‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°666 – 2010s Music Videos

1 . David Guetta – Play Hard (w/ Ne-Yo & Akon)

David Guetta’s “Play Hard” fuses pulsing rhythms with a retro nod, built on a sample from Alice Deejay’s “Better Off Alone.”

The track sees Ne-Yo and Akon weaving their voices into its hedonistic narrative, delivering lyrics that frame hard work as a prelude to reckless indulgence.

Its incessant repetition of “Work hard, play hard” turns the mantra into an earworm bordering on hypnotic.

Clocking in at a brisk 3:21, the song doesn’t linger—it strikes fast and retreats, a quality perhaps explaining its favorable rotation in high-energy playlists.

“Play Hard” is more than just music; it’s a curated essence of brash spectacle.

The Andreas Nilsson-directed video pairs hyper-saturated visuals with surrealist absurdity—dancing cowboys, beauty pageants defined by unibrows, and the gravitational pull of syrup-drenched pancakes.

Whether intentionally cryptic or just incoherent, the imagery sticks, much like the track’s beats echo in crowded clubs.

Yet, for all its explosive surface, the song doesn’t stretch far outside the party-anthem mold.

With a BPM of 130, it’s tailor-made to fit cardio playlists or arcade dance games, achieving some prominence through titles like “DanceDanceRevolution” before being cycled out by 2024.

Its essence is trapped in its title: work, play, repeat. Familiarity strikes, making it potent yet fleeting in staying power.

Featured on the 2011 album “Nothing but the Beat”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

2 . Passion Pit – The Reeling

“The Reeling” by Passion Pit captures an exhilarating sense of chaos with its electrified synths and layered vocal harmonies.

The track’s pulsating beats and anthemic intensity are underscored by themes of disorientation and emotional unease, giving it a tension that feels both thrilling and unsettling.

Michael Angelakos’ falsetto roams over a dense sonic landscape, blending introspection with a euphoric edge, creating a sound as contradictory as its lyrical content.

Borrowing the kinetic energy of 2000s synth-pop and infusing it with a distinctly aching vulnerability, the track feels like the soundtrack to a midnight epiphany you can’t quite articulate.

The song’s abstract video, with its fragmented, paper-tearing aesthetic, imbues the sensory overload of the music with a visual representation of fragmentation and fleeting joy.

From its inclusion in “Pro Evolution Soccer 2011” to its association with “Skins,” the song’s resonance across media reflects its ability to capture a restless generation’s fleeting highs and prolonged self-searching.

While remixes by Calvin Harris and others extend its lifespan in club culture, the core of the track remains emotionally knotty yet uplifting, a collision of revelry and reflection that lingers long after the last chord fades.

Featured on the 2009 album “Manners”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

3 . The Wombats – Jump Into The Fog

“Jump Into The Fog” by The Wombats is a provocative indie pop-rock tune that veers slightly into darker territory compared to their usual buoyant tracks.

Released as part of their 2011 album *This Modern Glitch*, the song stands out with its brooding undercurrent masked by an infectious, synth-laden melody.

Lyricism here walks the edge of sharp wit and existential musings, exploring themes of recklessness and uncertain thrills, a departure from chirpier refrains associated with the band.

The production, helmed by Rich Costey, layers sleek arrangements over punchy rhythms, maintaining The Wombats’ trademark energy while flirting with a grittier sound palette.

The accompanying music video mirrors this tonal duality, blending absurd visuals with an air of detachment.

Chart-wise, it secured the band their sixth UK top 40 hit and marked their debut appearance on notable US charts, cementing its cross-continental appeal.

B-sides like “How I Miss Sally Bray” and “Valentine” add further texture to the single, though they orbit more comfortably around the band’s familiar upbeat territory.

The track captures an interesting tension: the marriage of dancefloor appeal with darker introspection, providing a memorable slice of indie experimentation.

Featured on the 2012 album “This Modern Glitch”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Imagine Dragons – Believer

Imagine Dragons strike a thunderous chord with “Believer,” a track pulsating with raw intensity and layered storytelling.

Emerging in 2017 as the flagship single from their album “Evolve,” the song storms through themes of pain and resilience, reflecting Dan Reynolds’ personal grapples with Ankylosing spondylitis and mental health struggles.

Its percussive, almost confrontational rhythm mirrors the internal battles laid bare in the lyrics, while a towering vocal delivery propels the narrative of self-transformation.

The songwriting process itself carries a backstory charged with tension, sparked by an explosive clash over offensive remarks in the studio, yet this incident seemed to amplify the creative synergy between Reynolds and Justin Tranter.

Musically, the track’s staccato beats and strategic pauses build an atmosphere of defiance, leading listeners through peaks of anguish and valleys of introspection.

The accompanying video, drenched in stark imagery and kinetic fervor, underscores the song’s relentless energy.

Landing atop the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and ascending to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Believer” carves out its place as a quintessential anthem of perseverance.

Featured on the 2017 album “Evolve”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

5 . Noah And The Whale – L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.

Noah and the Whale’s “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.” arrives on the airwaves as an indie anthem rooted in breezy melodies and reflective optimism.

Released in January 2011 as the flagship single from *Last Night on Earth,* the track doesn’t shout but rather saunters into a cheerful, sing-along groove.

