The Best Music Videos of 2019
Marie Claire's roundup of the best music videos of 2019—from the Jonas Brothers' "Sucker" to Ariana Grande's "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored." Watch them here.
After they surprised fans and reunited after almost a decade apart, the Jonas Brothers proved that anything is possible—including that a music video can still go viral, and that some of the best content out there includes Joe Jonas in his underwear (...but I digress!). The Jo Bros, along with more artists like Ariana Grande, Maren Morris, and Billie Eilish, are setting the bar high for a medium that's often described as "dying," and consistently proving otherwise with their cinematic storytelling, sneaky Easter eggs, and stunning visuals. See for yourself, below, with our roundup of the best music videos of 2019. Then make sure to check back for the updated list throughout the year.
"Stray" - Grace VanderWaal
Fifteen-year-old America's Got Talent prodigy Grace VanderWaal is mesmerizing in her new music video, "Stray," as scenes flash between herself standing barefoot in the middle of the desert and riding a bike blindfolded amongst a pink sunset. It reflects both her innocence and the looming unpredictability that comes with "the exhilarating fear and freedom of growing up."
"Sucker" - Jonas Brothers
I thought I officially said goodbye to my childhood when Sophie Turner, Priyanka Chopra, and Danielle Jonas emerged in tulle gowns alongside their husbands (!) for the video of the Jonas Brothers' first major single, "Sucker," since their breakup in 2013. But that didn't really happen until two minutes and 32 seconds in when Joe basically admitted he's into BDSM while hanging from chains in his underwear. I'm fine!
"Bury a Friend" - Billie Eilish
Music video or horror movie? "Bury a Friend" gives major Exorcist vibes as Eilish, 17, grapples with death of herself and her relationships. Fair warning: If you cringe at the thought of a needle or syringe, move on to the next video. It really goes there, which is mainly why it's so great.
"Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" - Ariana Grande
Talk to me after you've watched all three minutes and 25 seconds of Ariana's sexy "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" video featuring her alter ago and Riverdale's Charles Melton. Grande wins the award for biggest plot twist at the end when she insinuates she is, in fact, not talking about Melton at all...
“EARFQUAKE” - Tyler, the Creator
A moment of silence for Tracee Ellis Ross starring as Pearl of the fictional The Pearl Edwards Show in Tyler, the Creator's "Earfquake" from his new album, IGOR. Only Tyler can stand in front of a metallic curtain in a blue suit and blonde wig, light the set on fire, and make us feel like we're watching history unfold. (It's because we are.)
"Old Town Road" - Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
It would be illegal not to include the certified bop of the summer that is Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus' "Old Town Road" on this list. Major props to Lil Nas X for his self-awareness, opening up the video as a western film and proceeding to reflect on the utter disbelief of a Lil Nas x Billy Ray collaboration in the first place. Oh, and Billy Ray's pink jacket with white fringe? An excellent choice.
"Look What God Gave Her" - Thomas Rhett
I'm just going to say it: Thomas Rhett's "Look What God Gave Her" looks like a spinoff of Drake's "Hotline Bling," and for that I respect it 10x more. In all seriousness, Rhett features his wife, Lauren Akins, and their two daughters in the video amongst a variety of real women, which makes his clear departure from a traditional country music video that much more special.
"Going Bad" - Meek Mill ft. Drake
T.I., Nipsey Hussle (R.I.P.), Mustard, Swizz Beatz, Shy Glizzy, PnB Rock, J. Prince, YK Osiris...Meek Mill and Drake quite literally hosted an American rapper reunion in "Going Bad" while very much giving off mafia vibes. Remember that Meek and Drake feud? Consider it officially donzo.
"GIRL" - Maren Morris
Maren Morris beautifully highlights the struggles of being a woman in "GIRL" from her album of the same title, released in March. She reflects on her own insecurities as a singer and songwriter while showing the raw, real-life physical and mental struggles we face as women. It deserves all the stars.
“I Don’t Care” - Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber
Nobody asked for an Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber collaboration, and yet here we are. The "I Don't Care" music video where the pair becomes green-screen icons (think: John Mayer's "New Light," but weirder) is so stupid that it's good. I never thought I'd live to see Justin Bieber participating in a stampede while wearing an ice cream cone suit, but it's 2019 and nothing surprises me anymore.
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