aspect, and this always shines through in the group's inventive videos. Jamie Hewlett is responsible for Gorillaz' visual identity as well as the direction of the music video, and with each album he takes risks while keeping the spirit alive. Presented in two versions—one a regular video combining 2D and 3D animation and another a 360° VR-friendly version—the “Saturnz Barz” video finds Hewlett at his most innovate. It's always a trip to follow along with the animated Gorillaz world, and this is one of their strangest adventures yet.

youtube.com

**Director:** Jamie Hewlett

Every time a new Gorillaz record rolls around, it’s an event—and not just because of the music. One of the things that makes Damon Albarn's project so exciting is the fictional band aspect, and this always shines through in the group's inventive videos. Jamie Hewlett is responsible for Gorillaz' visual identity as well as the direction of the music video, and with each album he takes risks while keeping the spirit alive. Presented in two versions—one a regular video combining 2D and 3D animation and another a 360° VR-friendly version—the “Saturnz Barz” video finds Hewlett at his most innovate. It's always a trip to follow along with the animated Gorillaz world, and this is one of their strangest adventures yet.

Director: Cole Bennett

No one did more to sculpt the look of rap's new underground in 2017 than Chicago director Cole Bennett. His spontaneous run-and-gun shooting tactics and unique visual effects were an ideal match for the wild batch of young rappers who arrived this year. Throughout 2017, Bennett's videos marked career-making moments for several artists on the brink of mainstream success, but his work on Ski Mask The Slump God's "Catch Me Outside" felt particularly special. Bennett and Ski Mask took a page out of Chance The Rapper and Austin Vesely's book and headed to Times Square to capture everything on the fly with no planning. They ended up with a psychedelic, frenetic video that somehow kept pace with Ski Mask's off-the-wall flow. AYYYYE. — youtu.be

**Director:** Cole Bennett

No one did more to sculpt the look of rap's new underground in 2017 than Chicago director Cole Bennett. His spontaneous run-and-gun shooting tactics and unique visual effects were an ideal match for the wild batch of young rappers who arrived this year. Throughout 2017, Bennett's videos marked career-making moments for several artists on the brink of mainstream success, but his work on Ski Mask The Slump God's "Catch Me Outside" felt particularly special. Bennett and Ski Mask took a page out of Chance The Rapper and Austin Vesely's book and headed to Times Square to capture everything on the fly with no planning. They ended up with a psychedelic, frenetic video that somehow kept pace with Ski Mask's off-the-wall flow. AYYYYE.

youtu.be

**Director:** Cole Bennett

No one did more to sculpt the look of rap's new underground in 2017 than Chicago director Cole Bennett. His spontaneous run-and-gun shooting tactics and unique visual effects were an ideal match for the wild batch of young rappers who arrived this year. Throughout 2017, Bennett's videos marked career-making moments for several artists on the brink of mainstream success, but his work on Ski Mask The Slump God's "Catch Me Outside" felt particularly special. Bennett and Ski Mask took a page out of Chance The Rapper and Austin Vesely's book and headed to Times Square to capture everything on the fly with no planning. They ended up with a psychedelic, frenetic video that somehow kept pace with Ski Mask's off-the-wall flow. AYYYYE.

Director: Matthew Dillon Cohen

With the video for “Will He,” George "Joji" Miller confirmed that he’s just as good at creating dark, thought-provoking videos as he is at making memes. Originally blowing up as the man behind YouTube personality Filthy Frank, Joji has made it known that he’s a lot more than a comedian. Director Matthew Dillon Cohen's emotional, surreal treatment for the video is full of gory, unsettling images in relatively ordinary locations. The combination of abject horror and normalcy makes for a memorable video that channels a little bit of The Shining and a little bit of Blue Velvet. — youtu.be

**Director:** Matthew Dillon Cohen

With the video for “Will He,” George "Joji" Miller confirmed that he’s just as good at creating dark, thought-provoking videos as he is at making memes. Originally blowing up as the man behind YouTube personality Filthy Frank, Joji has made it known that he’s a lot more than a comedian. Director Matthew Dillon Cohen's emotional, surreal treatment for the video is full of gory, unsettling images in relatively ordinary locations. The combination of abject horror and normalcy makes for a memorable video that channels a little bit of *The Shining* and a little bit of *Blue Velvet*.

youtu.be

**Director:** Matthew Dillon Cohen

With the video for “Will He,” George "Joji" Miller confirmed that he’s just as good at creating dark, thought-provoking videos as he is at making memes. Originally blowing up as the man behind YouTube personality Filthy Frank, Joji has made it known that he’s a lot more than a comedian. Director Matthew Dillon Cohen's emotional, surreal treatment for the video is full of gory, unsettling images in relatively ordinary locations. The combination of abject horror and normalcy makes for a memorable video that channels a little bit of *The Shining* and a little bit of *Blue Velvet*.

