Top 10 Music Videos That Tackled Serious Issues
#10: “Born Free” (2010)
M.I.A. The video for the track “Born Free” follows a fictional story about the persecution of redheads. Tackling the concept of genocide and discrimination, artist M.I.A. chooses to make a bold statement about oppression. The inspiration for the narrative came from real-world events such as the war crimes associated with the conflict in Sri Lanka. In a radical statement about racism and tyrannical regimes, the artist depicts a fictional conflict in a bleak parallel world. The performer shows redheads under attack in an effective inversion of the problems faced by minorities and immigrants around the world. Along with powerful lyrics, the musician delivers an effective visual metaphor for the dangers of racism and hatred.
#9: “Testure” (1989)
Skinny Puppy Industrial band Skinny Puppy doesn’t mince words in their video for “Testure.” In a disturbing story, a neglectful man lets his dog die and gets taken away to a test facility. He then finds himself on the receiving end of several horrific tests. The entire process tries to give humans an idea of what animals go through during laboratory testing. Using footage from animal rights documentaries, the narrative shows intense scenes in a series of experiments. There’s no confusing the band’s stance on animals after watching this video. Asking tough questions about cruelty towards creatures, “Testure” seeks to shock audiences into action.
#8: “1-800-273-8255” (2017)
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Logic feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid Rapper Logic provides a renewed spotlight for mental health services with “1-800-273-8255.” For the music video, a young teenager comes of age in a heartfelt narrative about finding yourself. The lead character falls for a friend at school while his father confronts him about his sexuality. With several meaningful images, the video shows the struggles of dealing with disapproving parents and hitting an emotional low point. Logic and his collaborators create the perfect template for an inspiring story about overcoming adversity and managing mental health. In the cheerful finale, the son finds acceptance from his father on his wedding day.
#7: “We Exist” (2014)
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Arcade Fire Arcade Fire’s single “We Exist” firmly supports the LGBTQ+ community and equal rights. Building off of that stance, the music video shows a trans woman coming into her own and dealing with prejudice in her community. Andrew Garfield plays the role respectfully and with the dedication of his best acting parts. Before entering into an empowering dance sequence, the character gets harassed by a group of transphobic townspeople. Arcade Fire allows the story to speak for itself as a powerful plea for equality. Blending surreal elements with the real-world problems, the “We Exist” video takes viewers through an emotional tale about embracing your real self.
#6: “Straight Outta Compton” (1988)
N.W.A It’s only fitting that the video for "Straight Outta Compton" track captures all of its fury, energy, and social commentary. As cops plan their takedown of the group, the various members move through Los Angeles with a raw performance style. The police response in the video attempts to mirror their real-life presence in Compton. Throughout the narrative, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and the others end up getting arrested by the cops in a series of tense confrontations. In a statement about police brutality, the piece comes to a conclusion in a succinct look into the struggles of being Black in America.
#5: “Zombie” (1994)
The Cranberries The Cranberries explore the conflict surrounding the Troubles in their hit “Zombie.” The song itself was written in commemoration of the Warrington bombings of 1993, another in a chain of violent acts perpetrated by the IRA. Their video shows several images dealing with everyday life in Northern Ireland as children play and soldiers patrol the area. Several murals in the video highlight the various groups and figures that played an integral part in Northern Irish history. Giving a solemn look into the division in Ireland and the United Kingdom, “Zombie” carries an important message about the perils of sectarian violence.
#4: “All I Need” (2008)
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Radiohead Radiohead’s cerebral and mournful rock perfectly fits this special video for “All I Need.” In a collaboration with MTV’s anti-human trafficking campaign EXIT, the story follows two kids from across the globe in their daily routines. Each child lives a remarkably different life in a concept that reveals the economic disparity between the two. While the child on the left goes to school, the other works in a sweatshop making shoes. It all builds to the moment when the children reach for their footwear in the final, dramatic reveal. Meant to also shine a light on the prevalence of modern slavery, “All I Need” reveals the inhuman working conditions that produce everyday items for the world.
#3: “Sleep Now in the Fire” (1999)
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Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine is never one to back away from a bold political statement. With director Michael Moore directing their video for “Sleep Now in the Fire,” the group's boldness only increases. Playing outside the New York Stock Exchange, the band directly confronts corporate greed with rock music. The concept also mixes in a parody of American game shows as a further critique of Wall Street. With their confrontational rap-rock style, they follow up on their political thesis with a signature and raging performance. The story ends with cops arresting Moore and the band trying to charge the stock exchange. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Rage Against the Machine.
#2: “Jeremy” (1992)
Pearl Jam Pearl Jam hit it big in the early 90s grunge scene with meaningful hard rock tracks like “Jeremy.” Eddie Vedder’s lyrics explore the effects that mental health and cruelty contribute to violence. Vedder was inspired to pen the song after reading a newspaper article about a boy who took his own life at school. Through several images depicting a troubled home life, the video fictionalized the events that led up to the child’s death. It all builds to a dramatic finish where Jeremy’s classmates react to his final act. The track’s delicate music and passionate vocals underscore a sometimes disturbing, but essential look into the heart of a troubled kid.
#1: “This Is America” (2018)
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Childish Gambino Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, practically broke the internet when he released the video for “This Is America” in 2018. The viral sensation features the performer in a near-empty factory as a series of violent scenes occur. Childish Gambino brings about the demise of hooded victims and unsuspecting chorus members. Each one calls to mind the unjust deaths of many black Americans at the hands of law enforcement. From killing to dancing, the incredible piece feels like a horror film one second and a musical the next. The artist’s creative vision and an incredible song serve as the foundation for a deep excavation of gun violence, police brutality, and racism.
