BY: Alexis Eichelberger

As the decade comes to an end, we’re looking back at the music videos that took our breath away during the past 10 years. Those, of course, wouldn’t have been possible without the visionary directors who brought them to life.

Here are the best directed music videos from each year of the 2010s:

2010: Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”

The music video for Adele’s first major hit is a beautiful and artistic depiction of heartbreak and rage directed by Sam Brown The vocalist herself sits in a chair in an empty home while, in other rooms, a drummer rattles the floorboards, a martial artist dances through white powder, and an unseen force shatters dish after dish against a wall.

2011: Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)”

Simple but unsettling, Gotye’s only major radio hit was accompanied by a music video directed by Natasha Pincus. The two vocalists stand perfectly still as their naked bodies are covered in geometric painted patterns, belting out one of the best and most refreshing breakup songs of the year.

2012: Drake’s “Take Care (feat. Rihanna)”

Take Care remains one of the most emblematic of Drake’s career and one of the best works of the decade. The album’s title track is a smooth R&B duet, and the first of many to feature Drake’s longtime lover Rihanna. The black-and-white video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, brings the human and natural worlds together, expertly playing on the pair’s chemistry.

2013: Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball”

Miley Cyrus’ electric return was made possible by “Wrecking Ball” and its stunning video directed by Terry Richardson. Cyrus is at her most vulnerable, tearful and barely dressed as she swings from a wrecking ball and caresses a hammer, the genuineness of her emotions apparent in every move.

 

2014: Panic! At the Disco’s “Girls Girls Boys”

The music video for the iconic queer single from Too Weird To Live Too Rare To Die is a sexy, dynamic portrait of Panic! frontman Brendon Urie directed by Djay Brawner. Urie shines for the camera, and expertly manipulated camera angles tantalize our imaginations throughout.

2015: Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean?”

Justin Bieber’s Purpose remains one of the best pop albums of the decade, and still we’re anxious waiting for his next work. The “What Do You Mean?” video is a sexy neon dream that doubles as an action movie. The video was directed by Brad Furman, who’s also directed five full-length films.

2016: Beyonce’s “Formation”

Beyonce kicked off her Lemonade era with the explosive release of “Formation” and its iconic video in February 2016. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, it’s simultaneously a nuanced critique of stereotypes and a celebration of blackness. The track and video have been repeatedly lauded by critics and award committees, and the costumes and choreography have inspired countless recreations.

2017: Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do”

After her lengthy hiatus, Taylor Swift returned to public eye in 2017 and showed us a side of her that we had never seen before. She is unapologetic, satiring her former selves while making it very clear that she’ll never be sorry for who she is again. The masterful piece was directed by Joseph Kahn, a frequent collaborator with Swift and other big-name popstars.

2018: Childish Gambino’s “This Is America”

Childish Gambino’s provocative single and its video is a chaotic mashup of heavy-handed social critique. The rapper mimes acts of violence in between dances alongside children in school uniforms, mimics a Jim Crow-era caricature and sings alongside a gospel choir. The video, directed by Hiro Murai, earned a number of awards including the Grammy Award for Best Music Video.

 

2019: Sam Smith and Normani’s “Dancing With A Stranger”

A striking vision of love in the digital age, the “Dancing With A Stranger” video is a monochromatic masterpiece. Sam Smith croons beautifully in the silhouette of new lovers, and Normani shows off her own impressive dance moves. The video was directed by Vaughan Arnell, a British director known for also working with One Direction, James Blunt and The Script.