‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°662 – 2010s Music Videos

1 . Calvin Harris – Feels (w/ Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean)

“Feels” is a sun-soaked collaboration that twists funk, pop, and a touch of retro into an infectious mix of breezy rhythms and playful charm.

The track showcases Calvin Harris pivoting into smoother, funk-inspired territory, with Pharrell Williams’s effortless vocals laid over a rolling bassline that might as well wear sunglasses year-round.

Katy Perry delivers an earworm of a hook, breezy yet assertive, while Big Sean arrives mid-song to punctuate the vibe with a casual yet razor-sharp rap verse that somehow complements the shimmering, laid-back groove.

The tropical aesthetic extends beyond the music, spilling into its Emil Nava-directed video, where candy-colored visuals and a hammock-worthy atmosphere highlight the song’s intent: to make you feel good without trying too hard.

Cultural or emotional depth isn’t exactly the point here; the track leans into lightheartedness, content with being a background anthem for sunlit afternoons and carefree escapes.

While it might not reinvent the wheel, “Feels” thrives on its polished production, cohesion among star contributors, and a confidently playful wink at pop’s retro-modern synergy.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

2 . Gym Class Heroes – Stereo Hearts (w/ Adam Levine)

“Stereo Hearts” by Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine blends sleek pop rap with an irresistible hook delivered by Levine, whose falsetto croons over a beat that’s as warm as it is punchy.

Released in 2011, the track unapologetically leans into metaphor, likening a heart to a stereo that plays custom tunes for a significant other—a charmingly earnest concept that carries the song’s emotional weight.

From a production standpoint, Benny Blanco and Robopop craft a balanced instrumental that stitches together acoustic guitar plucks and a laid-back hip-hop rhythm, creating something digestible for radio without sacrificing rhythmic texture.

Appearing on “The Papercut Chronicles II,” the song distances itself from the ironic indie affectations of the 2010s, opting instead for a glossy, commercially viable sound that hit major charts with ease.

The accompanying music video by Hiro Murai takes creative liberties, leaning on anamorphic projections and surreal visuals that, while visually engaging, sometimes stray into gimmickry at the expense of thematic depth.

Commercial success aside—it sold enough copies to earn multi-Platinum bragging rights in multiple countries—the song doesn’t necessarily offer anything groundbreaking but retains its infectiousness thanks to its catchy hook and relatable lyrics.

Briefly touching global appeal, “Stereo Hearts” also became a staple in sports montages and pop culture, cementing itself as not merely a song but an earworm that represents pop-rap’s breezier, non-confrontational side.

While the metaphor of a heart-as-stereo is clever, it risks feeling forced upon repeated listens, a reminder that simplicity, while effective, can sometimes curb staying power in the pantheon of cultural commentary.

Featured on the 2011 album “The Papercut Chronicles II”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

3 . Sia – Santa’s Coming For Us

Sia’s “Santa’s Coming for Us” delivers an auditory slice of holiday cheer wrapped in her signature quirky pop style.

Released in 2017 as the lead single off her album *Everyday Is Christmas,* it marks her foray into crafting original songs for the most commercialized time of year.

Collaborating once again with producer Greg Kurstin, the track layers catchy melodies over a brisk tempo—a sugar rush of seasonal excitement without the overplayed Christmastime clichés.

The playful yet bustling music video lends a comedic coziness, grounded by its rotating cast of celebrities, including Kristen Bell and Henry Winkler, who add a bit of Hollywood sparkle to the festivities.

The song charted respectably on global holiday playlists, creeping into top positions in various corners of the world, although it didn’t exactly upend any seasonal classics from their pedestals.

Unlike the warm, nostalgic glow of traditional Christmas songs, this track bundles its charm into a fresh, sprightly package, trading yuletide hearths for technicolor bursts of energy.

While it may not be the kind of carol you hum nostalgically 20 years from now, it’s an undeniable nod to Sia’s versatility as a pop chameleon who seems at home in any genre she touches.

Featured on the 2018 album “Everyday Is Christmas”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Jessie J – Price Tag

Jessie J’s “Price Tag” lands squarely between cheeky charm and a chart-ready anthem, effortlessly blending infectious pop with a reggae-tinged rhythm and a subtle nod to hip-hop courtesy of B.o.B.’s guest verse.

Its central message, a critique of material obsession, feels like a prescriptive sermon delivered through gleeful hooks rather than an overbearing manifesto.

The production, helmed by Dr. Luke, is sharp without being soulless, allowing Jessie J’s elastic vocals to shine while underscoring the track’s themes with buoyant, carefree beats.

The lyrics—“It’s not about the money, money, money”—may flirt with sincerity but come wrapped in a calculated polish that makes their earnestness seem ever-so-slightly premeditated.

Visually, the Emil Nava-directed video leans on whimsy, juxtaposing oversized props and playful setups with Jessie J’s energetic presence, creating just enough eye candy to sustain its allure.

Commercially, the numbers speak volumes: a reigning UK chart-topper and global success in 19 countries, proving that a critique of consumerism, ironically, still sells exceptionally well.

