While the debate will go on, the election has been decided and voters have picked the best 80s music videos.
In a Billboard poll voters were asked to pick the best videos from the decade that essentially created the format. The vote was taken in honor of MTV’s 30th anniversary and the results included some of the greatest videos ever made. These are the best 80s music videos as voted on by Billboard’s readership.
Best 80s Music Videos:
10. “Rhythm Nation” Janet Jackson (1989)
This was Ms. Jackson at her nastiest. A military-themed video with a message of inclusion.
9. “Every Breath You Take” The Police (1983)
Before Sting became a soft-rock staple playing the lute, he led the best band in the world. This was a quiet one from The Police, but it remains a classic today.
8. “Walk This Way” RUN-D.M.C. and Aerosmith (1986)
The song that bridged the divide between rock and rap.
7. “Hungry Like The Wolf” Duran Duran (1983)
No band used music videos more effectively.
6. “Sledgehammer” Peter Gabriel (1986)
This was a truly groundbreaking video at the time. Gabriel had better songs, but he never made a better music video.
5. “When Doves Cry” Prince (1984)
(This video is not available for linking).
He may be gone, but videos like this one make it so he will never be forgotten.
4. “Take On Me” a-ha (1985)
Perhaps the greatest one-hit wonder (at least in the U.S.) of all time.
3. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Cyndi Lauper (1983)
This announced a new talent in a major way. Lauper established per persona with this video leading to her becoming one of the biggest stars of the 80s.
2. “Like A Prayer” Madonna (1989)
(This video cannot be embedded)
A hugely controversial video when it came out, but one that went a long way toward making Madonna the star she remains today.
1. “Thriller” Michael Jackson (1983)
Michael Jackson defined music videos with this epic clip.