Director: Aminé

In 2017's tense political climate, many artists grappled with the decision to either provide an escape from reality for listeners or address serious topical issues head-on. Aminé was able to do both at once with his self-directed video for "REDMERCEDES." The five-minute clip is presented with a goofy intro, vibrant colors, and over-the-top costumes, but a nuanced commentary on modern race relations sits at its core. Far from preachy, the message is effective without being heavy-handed. This was the moment Aminé proved he had more depth than originally met the eye—and plenty more to offer than one viral hit. — youtu.be

**Director:** Aminé

In 2017's tense political climate, many artists grappled with the decision to either provide an escape from reality for listeners or address serious topical issues head-on. Aminé was able to do both at once with his self-directed video for "REDMERCEDES." The five-minute clip is presented with a goofy intro, vibrant colors, and over-the-top costumes, but a nuanced commentary on modern race relations sits at its core. Far from preachy, the message is effective without being heavy-handed. This was the moment Aminé proved he had more depth than originally met the eye—and plenty more to offer than one viral hit.

youtu.be

**Director:** Aminé

In 2017's tense political climate, many artists grappled with the decision to either provide an escape from reality for listeners or address serious topical issues head-on. Aminé was able to do both at once with his self-directed video for "REDMERCEDES." The five-minute clip is presented with a goofy intro, vibrant colors, and over-the-top costumes, but a nuanced commentary on modern race relations sits at its core. Far from preachy, the message is effective without being heavy-handed. This was the moment Aminé proved he had more depth than originally met the eye—and plenty more to offer than one viral hit.

Director: Matthew Dillon Cohen

It's rare that we see a young artist emerge with a visual identity as fully-formed as bowl-cut-rocking New York native Gus Dapperton. Aided by a string of excellent Matthew Dillon Cohen-directed videos, he's already built an inviting, intriguing, and cohesive world around his music—complete with routinely impressive dance moves. It's tough to pick a favorite ("Prune, You Talk Funny" is excellent as well) but the video for "I'm Just Snacking" is a gem, balancing an engaging storyline with a fresh, charming energy that doesn't wear off with repeat views. — youtu.be

**Director:** Matthew Dillon Cohen

It's rare that we see a young artist emerge with a visual identity as fully-formed as bowl-cut-rocking New York native Gus Dapperton. Aided by a string of excellent Matthew Dillon Cohen-directed videos, he's already built an inviting, intriguing, and cohesive world around his music—complete with routinely impressive dance moves. It's tough to pick a favorite ("Prune, You Talk Funny" is excellent as well) but the video for "I'm Just Snacking" is a gem, balancing an engaging storyline with a fresh, charming energy that doesn't wear off with repeat views.

youtu.be

**Director:** Matthew Dillon Cohen

It's rare that we see a young artist emerge with a visual identity as fully-formed as bowl-cut-rocking New York native Gus Dapperton. Aided by a string of excellent Matthew Dillon Cohen-directed videos, he's already built an inviting, intriguing, and cohesive world around his music—complete with routinely impressive dance moves. It's tough to pick a favorite ("Prune, You Talk Funny" is excellent as well) but the video for "I'm Just Snacking" is a gem, balancing an engaging storyline with a fresh, charming energy that doesn't wear off with repeat views.

Directors: Mezzy, Sus Boy, and Wiggy

Upon first viewing of Lil Peep’s “Benz Truck” video, it’s difficult not to wonder, “Who the hell is this guy?” That initial glimpse of a tall, skinny white kid covered in a fur coat and tattoos makes this one of the year’s most eye-catching videos. There’s not a lot going on here as far as fancy shots or complicated narrative, but its simplicity and focus on Peep is hypnotizing. Through his stylistic approach to both rap and emo, Peep was intent on letting listeners know he wasn’t like other rappers—or most other people, for that matter.

The “Benz Truck” video doesn’t channel his emo influences as much as the beautifully My Chemical Romance-esque “Awful Things” video did, but it does highlight why Peep stood out. Few performance videos this year did as good a job at showcasing the starring artist as this one, providing a fascinating look at a unique person who managed to make an enormous impact in a tragically short time. — youtube.com

**Directors:** Mezzy, Sus Boy, and Wiggy

Upon first viewing of Lil Peep’s “Benz Truck” video, it’s difficult not to wonder, “Who the hell is this guy?” That initial glimpse of a tall, skinny white kid covered in a fur coat and tattoos makes this one of the year’s most eye-catching videos. There’s not a lot going on here as far as fancy shots or complicated narrative, but its simplicity and focus on Peep is hypnotizing. Through his stylistic approach to both rap and emo, Peep was intent on letting listeners know he wasn’t like other rappers—or most other people, for that matter.

