It’s a bit amusing for me to be the one suggesting a dive into music videos. Unlike most of my peers, I didn’t have much love for them back in the day. However, after years of steering clear of popular music, I found myself in an unexpected role at MTV, VH1, and MTV2. My journey began in 1991, and what a revelation it was! As I let go of my initial skepticism, I discovered that when you pair the right director with a talented musician, you can create four minutes of sheer artistic brilliance. While many fondly reminisce about the ’80s, it was the ’90s when music videos truly transformed into cultural treasures.
Skipping over icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna—who could easily dominate any top 10 list—here are nine memorable music videos from the ’90s and 2000s that are still worth your time. Let’s see if these spark some nostalgia for you, too!
- Lauryn Hill – “Everything Is Everything,” directed by Sanji (1998)
The moment the beat drops, New York City transforms into the ultimate turntable. This video captures my romanticized view of the city, making it incredibly special to me. - Soundgarden – “Black Hole Sun,” directed by Howard Greenhalgh (1994)
I remember working at MTV when this masterpiece premiered. People literally gathered in hallways to witness it. It was a moment that felt magical and rare. - Fatboy Slim – “Weapon of Choice,” directed by Spike Jonze (2001)
During my time at MTV2, we had this video on repeat. No matter how many times it aired, it was always a treat to watch. Seriously, you could say it was like Christmas every time it popped up. - Blur – “Coffee & TV,” directed by Hammer & Tongs (1999)
I fell head over heels for this quirky gem whilst at MTV2. So much so that my sister-in-law, an artist, hand-painted a T-shirt featuring that adorable milk carton character just for me. - OK Go – “Here It Goes Again,” directed by Trish Sie and OK Go (2006)
Choosing which OK Go video to highlight was tough. “A Million Ways” was their first, shot on a shoestring budget in a backyard, but the treadmill spectacle took it to the next level. This one is a must-see with your kids; they’ll have a blast! - Smashing Pumpkins – “Tonight, Tonight,” directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (1996)
Though I wasn’t a huge fan of Billy Corgan’s voice, I had to admit that this video was a powerhouse. Watching it again today made me appreciate the song even more. - Björk – “It’s Oh So Quiet,” directed by Spike Jonze (1995)
No one can deny that Björk knows how to make a statement with her videos. This one, with its nod to classic musicals, showcases her unique style brilliantly. - Jamiroquai – “Virtual Insanity,” directed by Jonathan Glazer (1996)
With its catchy beats and quirky visuals, it’s impossible not to smile while watching this video. It brings a certain joy that transcends musical preferences. Fun fact: it even inspired a video game! - Weezer – “Keep Fishin’,” directed by Marcos Siega (2002)
Weezer + Muppets = pure genius. Directed by the talented Marcos Siega, who I had the pleasure of working with at MTV, this video is a hilarious throwback for anyone who loved The Muppet Show.
After my time at those networks, I spent seven years at Fuse. It’s hard to believe I once disliked music videos, and now I’ve spent over a decade immersed in them. If you’re interested in more topics like this, check out our post on intracervical insemination. Also, if you’re looking to boost your fertility, this site has some great resources. For those interested in pregnancy, the CDC offers excellent information.
In summary, revisiting these music videos from the ’90s and ’00s not only takes us on a nostalgic journey but also highlights the artistic evolution of the music video medium. So go ahead, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a blast from the past!