20 Music Videos That Defined The 90s

18. MC Hammer - "U Can't Touch This" (1990)

Mc 600x300 Speaking from our experience as a high-schooler in Middle America when this song was released, we can vouch for the fact that there was a point in history when most people thought not only that MC Hammer was actually cool, but that wearing harem pants was actually quite a good idea. Of course this was just months before Nirvana came in and blew the doors off the music industry, and nothing Hammer released after this had anywhere near the same impact, but MC Hammer proved that all you needed for a MTV hit in the early 90's was a goofy dance and a Rick James sample. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo

17. Sinead O'Connor - "Nothing Compares 2 U" (1990)

Sinead 600x300 Before her numerous media meltdowns and her infamous Saturday Night Live appearance where she destroyed a picture of the Pope while furiously hissing "Fight the real evil", there was this starkly simple but instantly emotionally devastating video. It consists of an extreme close-up of Connor's face as she lip-syncs to her version of the then obscure Prince track. The hook? About two-thirds of the way through we see a tear fall down her cheek, causing a generation of viewers to suddenly sniffle and declare their eyes were dusty. This wasn't the typical lasers, gauze and smoke machines we were used to seeing. This was something honest and real. And after this video, all artists were desperate to convey a sense of realness and sincerity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUiTQvT0W_0
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Hi there, What Culture-ers! I'm William Graff, a 40-year old freelance writer from the wilds of Capitol Hill in beautiful Denver, Colorado. I enjoy many things such as beer, Doctor Who, The Simpsons, record collecting, stand-up comedy, long aimless walks, and of course the Broncos, which is required by law if you live here. I appreciate all feedback for my writing, but I prefer cash and/or deleted Smiths singles in lieu of praise. Rock on!