The “Benz Truck” video doesn’t channel his emo influences as much as the beautifully My Chemical Romance-esque “Awful Things” video did, but it does highlight why Peep stood out. Few performance videos this year did as good a job at showcasing the starring artist as this one, providing a fascinating look at a unique person who managed to make an enormous impact in a tragically short time.

youtube.com

**Directors:** Mezzy, Sus Boy, and Wiggy

Upon first viewing of Lil Peep’s “Benz Truck” video, it’s difficult not to wonder, “Who the hell is this guy?” That initial glimpse of a tall, skinny white kid covered in a fur coat and tattoos makes this one of the year’s most eye-catching videos. There’s not a lot going on here as far as fancy shots or complicated narrative, but its simplicity and focus on Peep is hypnotizing. Through his stylistic approach to both rap and emo, Peep was intent on letting listeners know he wasn’t like other rappers—or most other people, for that matter.

The “Benz Truck” video doesn’t channel his emo influences as much as the beautifully My Chemical Romance-esque “Awful Things” video did, but it does highlight why Peep stood out. Few performance videos this year did as good a job at showcasing the starring artist as this one, providing a fascinating look at a unique person who managed to make an enormous impact in a tragically short time.

Director: Wolf Haley (Tyler, The Creator)

At this point, Tyler, The Creator's talent as a director is unquestionable. Directing his own videos under the alias Wolf Haley, we've witnessed a fascinating evolution of his skills in both music and video. Each time he gets ready to release a new album, we’re treated to a set of videos that manage to outdo his previous work.

The “Who Dat Boy” clip is vintage Tyler, but viewed through a more thoughtful and skillfully constructed lens than his early work. Seeing him wearing another face over his own is a frightening image, but just as the song builds towards its climax he switches things up and offers a brief but gorgeous video for “911 / Mr. Lonely,” reminding us once again that he rarely sits still for long. — youtube.com

**Director:** Wolf Haley (Tyler, The Creator)

At this point, Tyler, The Creator's talent as a director is unquestionable. Directing his own videos under the alias Wolf Haley, we've witnessed a fascinating evolution of his skills in both music and video. Each time he gets ready to release a new album, we’re treated to a set of videos that manage to outdo his previous work.

The “Who Dat Boy” clip is vintage Tyler, but viewed through a more thoughtful and skillfully constructed lens than his early work. Seeing him wearing another face over his own is a frightening image, but just as the song builds towards its climax he switches things up and offers a brief but gorgeous video for “911 / Mr. Lonely,” reminding us once again that he rarely sits still for long.

youtube.com

**Director:** Wolf Haley (Tyler, The Creator)

At this point, Tyler, The Creator's talent as a director is unquestionable. Directing his own videos under the alias Wolf Haley, we've witnessed a fascinating evolution of his skills in both music and video. Each time he gets ready to release a new album, we’re treated to a set of videos that manage to outdo his previous work.

The “Who Dat Boy” clip is vintage Tyler, but viewed through a more thoughtful and skillfully constructed lens than his early work. Seeing him wearing another face over his own is a frightening image, but just as the song builds towards its climax he switches things up and offers a brief but gorgeous video for “911 / Mr. Lonely,” reminding us once again that he rarely sits still for long.

Director: Jonah Hill

Part of what makes Danny Brown such a likable artist is his magnetic personality. He’s released a number of brilliant videos for tracks from Atrocity Exhibition, but none of them quite matched the absurdity of his personality in the way that the faux-sitcom video for “Ain’t it Funny” did. Directed by Jonah Hill, the video contrasts the dark content of Danny Brown’s music with his inviting charisma. With gory images and drug addiction juxtaposed by a laugh track and chilling dialogue, the “Ain’t It Funny” video is a potent examination of how we consume disturbing images in media and laugh off our demons. — youtube.com

**Director:** Jonah Hill

Part of what makes Danny Brown such a likable artist is his magnetic personality. He’s released a number of brilliant videos for tracks from *Atrocity Exhibition*, but none of them quite matched the absurdity of his personality in the way that the faux-sitcom video for “Ain’t it Funny” did. Directed by Jonah Hill, the video contrasts the dark content of Danny Brown’s music with his inviting charisma. With gory images and drug addiction juxtaposed by a laugh track and chilling dialogue, the “Ain’t It Funny” video is a potent examination of how we consume disturbing images in media and laugh off our demons.

youtube.com

**Director:** Jonah Hill

Part of what makes Danny Brown such a likable artist is his magnetic personality. He’s released a number of brilliant videos for tracks from *Atrocity Exhibition*, but none of them quite matched the absurdity of his personality in the way that the faux-sitcom video for “Ain’t it Funny” did. Directed by Jonah Hill, the video contrasts the dark content of Danny Brown’s music with his inviting charisma. With gory images and drug addiction juxtaposed by a laugh track and chilling dialogue, the “Ain’t It Funny” video is a potent examination of how we consume disturbing images in media and laugh off our demons.

