Here are some music videos that I enjoy, or that portrayed the "Spirit of the 80s". Although not that musically talented myself (I was a drummer in junior high), music has played a big part of my life. I especially liked music videos that told some kind of a "story". There are a lot more awesome videos, but hopefully, these are "school-safe".
The ULTIMATE music video, and my favorite of all time.
Perhaps Michael Jackson’s most famous song. Lesson: avoid groupies/stalkers.
The first of Madonna’s record 38 Top 10 hits. Lesson: Don’t abandon your real friends.
It’s Raining Again – 1982
A great story of a nice guy who goes after the girl of his dreams, and gets her!
Owner of a Lonely Heart – 1983
A man fights back against sort of an eerie, futuristic “Big Brother” society.
A great love song, featured at the end of “Napoleon Dynamite”.
A fun song about the craziness of raising a family.
Your Wildest Dreams – 1986
This is a great song about remembering your lost love and trying to find them.
A timeless song by Cyndi Lauper. Lesson: Sometimes you just have to move on.
This is a very good dance song. The hitch hiker in the video is creepy though.
Paula Abdul was a Laker Girl at one time. I like how she got the kids to dance in this video.
I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues – 1983
A great love song from Elton John, one of the most talented musicians ever.
The best song from the Thompson Twins. Lesson: Quit fighting so much.
A huge hit from the Human League, during the second “British Music Invasion”.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – 1987
Whitney Houston had a huge hit with this one.
The range of emotions of the girl featured in this video is amazing. She was married to the lead singer.
A great beat by one of my favorite groups.
One of, if not the best, love songs performed by Madonna.
Spandau Ballet was a group that was part of the “New Romantic” movement.
Something About You – 1986
A terrific song with a good lesson: don’t make a clown jealous.
Every Breath You Take – 1983
The Police had a huge hit with this song about stalking.
Bizarre Love Triangle – 1986
One of the best dance songs of the decade. New Order had a lot of them.
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now – 1987
A GREAT song from the movie "Mannequin".
Culture Club had several U. S. hits, but this was the only one to hit #1.
We Didn’t Start the Fire – 1989
Here, Billy Joel captured several historical events from the 50s to the 80s.
The lead singer of “Swing Out Sister” really was a fashion designer.
A terrific song about how people really can make a difference.
When I Think of You – 1986
Janet Jackson had her first #1 song with this hit.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – 1985
A huge hit from this British band.
New Moon on Monday – 1984
Duran Duran had a ton of hits in the early and mid 80s.
She Drives Me Crazy – 1989
The Fine Young Cannibals were huge in ’89, and then disappeared.
Dancing in the Dark – 1984
Bruce Springsteen has never had a #1 hit. This one stalled at #2.
The Bangles are one of the most successful girl bands in history.
A very interesting story of how a blind sculptor “sees” her teacher.
Never Gonna Give You Up – 1988
Rick Astley, who sounds a lot like a soul singer, hit it big with this song.
Billy Joel actually was married to the “Uptown Girl”, Christie Brinkley.
I Can’t Go For That – 1982
I love the “Blue-Eyed Soul” sound that Hall & Oates produced.
Always Something There to Remind Me – 1983
A terrific song that you can easily sing along to.
Some people claim this song perfectly captures the materialism of the 80s.
One of the most creative and entertaining videos of the early MTV era.
Not a fan of his dancing, but the beat in this song is great.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – 1984
Some people have called this the “ultimate pop song.” I agree.
What’s Love Got to Do With It – 1984
Tina Turner made a HUGE comeback, starting with her first and only #1.
Falling in love with someone when you are little. Check out their overalls.
A big duet from two superstars. It’s kind of sappy, but still a great song.
Tracey Ullman is a comedian who tried singing. Look for Paul McCartney here.
One of the best songs from my high school years.
This is a terrific summer song, and it never gets old.
A big hit from this alternative group. Lesson: Hold onto your girlfriend!
Greatest Love of All – 1986
A terrific song from a beautiful and talented woman we never should have lost.
Just an amazing song. My favorite from this group.