In the Mood For Nostalgia? Check Out the Most Iconic '80s Music Videos
Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club once crooned that video killed the radio star, but their tongue-in-cheek song would later become MTV's first music video. The '80s ushered in an explosion of vivid, colorful music videos decked out with big hair, ripped chests, and gratuitous displays of wealth. The decadent glam of Madonna's "Material Girl" and the steaminess of Prince's "When Doves Cry" embody the sexy, fun spirit of the decade. In contrast to the outburst of color, you could also find moody, artsy concepts in A-ha's "Take On Me" and The Police's "Every Breath You Take." Whatever camp you prefer, you have to admit that '80s music videos had style. Keep reading to see the cream of the crop, boomboxes and neon dancewear optional!
01
"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles
02
"Super Trouper" by ABBA
03
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
04
"Physical" by Olivia Newton-John
05
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson
06
"Love Is a Battlefield" by Pat Benatar
07
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police
08
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
09
"Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club
10
"All Night Long (All Night)" by Lionel Richie
11
"When Doves Cry" by Prince
12
"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics
13
"Take on Me" by A-ha
14
"Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel
15
"What's Love Got to Do With It" by Tina Turner
16
"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
17
"Material Girl" by Madonna
18
"We Are the World" by USA For Africa
19
"How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston
20
"Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits
21
"Smooth Operator" by Sade
22
"Walk This Way" by Run-DMC
23
"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
24
"Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley
25
"Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
26
"Express Yourself" by Madonna
27
"Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats
28
"Straight Up" by Paula Abdul
29
"Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer
30