Director: Brother Willis

It's not easy to make a band performing to a crowd look interesting, but King Krule's video for the sludgy "Dum Surfer" manages it. The clip looks just how Krule's music sounds, with a kind of slack, effortless vibe to it. Shifting from high definition to VHS-quality, the video lingers like a depressive feeling as everyone appears in a zombie-like state, giving little care to how they carry themselves.

The video embodies the destructive, violent imagery of the lyrics while still leaving something to the imagination. It's heavy, sluggish, and just a little grimy—one of the most King Krule things that King Krule has ever put his name to. — youtu.be

**Director:** Brother Willis

It's not easy to make a band performing to a crowd look interesting, but King Krule's video for the sludgy "Dum Surfer" manages it. The clip looks just how Krule's music sounds, with a kind of slack, effortless vibe to it. Shifting from high definition to VHS-quality, the video lingers like a depressive feeling as everyone appears in a zombie-like state, giving little care to how they carry themselves.

The video embodies the destructive, violent imagery of the lyrics while still leaving something to the imagination. It's heavy, sluggish, and just a little grimy—one of the most King Krule things that King Krule has ever put his name to.

youtu.be

**Director:** Brother Willis

It's not easy to make a band performing to a crowd look interesting, but King Krule's video for the sludgy "Dum Surfer" manages it. The clip looks just how Krule's music sounds, with a kind of slack, effortless vibe to it. Shifting from high definition to VHS-quality, the video lingers like a depressive feeling as everyone appears in a zombie-like state, giving little care to how they carry themselves.

The video embodies the destructive, violent imagery of the lyrics while still leaving something to the imagination. It's heavy, sluggish, and just a little grimy—one of the most King Krule things that King Krule has ever put his name to.

Directors: The Blaze

For French dance duo The Blaze, visuals are just as important as the music. Perhaps better known as a directing duo, the pair made an impact earlier this year with their astonishing video for “Territory.” The video, set in Algiers, tells the story of an emotional homecoming, showcasing intimacy and tenderness so painstakingly that it’s hard not to feel something when watching it.

Focusing on male relationships, the video takes a long look at what it means to experience emotion and how it feels to be reunited. It’s a touching video that looks at the arrogance of youth and masculinity—and how it can be a struggle to feel at home once again. Few music videos feel like a movie compressed down to just under six minutes, but “Territory” does. — youtube.com

**Directors:** The Blaze

For French dance duo The Blaze, visuals are just as important as the music. Perhaps better known as a directing duo, the pair made an impact earlier this year with their astonishing video for “Territory.” The video, set in Algiers, tells the story of an emotional homecoming, showcasing intimacy and tenderness so painstakingly that it’s hard not to feel something when watching it.

Focusing on male relationships, the video takes a long look at what it means to experience emotion and how it feels to be reunited. It’s a touching video that looks at the arrogance of youth and masculinity—and how it can be a struggle to feel at home once again. Few music videos feel like a movie compressed down to just under six minutes, but “Territory” does.

youtube.com

**Directors:** The Blaze

For French dance duo The Blaze, visuals are just as important as the music. Perhaps better known as a directing duo, the pair made an impact earlier this year with their astonishing video for “Territory.” The video, set in Algiers, tells the story of an emotional homecoming, showcasing intimacy and tenderness so painstakingly that it’s hard not to feel something when watching it.

Focusing on male relationships, the video takes a long look at what it means to experience emotion and how it feels to be reunited. It’s a touching video that looks at the arrogance of youth and masculinity—and how it can be a struggle to feel at home once again. Few music videos feel like a movie compressed down to just under six minutes, but “Territory” does.

Directors: Marcus Söderlund and Jonatan Leandoer Håstad (Yung Lean)

Watching Yung Lean mature as an artist has been fascinating. After the oppressive and gothic Warlord, Yung Lean sought release with the considerably lighter Stranger. With its minimal and gorgeous production, the album is far more inviting than what’s come before. The video for “Red Bottom Sky”—possibly the prettiest song he’s released so far—beautifully reflects the new direction.

Exploring the wilderness that surrounds an isolated mansion, the clip plays out like a reflection of loneliness in the confines of Lean’s own head. Like Warlord, it's still gothic in some regards, but mixed in with autumnal colors and an adorable ferret. “Red Bottom Sky” deserved a video as dreamlike as this one. — youtube.com

**Directors:** Marcus Söderlund and Jonatan Leandoer Håstad (Yung Lean)

Watching Yung Lean mature as an artist has been fascinating. After the oppressive and gothic *Warlord*, Yung Lean sought release with the considerably lighter *Stranger*. With its minimal and gorgeous production, the album is far more inviting than what’s come before. The video for “Red Bottom Sky”—possibly the prettiest song he’s released so far—beautifully reflects the new direction.

