The 90s were a transformative decade for music videos, marking a vibrant and innovative era that significantly shaped pop culture. With the continued rise of MTV and VH1, videos became a crucial medium for artists to express their creativity.
From the edgy aesthetics of Nirvana to the sensational performances of pop princess Britney Spears, 1990s music videos pushed artistic boundaries and provided a platform for social commentary, fashion trends, and emerging technologies. The music video for Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” took a mainstream teen experience – a pep rally – and slapped some grunge on it. Shiny cheerleaders and football players made way for the rise of the outcast. Suddenly, grunge was the epitome of cool, ushering in a new musical era (and a ton of flannel shirt/ripped jeans/combat boot combinations). Aerosmith enjoyed a ‘90s resurgence with their three music video series, starring a young, frustrated daughter of the grunge movement, Alicia Silverstone. One thing is certain: The Silverstone music video trilogy has made an indelible mark on rock and roll history. Michael and Janet Jackson’s “Scream” has the honor of being the most expensive music video EVER made. As we look back, it’s clear that these videos not only defined the music of the time but also left a lasting influence on the art of video production, but society as a whole.
This era witnessed the advent of iconic visuals, groundbreaking storytelling, and memorable choreography. You will also see the remarkable transformation of the quality of the music video as technology dramatically improved over the decade. Let’s throw it back—it’s music video binge time, 90s style.
MADONNA: VOGUE (1990)
MC HAMMER: U CAN’T TOUCH THIS (1990)
VANILLA ICE: ICE ICE BABY (1990)
NIRVANA: SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT (1991)
GUNS N’ ROSES: NOVEMBER RAIN (1992)
NAUGHTY BY NATURE: HIP HOP HOORAY (1992)
BECK: LOSER (1993)
AEROSMITH: CRYIN’ (1994)
The music video for “Crazy” stars Silverstone and frontman Steven Tyler’s teenage daughter Liv. This casting caused quite the frenzy back in the day due to Tyler’s age, the adult nature of the videos, and their father/daughter relationship. One thing is certain, however: The Silverstone music video trilogy has made an indelible mark on rock and roll history.
GREEN DAY: BASKET CASE (1994)
THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.: BIG POPPA (1994)
The “Big Poppa” video, directed by music video impresario Hype Williams, cemented Biggie’s place as one of the most formidable forces in the hip-hop world.
2PAC FEATURING DR. DRE: CALIFORNIA LOVE (1995)
This was 2Pac’s first single following his 1995 stint in prison and his first single as an artist for Death Row Records.