As radio-friendly as it is predictable, “Price Tag” doesn’t rewrite the pop playbook but manages to inject just enough personality to avoid fading into the background noise of its genre.

Featured on the 2011 album “Who You Are”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

5 . Black N White – Sweaty Goals

Sweaty Goals by Black N White bursts forth with an unpolished energy that meshes seamlessly with its gritty street visuals.

The song taps into themes of ambition and perseverance, mirroring a relentless grind underscored by playful humor and frenetic beats.

Released as a single in 2018, it retains its independent roots, resisting the polish of mainstream production while amplifying its raw essence.

Its hook serves as both a rallying cry and a wink—balancing motivational drive with an undeniable smirk, encapsulating the balance of hard work and not taking oneself too seriously.

From a technical standpoint, the production leans heavily on heavy-hitting basslines and rhythm-driven bars, encapsulating the ethos of underground rap/hip-hop.

Its chart position on iTunes (#20) hints at its broad appeal but does little to dilute its underground credibility.

The music video, supported by Radwan Hamid behind the camera and Corin as 1st assistant camera, further underlines the song’s DIY charm.

Filmed against hard urban backdrops, it refuses to glamorize success, instead presenting ambition as a sweaty, unrelenting pursuit.

The track’s message succeeds in stepping beyond earnestness, embracing a kind of motivational irreverence that is both endearing and infectious in its delivery.

Without reinventing the wheel, Sweaty Goals adeptly captures the grind and hustle with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

6 . David Guetta – Dirty Sexy Money (w/ Charli Xcx & French Montana)

Released in late 2017, “Dirty Sexy Money” unites David Guetta with Charli XCX and French Montana, delivering a track that teeters between electro-pop and EDM while reveling in glossy extravagance.

The production, co-sculpted by Skrillex, sprints forward with pulsating beats and flashy rhythms, yet the hooks flirt with over-familiarity, offering just enough punch to keep the energy flowing.

Charli XCX, typically a magnetic voice, adds a playful edge but is occasionally undermined by lyrics that favor surface-level allure over depth, while French Montana’s verses inject a layer of casual swagger.

The accompanying music video leans into its heist narrative with campy confidence, painting a visual tableau of rebellion cloaked in luxury—think fast cars, daring masks, and enough glitter to make Gatsby blush.

“Dirty Sexy Money” managed to stake its claim on global charts, though its fleeting Top 40 traction showed that its ambition as a high-energy anthem didn’t quite land universally.

Though the track feels somewhat calculated, its unabashed embrace of hedonism and its merging of pop sensibilities with EDM flash make for a vibrant, albeit formulaic, ride through aspirational excess.

Featured on the 2018 album “7”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

7 . Post Malone – Wow.

“Wow.” by Post Malone is a swagger-filled portrait of success in the modern hip-hop scene, released as a surprise holiday gift in December 2018.

The track’s production, helmed by Frank Dukes and Louis Bell, leans hard into a minimalist yet infectious bassline that underscores the rapper’s braggadocious delivery.

The lyrics exude a self-assuredness that borders on cocky, recounting tales of wealth, persistence, and a confidence that feels almost casual in its execution.

Commercially, “Wow.” was a juggernaut, landing at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum accolades across the globe—though its true genius might lie in its ability to translate ego into a universal anthem.

The accompanying video, which blends slices of Post Malone’s globe-trotting life with viral moments like Mike Alancourt’s unexpected dance moves, feels both intimate and performative, blurring the line between authenticity and spectacle.

While some might dismiss the song as a simple flex, it’s undeniably catchy—a reminder that even in its most straightforward moments, Post Malone has a knack for creating cultural ripple effects large enough to reach anyone within earshot of pop music’s current pulse.

Featured on the 2019 album “Hollywood’s Bleeding”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

8 . Imagine Dragons – Thunder

“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons, a 2017 track from their album *Evolve*, electrifies with its pulsating rhythm and unapologetic swagger.

The song captures a sense of rebellion and ambition, with its defiant chant of “You’re just a young gun with a quick fuse” setting the tone for an underdog’s rise to triumph.

Lyrically sparse but impactful, it blends staccato vocal delivery with a distinct beat structure, creating a sound that teeters between unconventional pop and rock territory.

The futuristic music video, filmed in Dubai and helmed by Joseph Kahn, adds a layer of surrealism with unconventional choreography and an almost extraterrestrial aesthetic.

Its omnipresence in sports arenas, commercials, and even the 2018 Winter Olympics hinted at just how well the track meshed with moments of energy and spectacle.

Despite its chart-topping success, “Thunder” treads a fine line between infectious and repetitive, a balancing act some listeners find polarizing.

Whether you classify it as an anthem of empowerment or a millennial pop experiment, its cultural footprint is undeniable, amplified by Alex da Kid’s razor-sharp production.

At its core, the track thrives on a bold confidence, translating ambition into a sound that refuses to be ignored.