Exploring the wilderness that surrounds an isolated mansion, the clip plays out like a reflection of loneliness in the confines of Lean’s own head. Like *Warlord*, it's still gothic in some regards, but mixed in with autumnal colors and an adorable ferret. “Red Bottom Sky” deserved a video as dreamlike as this one.

youtube.com

**Directors:** Marcus Söderlund and Jonatan Leandoer Håstad (Yung Lean)

Watching Yung Lean mature as an artist has been fascinating. After the oppressive and gothic *Warlord*, Yung Lean sought release with the considerably lighter *Stranger*. With its minimal and gorgeous production, the album is far more inviting than what’s come before. The video for “Red Bottom Sky”—possibly the prettiest song he’s released so far—beautifully reflects the new direction.

Exploring the wilderness that surrounds an isolated mansion, the clip plays out like a reflection of loneliness in the confines of Lean’s own head. Like *Warlord*, it's still gothic in some regards, but mixed in with autumnal colors and an adorable ferret. “Red Bottom Sky” deserved a video as dreamlike as this one.

Director: Marco Prestini

What an introduction. Tierra Whack's first music video is one of the most creative visuals we saw all year. While getting a tooth pulled at the dentist, the Philly rapper got a crazy idea for a video that she knew would fit perfectly with the bizarre mumbled delivery of her "Mumbo Jumbo" single. "I like creepy shit," Whack told us at the time of the video's release. And that's exactly what she achieved. Exaggerating unusual facial characteristics on a cast of odd looking characters, the whole thing has an alien feel to it.

Opening with sterile, icy imagery, much of this video is as uncomfortable to watch as an actual trip to the dentist—but it's difficult to look away. Then, right at the video's climax, director Marco Prestini achieves one of the best frames of the year at the 2:22 mark: Tierra Whack looks directly into the camera, cocks her head to the side, and flashes her impossibly toothy new smile. Creepy. — youtu.be

**Director:** Marco Prestini

What an introduction. Tierra Whack's first music video is one of the most creative visuals we saw all year. While getting a tooth pulled at the dentist, the Philly rapper got a crazy idea for a video that she knew would fit perfectly with the bizarre mumbled delivery of her "Mumbo Jumbo" single. "I like creepy shit," Whack told us at the time of the video's release. And that's exactly what she achieved. Exaggerating unusual facial characteristics on a cast of odd looking characters, the whole thing has an alien feel to it.

Opening with sterile, icy imagery, much of this video is as uncomfortable to watch as an actual trip to the dentist—but it's difficult to look away. Then, right at the video's climax, director Marco Prestini achieves one of the best frames of the year at the 2:22 mark: Tierra Whack looks directly into the camera, cocks her head to the side, and flashes her impossibly toothy new smile. Creepy.

youtu.be

**Director:** Marco Prestini

What an introduction. Tierra Whack's first music video is one of the most creative visuals we saw all year. While getting a tooth pulled at the dentist, the Philly rapper got a crazy idea for a video that she knew would fit perfectly with the bizarre mumbled delivery of her "Mumbo Jumbo" single. "I like creepy shit," Whack told us at the time of the video's release. And that's exactly what she achieved. Exaggerating unusual facial characteristics on a cast of odd looking characters, the whole thing has an alien feel to it.

Opening with sterile, icy imagery, much of this video is as uncomfortable to watch as an actual trip to the dentist—but it's difficult to look away. Then, right at the video's climax, director Marco Prestini achieves one of the best frames of the year at the 2:22 mark: Tierra Whack looks directly into the camera, cocks her head to the side, and flashes her impossibly toothy new smile. Creepy.

youtube.com

**Directors:** Jonas Lindstroem & the little homies

It says so much about Kendrick Lamar that each of the four videos he released this year could be on this list. “DNA” and “Loyalty” both made for standout visuals, but neither of them match the painterly quality of the “Element” video. Paying tribute to some of photojournalist Gordon Parks’ best work, the “Element” video plays with framing in some remarkably inventive ways.

It's fitting that a rapper as precise as Kendrick would create something that reflects his musicianship, meticulously crafting a video that demands closer inspection and repeated consumption the same way his music does.

