The world of music has seen numerous artists who achieved fame with a single hit. Interestingly, the music videos for these tracks often became even more iconic than the songs themselves. From artistic body painting to groundbreaking animation techniques, these visual masterpieces have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Let's explore how these memorable visuals elevated some one-hit wonders to legendary status.

Artistic Expression Through Visuals: Gotye and A-Ha

Musical hits that captivated audiences not only through sound but also through visually striking presentations can be found in the works of Gotye and A-Ha. These artists used their music videos as canvases to express deeper meanings and emotions beyond the lyrics.

Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” from 2011 is a prime example of this phenomenon. The song was omnipresent for several years, yet it was the accompanying video that truly stood out. Featuring both Gotye and Kimbra adorned with intricate body paint, the clip transforms them into living art pieces within an abstract setting. This innovative approach made the video unforgettable, enhancing the emotional depth of the song. Meanwhile, A-Ha’s “Take On Me,” released in 1985, utilized rotoscoping—a technique blending pencil sketch animation with live-action footage—to create a mesmerizing narrative starring Morten Harket and actress Bunty Bailey. This unique blend of styles cemented its place in pop culture history, making it one of the most recognized music videos ever made.

Controversy and Creativity: Devo and Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Beyond catchy tunes, some one-hit wonders leveraged controversy and unconventional themes to create lasting impressions through their music videos. Artists like Devo and Frankie Goes To Hollywood pushed boundaries, resulting in visuals that were as talked about as the music itself.

Devo’s “Whip It,” a quintessential new wave anthem from 1980, featured a music video that played on the ambiguity of the song’s meaning. Incorporating elements that confused listeners—such as characters engaged in various forms of "whipping" activities—the band embraced the confusion, turning it into a humorous commentary. The video showcased scenes from a ranch, where Mark Mothersbaugh whips clothing while women whip cream in old-fashioned settings. Dressed in black shirts and red energy dome hats, Devo members added to the surreal atmosphere. Similarly, Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “Relax” caused quite a stir upon its release in 1984. Set in a gay nightclub in London, the original video featured provocative imagery that led to bans by major broadcasters like the BBC and MTV. The controversy surrounding the video only fueled interest in the song, leading the band to produce a second version. Both videos remain significant milestones in the evolution of music video artistry.