In the 1990s, music videos changed a lot, especially with Britpop bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp. These bands didn’t just change the music; they also changed the way music videos looked. Music videos in the 90s became more creative and less about looking perfect. The 90s brought a new style that was different from the 80s, where music videos were often expensive and very polished.

Britpop music videos showed a lot of real, everyday life. They often used simple settings, like streets, homes, or local places, rather than big, fancy locations. This gave the videos a more down-to-earth feel. For example, Oasis’s “Wonderwall” had simple images that felt dreamy and nostalgic, while Blur’s “Coffee and TV” used both cartoons and real-life scenes to mix reality with something funny and strange. These videos felt more personal and closer to everyday life compared to the flashy videos from the 80s.

One big change in 90s music videos was using a more rough or low-quality look. Many of the videos seemed like they were made with less money, with blurry footage or handheld cameras. This wasn’t just because they didn’t have money; it was also a way of showing they didn’t want to make everything look perfect or fake. The rough look made the videos feel more real and honest, which fit with the attitude of the Britpop bands, who often criticized big, powerful companies and things that were too perfect.

Another important change was how many 90s music videos started telling stories. Pulp’s “Common People” is a great example. The video showed a story about working-class life, with simple images that felt real and showed a life many people didn’t see in other videos. Instead of showing rich or glamorous people, it focused on normal people. This made the video both artistic and important in talking about social issues.

The 1990s marked a turning point in the world of music videos, with a shift towards creativity and authenticity. Britpop bands were at the forefront of this change, embracing a raw, straightforward style that stood in stark contrast to the glossy, overproduced videos of the 1980s. This shift mirrored broader societal trends, as audiences began to crave more genuine, less idealized portrayals of life and beauty. This was a rebellion against the excessive commercialization of the 1980s, and it also influenced the production of later music videos, driving a style that focuses more on authenticity, emotional expression, and social issues, continuing to have a profound impact on the creation of modern music videos today.

Siqi Han 33846005