Director: Alex Da Corte

The next time you buy a new TV and want to show it off to your friends, play them St. Vincent's "New York" video. Somehow, director Alex Da Corte figured out how to use every color in the world (and maybe even a few that didn't exist before this) and made them all pop off the screen. With vivid color-blocking in each scene, every frame is worthy of being displayed in a gallery. Throw in a flamingo and Annie Clark's cooler-than-cool personal style, and you have one of the most visually stimulating videos of the year. I'm still not sure what alternate version of New York inspired this clip, but I want to buy an apartment in it. — youtube.com

**Director:** Alex Da Corte

The next time you buy a new TV and want to show it off to your friends, play them St. Vincent's "New York" video. Somehow, director Alex Da Corte figured out how to use every color in the world (and maybe even a few that didn't exist before this) and made them all pop off the screen. With vivid color-blocking in each scene, every frame is worthy of being displayed in a gallery. Throw in a flamingo and Annie Clark's cooler-than-cool personal style, and you have one of the most visually stimulating videos of the year. I'm still not sure what alternate version of New York inspired this clip, but I want to buy an apartment in it.

youtube.com

**Director:** Alex Da Corte

The next time you buy a new TV and want to show it off to your friends, play them St. Vincent's "New York" video. Somehow, director Alex Da Corte figured out how to use every color in the world (and maybe even a few that didn't exist before this) and made them all pop off the screen. With vivid color-blocking in each scene, every frame is worthy of being displayed in a gallery. Throw in a flamingo and Annie Clark's cooler-than-cool personal style, and you have one of the most visually stimulating videos of the year. I'm still not sure what alternate version of New York inspired this clip, but I want to buy an apartment in it.

Director: Andrew Thomas Huang

Every video Björk puts out is worth watching. Whether grandiose or intimate, each video lives up to her reputation as a boundary-pushing creative and musician. The Andrew Thomas Huang-directed video for “The Gate” isn’t quite as inventive as some of her absolute best, but it makes up for that with its gorgeous imagery. This would be an insult were this any other artist, but make no mistake, this is still one of the most original music videos of the year.

The beauty of the imagery on display is astounding, with Björk sitting amongst the clouds and computer-generated visuals in an elegant manner. She doesn’t look out of place at all, especially with those intricately detailed outfits. This video is a joy from beginning to end, flowing hypnotically like the track itself. — youtube.com

**Director:** Andrew Thomas Huang

Every video Björk puts out is worth watching. Whether grandiose or intimate, each video lives up to her reputation as a boundary-pushing creative and musician. The Andrew Thomas Huang-directed video for “The Gate” isn’t quite as inventive as some of her absolute best, but it makes up for that with its gorgeous imagery. This would be an insult were this any other artist, but make no mistake, this is still one of the most original music videos of the year.

The beauty of the imagery on display is astounding, with Björk sitting amongst the clouds and computer-generated visuals in an elegant manner. She doesn’t look out of place at all, especially with those intricately detailed outfits. This video is a joy from beginning to end, flowing hypnotically like the track itself.

youtube.com

**Director:** Andrew Thomas Huang

Every video Björk puts out is worth watching. Whether grandiose or intimate, each video lives up to her reputation as a boundary-pushing creative and musician. The Andrew Thomas Huang-directed video for “The Gate” isn’t quite as inventive as some of her absolute best, but it makes up for that with its gorgeous imagery. This would be an insult were this any other artist, but make no mistake, this is still one of the most original music videos of the year.

The beauty of the imagery on display is astounding, with Björk sitting amongst the clouds and computer-generated visuals in an elegant manner. She doesn’t look out of place at all, especially with those intricately detailed outfits. This video is a joy from beginning to end, flowing hypnotically like the track itself.

Directors: Charli XCX and Sarah McColgan

Not only did Charli XCX return this year with one of her best singles to date, she did so with an equally good video. Featuring a star-studded cast of men, Charli’s video for “Boys” obliterates any preconceived notions of masculinity. Even if 2017 was the worst year to celebrate boys, the video remains a beautiful, sexy tribute to celebrity crushes, inverting the typical male gaze.

It’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to listing who appears, but pretty much everyone who turns up offers something to obsess over. Why is Stormzy just eating cereal? Why is Ezra Koenig brushing his teeth? Who cares! This video is just far too much fun, whether it’s eye candy to you or not. — youtube.com

**Directors:** Charli XCX and Sarah McColgan

Not only did Charli XCX return this year with one of her best singles to date, she did so with an equally good video. Featuring a star-studded cast of men, Charli’s video for “Boys” obliterates any preconceived notions of masculinity. Even if 2017 was the worst year to celebrate boys, the video remains a beautiful, sexy tribute to celebrity crushes, inverting the typical male gaze.

It’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to listing who appears, but pretty much everyone who turns up offers something to obsess over. Why is Stormzy just eating cereal? Why is Ezra Koenig brushing his teeth? Who cares! This video is just far too much fun, whether it’s eye candy to you or not.

youtube.com

**Directors:** Charli XCX and Sarah McColgan

Not only did Charli XCX return this year with one of her best singles to date, she did so with an equally good video. Featuring a star-studded cast of men, Charli’s video for “Boys” obliterates any preconceived notions of masculinity. Even if 2017 was the worst year to celebrate boys, the video remains a beautiful, sexy tribute to celebrity crushes, inverting the typical male gaze.

