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The 10 best music videos of 2021

Since the early 80’s, music videos have been a key factor in promoting an artist’s music. The visual can either help solidify the artist’s message or simply deliver something funny to watch. These 10 music videos kept us entertained and stuck in our minds all year.

10. Silverbacks - "Wear My Medals”

For Silverbacks' "Wear My Medals" music video, the band turned to animator Lauren Gregory, who is best known for their work with Toro y Moi and Elderbrook. The end result is an astonishing display of oil paint stop-motion animation.

9. Brick + Mortar - "Don't Panic"

After years of having others direct music videos, New Jersey electronic rock act Brick + Mortar took matters in their own hand with the visual for "Don't Panic." The video finds the band performing under a rush of slime.

8 UgLi - "House Pet"

Philadelphia/South Jersey rockers UgLi deliver a visual reminiscent of '90s Nickelodeon shows. The video, which was directed by D.I.Why? Films, follows a mother's constant mistreatment from their family and the horrible thoughts plaguing their mind.

7. The Accidentals - "Go Getter"

The Accidentals have a little fun with their Goonies-inspired music video for their song "Go Getter." In the video, which was co-directed by Brian Raetz and Brody Steele, a crew of D&D-lovin' Goat Getters have a journey into proving that goats are real.

6. Alicia Walter - "Standing At Your Doorstep"

Alicia Walter's music video for "Standing At Your Doorstep" pays homage to the beloved musical West Side Story with glorious choreography from Rachel Harris. “I have never cried on a music video set until this one, and it happened watching the monitor playback of the dancers in this sequence,” Walter said in a press statement.

5. Angel Du$t - "Big Bite"

Turnstile/Trapped Under Ice pop-rock supergroup Angel Du$t get their fangs ready for their music video for “Big Bite.” In the Ian Shelton-directed visual, vampires lurk the town doing typical things vampires do such as break dancing and riding bikes in broad daylight.

4. Thank You Scientist - "Soul Diver"

With the release of The Matrix: Revolutions, New Jersey prog rock band Thank You Scientist wanted to spoil fans on the highly anticipated movie with the music video for "Soul Diver." In the music video, director Richie Brown portrays The Twin, who travels through the town searching for answers. Upon viewing The Matrix: Revolutions, which prominently features Santa Claus, they don't walk away with any new information.

3. The Armed - “An Iteration”

Hardcore punk act The Armed turned to a surprising name for their "An Iteration" music video. David Hayter, who is best known for portraying Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid series, delivers a supreme voiceover and makes a cameo appearance as The Armed’s singer Dan Greene, who produced the video.

2. Red Fang - "Rabbit In Hives"

Stoner metal act Red Fang got eulogized in their music video for "Rabbit In Hives." The video, which was directed by Ansel Wallenfang, includes a handful of people paying respects to the beloved band, including members of Lord Dying and High on Fire.

1. Turnstile - "Turnstile Love Connection"

Turnstile's "Turnstile Love Connection" comprises the band's four-song Turnstile Love Connection EP into one massive visual. For fans, this was an early taste of the band’s acclaimed studio album Glow On, which has been featured on countless EOTY lists. The 10-minute video was directed by Turnstile vocalist Brendan Yates.