From detailed and imaginative works of genius, to simple yet spirited vignettes, to memorable viral hits that transcend far beyond the songs they are attached to. It has been a strong year for music videos all across the spectrum. So before we dive into the music proper, join us first for one last visual extravaganza as we shine a light on some of our favourite videos of the past twelve months.

10. Crown Lands – Lady Of The Lake

Situated somewhere between performing an ancient woodland ritual and embarking on an epic fantasy quest, the visuals here certainly have a presence and a hint of mysticism around them. Some great costume and make-up design, and I love the aerial shots of the summoning circle. 

9. Meadowlark – Goodbye

Released way back at the start of January, the simple yet striking premise of the two bandmates carrying a coffin to a waiting pyre is an image that has stuck with me all this time. Given that the duo decided to close the book on Meadowlark this year, this video has taken on an extra bittersweet layer of meaning. 

8. Ber – Slutphase

What better visuals for this energizing, effervescent indie-pop bop – the kind of track that makes you want to sing and dance around your kitchen – than a music video that does just that! Such infectious carefree fun from start to finish. (cleaning up all the mess afterwards… probably less so)

7. Hozier – Eat Your Young

An inventive commentary on generational trauma, which sees all that disappears from the adult’s theatre show reappear in the children’s puppet show. Much like his latest album as a whole, there’s many layers of meaning here for you to dig through. Also, he always manages to recruit the most buzzworthy acting talent for his videos, and it’s great to see the brilliant Ivanna Sakhno join that roster.

6. Boygenius – Cool About It

Dark, beautiful and utterly devastating, this marvellous piece of monochrome animation offers a unique and creative depiction of toxic relationships. One where seemingly the only choices for a lost stuffed animal are remaining lost and alone, or a love that leaves her literally coming apart at the seams. 

5. HMLTD – The Worm

A perfect microcosm of the album it shares its name with. A grand theatrical statement, a deranged fever dream, a slice of silly Python-esque absurdity. The line between utterly bonkers and sheer brilliance is so blurred here, as every aspect of the video (and indeed the album as a whole) is performed with the upmost earnestness and sincerity. Special shout-out to the costume designer who nailed that angelic attire.

4. DJ Crazy Times & Ms. Biljana Electronica – Planet of the Bass

This viral spoof of 90s Europop could have just been a one-and-done meme. Normally a joke wears out with retelling, but comedian Kyle Gordon managed to keep building it up in a way that deepened the lore, all culminating in this absolute gem of a video. The rare kind of parody that ascends beyond a joke to be a kind of art in its own right.

3. Sleep Walking Animals – Rossignol (සිප ගන්නා විට)

There’s so many wonderful ideas working in tandem here, and all of them executed brilliantly. The vibrant, kaleidoscopic watercolour style animation, the craftsmanship of the practical bird head, the beautiful shoreline and chalk cliffs – hell, the moody lighting even manages to make an ordinary bus stop seem magical. 

2. Slowdive – alife

One of the most beautiful pieces of animation I’ve ever seen, music video or otherwise. Love the sketch art style reminiscent of ‘Take On Me’, the fascinating way it almost seamlessly shifts between 2D and 3D, the perspective of the building and the way the scene is lit, and how machine and nature seem to grow together as one.

1. Steven Wilson – Beautiful Scarecrow

The amount of work and attention to detail that must have gone into making these five minutes is frankly staggering. Having CG modelling so detailed and intricate that it looks like proper physical stop motion sounds somehow like a more intricate and complex task than actually making it stop motion in the first place. It all seems so tangible, like you could reach through your screen and feel the texture of it. Honestly baffled how it can look this good; the highest of praise to everyone involved.