From “APESHIT” to “Fake Love,” The 30 Best Music Videos Of 2018 (So Far)

Mike Nied | July 9, 2018 12:12 pm
Christine's Epic 'Girlfriend' Video
Christine And The Queens serve choreography on a construction site.

2018 is halfway gone, and the year has contained some excellent moments in pop culture. Many of music’s established acts (and a selection of promising up-and-comers) have graced us with impressive content over the last few months. It has been a particularly strong year for visual feats. Beyonce and Jay-Z took over The Louvre in their “APESHIT” video, which was so evocative that the iconic museum is now offering tours inspired by the release.

Kim Petras delivered on promises of a trans princess in “Heart To Break,” Selena Gomez continued her string of innovative videos with “Back To You,” K-pop legends BTS dazzled in their intricate “Fake Love” and so many others dropped equally memorable visuals. We compiled a list of 30 of the best music videos released so far this year. Check it out below and remind us of any we might have missed.

30. “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” – BLACKPINK

The K-pop queens served serious choreography and undeniably chic looks in their jewel-toned visual.

29. “Stranger Things” – Kygo feat. OneRepublic

Star-crossed lovers become a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde (unfortunate ending included) in Kygo’s latest depressing but captivating release.

28. “No Tears Left To Cry” – Ariana Grande

Ari turned her world upside down and embedded sweet tributes to Manchester in the unforgettable visual for her lead Sweetener single.

27. “Sin Pijama” – Becky G feat. Natti Natasha

Stream queen Becky G follows up last year’s “Mayores” with an equally sexy free-for-all. Lush costumes and extravagant set-pieces make for one of the most luxurious slumber party fantasies of all time.

26. “Stop Me From Falling (Remix)” – Kylie Minogue x Gente De Zona

A bad date takes a turn for the unexpected in a very good way when the Goddess of Pop takes a risk in her best release since “All The Lovers.”

25. “What I Need” – Hayley Kiyoko feat. Kehlani

20gayteen is alive and well as evidenced by Lesbian Jesus’ latest release. In it she and Kehlani overcome the odds to deliver the lesbian love story we desperately need.

24. “Love Lies” – Khalid and Normani

Serving choreography and looks for days, Normani puts on a seriously sexy show in her voyeuristic debut video as a solo star.

23. “2002” – Anne-Marie

The budding pop princess channelled the several defining hits of the early millennium in her nostalgic single, and the video takes things to the next level as she recreates Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.”

22. “Heart To Break” – Kim Petras

Kim Petras delivers on promises of a trans princess in her most ambitious video to date.

21. “Get It Right” – Diplo feat. Mø

Perfect pair Diplo and Mø become the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers of EDM in their latest collaboration.

20. “Fake Love” – BTS

The K-pop legends did the absolute most in a very good way. Delivering intricate staging, explosive practical effects and bombastic choreography, they have another masterpiece on their hands.

19. “El Anillo” – Jennifer Lopez

J.Lo is a diamond-encrusted and exceptionally well-dressed pop goddess in her blisteringly sexy release.

18. “Fall In Line” – Christina Aguilera feat. Demi Lovato

The former Disney princesses join forces to escape the shackles of their earlier careers in their iconic collaboration.

17. “Hymn” – Kesha

Dedicated to the DREAMers, Kesha’s striking video contains a message of unity and hope.

16. “Bloom” – Troye Sivan

The “My My My!” crooner defies gender roles and poses alongside vibrant florals in his endlessly chic and arty release.

15. “All The Stars” – Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA

Kendrick and SZA’s Black Panther contribution was accompanied by a visually stunning love letter to Africa.

14. “IDGAF” – Dua Lipa

Dua’s winning streak continues. After dazzling with viral sensation “New Rules” in 2017, she stays exceptionally on brand with her brilliantly choreographed and styled “IDGAF.”

13. “Rose Colored Boy” – Paramore

Frontwoman Hayley Williams channels ’80s weather girl realness in the group’s undeniably playful video.

12. “PYNK” – Janelle Monáe

Arty and vaginal, Janelle celebrated womanhood and girl power in the best way.

11. “Bitches” – Tove Lo feat. Charli XCX, Icona Pop, Elliphant and ALMA

Tove continues her one-woman sexual revolution by uniting with a group of pop’s most promising and running an underground sex therapy office.

10. “Talia” – King Princess

The up-and-comer brings an unexpected love story to life in her quirky but moving release.

9. “Finesse” – Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B

The twosome single-handedly brought the ’90s back to life in their vibrant collaboration.

8. “Girlfriend” – Christine & the Queens

The French pop star channelled Michael Jackson and Charles Ebbets’ iconic photography in her gender-bending and heavily choreographed work of art.

7. “New Light” – John Mayer

Premium content indeed. John’s campy release makes bad special effects seem unspeakably cool.

6. “Back To You” – Selena Gomez

History repeats in the pop princess’ latest visual. Boasting an innovative plot and gorgeous costumes, it is more evidence of Selena’s willingness to move beyond traditional expectations for pop stars.

5. “Whack World” – Tierra Whack

Tierra Whack certified her status as One To Watch with her innovative release. Comprised of multiple one-minute vignettes, this is like nothing you have ever seen before.

4. “These Days” – Wallows

Serenading goes horribly wrong in the rising indie band’s latest video. Boasting a simple but well-executed concept, the retro release offers a new twist on a tired teen trope.

3. “This Is America” – Childish Gambino

Donald Glover’s latest video is striking, timely and an absolute must-see. Tackling a variety of hot-bed issues, it has emerged as one of the most engaging and pertinent releases in recent memory.

2. “Ashes” – Celine Dion

Celine’s Deadpool contribution is a soaring ballad, and the accompanying video provided a rare moment of levity in an action-packed year. Watching her perform the evocative anthem as the superhero dances across the stage is absurdly powerful, hysterical and brilliant.

1. “APESHIT” – The Carters

Beyonce and Jay-Z pulled off the unthinkable with their latest surprise release, Everything Is Love. And they took things to the next level by taking over The Louvre for their “APESHIT” video. Delivering iconic looks and picture-perfect staging, it is an incredibly impressive feat from the power couple.

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