4 Famous Music Videos That Definitely Have Not Aged Well

So many music videos from pop music’s past are still a joy to watch today. However, quite a few music videos from as recently as the 2010s have definitely not aged well. Whether their subject matter was questionable or the overall quality of the music video was lacking, these four music videos through the years have not exactly aged well. Let’s take a look!

1. “Dancing In The Street” by David Bowie and Mick Jagger

This particular music video from 1985 isn’t necessarily controversial. In fact, it was a pretty big hit; the song reached no. 7 in the US and no. 1 in the UK at the time. However, some would refer to this music video as a bit embarrassing. The fashion choices were a bit odd, Mick Jagger’s lip-syncing attempt wasn’t exactly stellar, and the dance moves were low-key hilarious and unexpected. Don’t shoot the messenger! At the very least, it was a brave venture.

2. “Criminal” by Britney Spears

Britney Spears has seen quite a bit of controversy through the years with her music videos. Her debut single “…Baby One More Time” hasn’t aged well, either. However, “Criminal” from 2011 ruffled quite a few feathers. From the depiction of domestic violence to the glamorization of firearms to the unmistakable misogyny throughout the music video, one can’t help but wonder who allowed this music video to be made.

3. “Lapdance” by N.E.R.D.

Pharrell Williams is no stranger to music videos that have not aged well. “Blurred Lines” comes to mind almost immediately. Just as well, the music video for “Lapdance” under Williams’ band N.E.R.D. was also a controversial venture. In a way, we get what they were trying to say: You can’t trust politicians. But to use sex workers as a metaphor for the meaningless words of political figures was in poor taste and downright objectifying.

4. “Do What U Want” by Lady Gaga

For what it’s worth, Lady Gaga has since said she regrets working with disgraced former record producer R. Kelly for this particular song. From what we could find, this music video only exists through reuploads on YouTube. But man, was this a rough piece of work. Its glorification of sexual assault and objectification of women was in very poor taste, and we get why Gaga has since described the video as “absolutely horrifying.”

Photo via YouTube

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