Featured on the 2017 album “Evolve”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

9 . Alt-J – Matilda

Alt-J’s “Matilda” isn’t just a song; it’s an atmospheric homage to a cult classic film. Taken from their debut album *An Awesome Wave*—a Mercury Prize-winning collection that cemented their place in indie rock—the track draws its brooding energy and elliptical storytelling from the characters of Léon and Matilda, as portrayed in *Léon: The Professional.*

Thematically, the song is riddled with loss, sacrifice, and nostalgia, though it never veers into melodrama. It’s soft but mournful, a study in restraint that amplifies its emotional resonance. Joe Newman’s idiosyncratic vocal delivery takes center stage, complemented by sparse, intricate guitar lines and a rhythm section as precise as it is understated.

The music video, in its minimalist visual style, mirrors the song’s cinematic inspiration without cramming the screen with heavy-handed references. This intentional sparseness enhances the song’s reflective nature, leaving room for the listener’s interpretation in the interplay between music and memory.

Alt-J’s hallmark lies in their ability to layer sound without crowding the canvas, and “Matilda” proves no exception. They weave whispers of cinematic tension into their indie rock tapestry, capturing a quiet sadness that lingers. It’s no wonder this track remains a crowd favorite during live performances; the balance of delicacy and weight is palpable even in a packed venue.

Sure, it didn’t light up the charts as a single, but its staying power lies in its subtlety. In a world of bombast, “Matilda” succeeds in saying just enough, then leaving the rest up to you. As the closing line of the chorus hints, “This is for Matilda,” but really, it’s for anyone still nursing the ache of attachment and the bittersweet aftertaste of letting go.

Featured on the 2012 album “An Awesome Wave”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

10 . K Koke – Turn Back

K Koke’s “Turn Back,” featuring the soulful tones of Maverick Sabre, crafts a meditation on regret and redemption wrapped in a hip-hop framework.

Released in late 2012, this track serves as the emotional backbone of K Koke’s debut album, *I Ain’t Perfect*, and explores the fragility of human decisions and the weight they carry.

The production leans heavily on the nostalgic pull of Sting’s “Shape of My Heart”—a sample as iconic as it is haunting, previously immortalized by Nas in “The Message.”

While Koke confronts guilt and mistakes through gritty verses, Sabre’s raspy vocals infuse the hook with a yearning ache, creating a compelling sonic dichotomy.

The choice of urban backdrops in the accompanying video reinforces the themes of reflection and resilience, though the narrative risks feeling derivative in places where originality struggles to surface.

Chart performance was modest, with the track peaking at No. 70 on the UK Singles Chart, but its resonance on the UK R&B Chart suggests its thematic depth struck a chord within niche audiences.

For all its introspection, “Turn Back” never fully escapes the shadow of its influences, but it succeeds in giving K Koke a platform to share his struggles with raw, unvarnished honesty.

Featured on the 2013 album “I Ain’t Perfect”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

11 . The Weeknd – Party Monster

“Party Monster” by The Weeknd slides into the cinematic nocturne of his *Starboy* album with a swagger that’s equal parts allure and chaos.

This 2016 track, co-produced by Doc McKinney and Ben Billions, revels in hedonistic narratives of lust, indulgence, and self-destruction, underpinned by a moody R&B backdrop and neon-tinged production.

Lana Del Rey’s uncredited vocals haunt the mix, adding an ethereal layer to lyrics laced with cryptic references, including a nod to Angelina Jolie—a pop culture flex disguised as pillow talk.

The music video, an unsettling blitz of psychedelic visuals, shifting neon lights, and fragmented dreamscapes, feels less like a party and more like a fever dream teetering on the edge of euphoria and collapse.

Charting just outside the US Top 15, “Party Monster” found commercial success with Platinum certification, yet its real feat lies in its ability to amplify The Weeknd’s curated world of excess and shadows—a world where the thrills come with teeth and the allure is laced with regret.

Featured on the 2016 album “Starboy”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

“Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine bursts forth as a visceral declaration of shedding the burdens of the past, set against the stylistic opulence of the album “Ceremonials.”

Recorded within the storied walls of Abbey Road Studios, the song melds Florence Welch’s unmistakably commanding vocals with Paul Epworth’s lushly layered production, creating an anthemic concoction infused with gothic flair.

The lyrics take a bare-knuckled swing at personal demons, with Welch belting lines of catharsis over thundering drums, celestial organ swells, and an escalating chorus that seems to crest over waves of internal struggle.

Its Renaissance-soaked visual counterpart—directed by Dawn Shadforth—paints vivid tableaux of masked revelry and candlelit drama, bridging the theatrical elements of the song to life with a sumptuous attention to aesthetic intricacies.

Yet for all its grandeur, the track remains deeply human, navigating the tension between despair and redemption with lines like “It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.”

While the Grammy-winning Calvin Harris remix gave it a bite-sized dose of EDM adrenaline, the original retains its position as a staple of the band’s live sets, an emotional exorcism delivered through euphoric crescendos and raw, jubilant energy.

It’s rare to find a piece so intent on pulling listeners from the wreckage of the past while simultaneously spinning a hymn for the possibilities of renewal.

Featured on the 2011 album “Ceremonials”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site