It’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to listing who appears, but pretty much everyone who turns up offers something to obsess over. Why is Stormzy just eating cereal? Why is Ezra Koenig brushing his teeth? Who cares! This video is just far too much fun, whether it’s eye candy to you or not.

youtube.com

**Director:** Ryan Staake (Pomp&Clout)

In the words of the great Bob Ross, "We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents." Director Ryan Staake took this sentiment to heart when his "Wyclef Jean" video shoot spiraled out of control due to a no-show from Young Thug. Instead of throwing his hands in the air and giving up on the failed $100,000 shoot, Staake flipped a disastrous series of events into a clever first-person account that lifted the veil on life as a high-profile director—turning all those happy accidents into one of the most creative videos of the year. "The biggest lesson from this whole thing for me was the power of perseverance and plodding along and making something work in the end," he says.

Directors: Mark Romanek and Jay Z

There wasn't a music video in 2017 that did a better job of reinforcing a song's lyrical message in a creative way than Jay Z's 4:44 standout "The Story of O.J." The song itself contains sobering reflections of racial oppression in America, and to bolster these themes, legendary director Mark Romanek had the stroke of genius to animate the story with recreations of actual racist American cartoons from the 1930s and '40s. Watching real characters from a dark time in America's not-so-distant past deliver Jay Z's hook make his message impossible to ignore. As tough as it might be to watch as entertainment, this is exactly the kind of video we so desperately needed in 2017. — youtu.be

**Directors:** Mark Romanek and Jay Z

There wasn't a music video in 2017 that did a better job of reinforcing a song's lyrical message in a creative way than Jay Z's *4:44* standout "The Story of O.J." The song itself contains sobering reflections of racial oppression in America, and to bolster these themes, legendary director Mark Romanek had the stroke of genius to animate the story with recreations of actual racist American cartoons from the 1930s and '40s. Watching real characters from a dark time in America's not-so-distant past deliver Jay Z's hook make his message impossible to ignore. As tough as it might be to watch as entertainment, this is exactly the kind of video we so desperately needed in 2017.

youtu.be

**Directors:** Mark Romanek and Jay Z

There wasn't a music video in 2017 that did a better job of reinforcing a song's lyrical message in a creative way than Jay Z's *4:44* standout "The Story of O.J." The song itself contains sobering reflections of racial oppression in America, and to bolster these themes, legendary director Mark Romanek had the stroke of genius to animate the story with recreations of actual racist American cartoons from the 1930s and '40s. Watching real characters from a dark time in America's not-so-distant past deliver Jay Z's hook make his message impossible to ignore. As tough as it might be to watch as entertainment, this is exactly the kind of video we so desperately needed in 2017.

Director: Kevin Abstract

Brockhampton had an incredible year. With three albums, two sold-out tours, and a meteoric rise, the boy band came a long way in a very short amount of time. One of the most impressive elements of their success is a series of low-budget videos that see them flaunting their creativity. “Star,” “Gummy,” and countless others all had us excited for the projects that would follow—but none of them hit quite as hard as “Junky.”

Directed by Brockhampton’s own Kevin Abstract, the “Junky” video is confrontational and intimate, offering an up-close look at each and every member. This thing has so many inspired images: Kevin covered in gold, Merlyn rapping into a handheld mirror, Joba confronting the voices inside his head. But what makes the “Junky” video so exceptional—besides how much mileage they got with limited resources—is that it’s just as hard as the song itself. If anyone ever asks who Brockhampton is, this is a good place to start. — youtube.com

**Director:** Kevin Abstract

Brockhampton had an incredible year. With three albums, two sold-out tours, and a meteoric rise, the boy band came a long way in a very short amount of time. One of the most impressive elements of their success is a series of low-budget videos that see them flaunting their creativity. “Star,” “Gummy,” and countless others all had us excited for the projects that would follow—but none of them hit quite as hard as “Junky.”

Directed by Brockhampton’s own Kevin Abstract, the “Junky” video is confrontational and intimate, offering an up-close look at each and every member. This thing has so many inspired images: Kevin covered in gold, Merlyn rapping into a handheld mirror, Joba confronting the voices inside his head. But what makes the “Junky” video so exceptional—besides how much mileage they got with limited resources—is that it’s just as hard as the song itself. If anyone ever asks who Brockhampton is, this is a good place to start.

youtube.com

**Director:** Kevin Abstract

Brockhampton had an incredible year. With three albums, two sold-out tours, and a meteoric rise, the boy band came a long way in a very short amount of time. One of the most impressive elements of their success is a series of low-budget videos that see them flaunting their creativity. “Star,” “Gummy,” and countless others all had us excited for the projects that would follow—but none of them hit quite as hard as “Junky.”

Directed by Brockhampton’s own Kevin Abstract, the “Junky” video is confrontational and intimate, offering an up-close look at each and every member. This thing has so many inspired images: Kevin covered in gold, Merlyn rapping into a handheld mirror, Joba confronting the voices inside his head. But what makes the “Junky” video so exceptional—besides how much mileage they got with limited resources—is that it’s just as hard as the song itself. If anyone ever asks who Brockhampton is, this is a good place to start.

Directors: Dave Meyers and the Little Homies

One of Kendrick Lamar's biggest strengths is his attention to detail. It's a trait that allows him to lock in and craft intricate rhyme schemes and complex songs. It gives him the patience to weave cohesive storylines on dense albums like To Pimp A Butterfly. It's also the virtue sitting at the core of 2017's most dynamic directing team: Dave Meyers and the Little Homies.

The "Little Homies" are Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment president Dave Free. Alongside Meyers, they put out two of the year's best videos (plus one with Nabil and another with Jonas Lindstroem). "HUMBLE" came first, and by the end of the year, it remains the crowning jewel of Kendrick's unparalleled visual output in 2017.

Fully understanding how we consume media today, every few seconds of this video is a GIF-worthy moment waiting to be repackaged for social media timelines, memes, and iMessage responses. Kendrick's left stroke went viral and his flaming head took on a life of its own. Not a single frame is wasted. The VMAs got it right this time—"HUMBLE" is the video of the year. — youtu.be

**Directors:** Dave Meyers and the Little Homies

One of Kendrick Lamar's biggest strengths is his attention to detail. It's a trait that allows him to lock in and craft intricate rhyme schemes and complex songs. It gives him the patience to weave cohesive storylines on dense albums like *To Pimp A Butterfly*. It's also the virtue sitting at the core of 2017's most dynamic directing team: Dave Meyers and the Little Homies.

The "Little Homies" are Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment president Dave Free. Alongside Meyers, they put out two of the year's best videos (plus one with Nabil and another with Jonas Lindstroem). "HUMBLE" came first, and by the end of the year, it remains the crowning jewel of Kendrick's unparalleled visual output in 2017.

Fully understanding how we consume media today, every few seconds of this video is a GIF-worthy moment waiting to be repackaged for social media timelines, memes, and iMessage responses. Kendrick's left stroke went viral and his flaming head took on a life of its own. Not a single frame is wasted. The VMAs got it right this time—"HUMBLE" is the video of the year.

youtu.be

**Directors:** Dave Meyers and the Little Homies

One of Kendrick Lamar's biggest strengths is his attention to detail. It's a trait that allows him to lock in and craft intricate rhyme schemes and complex songs. It gives him the patience to weave cohesive storylines on dense albums like *To Pimp A Butterfly*. It's also the virtue sitting at the core of 2017's most dynamic directing team: Dave Meyers and the Little Homies.

The "Little Homies" are Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment president Dave Free. Alongside Meyers, they put out two of the year's best videos (plus one with Nabil and another with Jonas Lindstroem). "HUMBLE" came first, and by the end of the year, it remains the crowning jewel of Kendrick's unparalleled visual output in 2017.

Fully understanding how we consume media today, every few seconds of this video is a GIF-worthy moment waiting to be repackaged for social media timelines, memes, and iMessage responses. Kendrick's left stroke went viral and his flaming head took on a life of its own. Not a single frame is wasted. The VMAs got it right this time—"HUMBLE" is the video of the year.

Pigeons And Planes Best Music Videos

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Best Music Videos of 2017

24. Migos - "T-Shirt"

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23. London O'Connor - "Nobody Hangs Out Anymore"

View this video on YouTube

22. Selena Gomez - "Bad Liar"

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21. Actress - "X22RME"

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20. Gorillaz - "Saturnz Barz (Spirit House)"

View this video on YouTube

19. Ski Mask The Slump God - "Catch Me Outside"

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18. Joji - "Will He"

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17. Aminé - "REDMERCEDES"

View this video on YouTube

16. Gus Dapperton - "I'm Just Snacking"

View this video on YouTube

15. Lil Peep - "Benz Truck"

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14. Tyler, The Creator - "Who Dat Boy"

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13. Danny Brown - "Ain't It Funny"

View this video on YouTube

12. King Krule - "Dum Surfer"

View this video on YouTube

11. The Blaze - "Territory"

View this video on YouTube

10. Yung Lean - "Red Bottom Sky"

View this video on YouTube

9. Tierra Whack - "Mumbo Jumbo"

View this video on YouTube

8. Kendrick Lamar - "ELEMENT"

View this video on YouTube

7. St. Vincent - "New York"

View this video on YouTube

6. Björk - "The Gate"

View this video on YouTube

5. Charli XCX - "Boys"

View this video on YouTube

4. Young Thug - "Wyclef Jean"

View this video on YouTube

3. Jay Z - "The Story of O.J."

View this video on YouTube

2. Brockhampton - "Junky"

View this video on YouTube

1. Kendrick Lamar - "HUMBLE"

View this video on YouTube

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