The slyly catchy chorus spells out life as a persistent journey, leaning on light-handed instrumentation and a melodic structure that brings Tom Petty to mind, albeit with less grit.

There’s a certain polish to the production, likely courtesy of Charlie Fink and Jason Lader, making it palatable yet hinting at a safe-by-design formula.

Beneath the uplifting tone lies a narrative of resilience, but the song never digs too deep, preferring broad strokes over subtlety.

It resonates most with its simplicity, a charisma bolstered by its success on the UK Singles Chart, where it enjoyed a generous run bolstered by TV exposure.

The accompanying music video, helmed by Sophie Muller, mirrors the track’s vibe, playful yet straightforward, casting the band alongside a notably subdued British actor.

Echoes of *The Kinks* or a softer-edge *Heartbreakers* exist, though the track sidesteps true originality, offering familiarity dressed as fresh perspective.

It’s hard to fault its amiability; for a song about forging ahead, it does precisely that—charming but without rewriting the playbook.

Featured on the 2011 album “Last Night On Earth”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Instagram

6 . Paloma Faith – Til I’m Done

“Til I’m Done” by Paloma Faith channels a bold, disco-infused energy reminiscent of late ’70s funk, seamlessly meshing its groovy backdrop with unapologetically defiant lyrics.

Clocking in as part of *The Architect*’s deluxe lineup, the track keeps its messaging blunt: there’s only so much resilience anyone can muster, and self-preservation takes priority.

The beat punches through with a relentless rhythm, giving the track a livewire pulse that pairs well with Faith’s stylistic edge, even if the hook leans into predictability at times.

The accompanying video goes full technicolor fantasy, a kaleidoscope of movement and light that matches the song’s vivacious sound while sidestepping subtlety altogether.

Though it insists on empowerment, there’s a shadow of vulnerability in lines like “Only got so much left to give,” adding a layer of emotional complexity to an otherwise ebullient production.

Ultimately, while its chart performance didn’t soar, the track stakes its claim as a punchy, shimmering anthem for the emotionally battered but unbroken.

Featured on the 2018 album “The Architect “.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

7 . Vance Joy – Riptide

Released in 2013, Vance Joy’s “Riptide” builds its charm on an intricate mix of simplicity and oddness.

Born out of a four-year writing process that started in 2008, the track fuses quirky lyrics with minimalist instrumentation, and its ukulele-driven melody invokes a strange, magnetic pull.

It feels both meticulously constructed and casually spontaneous—a juxtaposition that defines its easy appeal.

The song’s lyrical collage jumps from surreal imagery to fleeting pop-culture nods, creating a sense of disjointed nostalgia that mirrors its stream-of-consciousness origin.

Commercially, fewer indie tracks from that era have managed the same staying power, with “Riptide” cracking charts like the UK Singles Chart and Billboard Hot 100, while quietly burrowing itself into playlists worldwide a decade later.

If its erratic structure is an acquired taste, its clever hooks act as a forgiving hand to guide listeners along.

The accompanying music video, unapologetically literal in translating the bizarre lyrics, somehow enhances rather than diminishes the listening experience—proof that humor and depth don’t necessarily cancel each other out.

Although it’s been covered by artists of all stripes, notably Taylor Swift, the song’s original DNA resists dilution, thriving off its awkward-yet-endearing character.

What “Riptide” ultimately conveys is that flawed, pieced-together beauty often endures longer than polished perfection.

Featured on the 2014 album “Dream Your Life Away”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

8 . Sub Focus – Turn Back Time

“Turn Back Time” by Sub Focus pulsates with the energy of a late-night anthem stripped of pretension, offering a carefully constructed balance of nostalgic lyricism and propulsive electronic beats.

Rooted in the kaleidoscopic influences of Todd Terry’s “Brass Disk” and enriched with lyrical nods to Kim English’s “Missing You,” the track wears its inspirations on its sleeve without sounding derivative, a rare feat in the realm of drum and bass.

Yolanda Quartey’s uncredited vocals add an emotional gravity, underscoring a fleeting sense of regret that laces through the song’s core, even as its production steers it firmly toward euphoria.

Though originally tied to a Todd Terry sample, the decision to re-record threads a distinct boldness into its DNA, sharpening its modern identity.

The song’s journey through the UK Singles Chart—floating from a modest entry at 85 to a climactic peak at number 10—speaks less to marketing savvy and more to its ability to bridge sentimentality with a demand for movement.

Sub Focus, not one to shy away from visceral appeal, punctuates his live sets with this track, its cascading keys and smoke-machine theatrics creating a sensory dominion for the crowd.

Accompanied by remixes from Metrik’s polished edges to Special Request’s subterranean grit, “Turn Back Time” shapeshifts effortlessly across contexts without losing its essence.

Its official video, premiering just a day before its release, amplifies the energy with kinetic visual storytelling, translating its sonic intensity into a visual pulse.

More than a chart entry or a mere party favorite, it stands as proof that nostalgia and forward momentum aren’t opposing forces—they can coexist in tightly produced bliss.

Featured on the 2013 album “Torus”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

9 . Lorde – Team

“Team” by Lorde is a melancholic anthem merging alternative pop with electropop, drawn from her critically-acclaimed album “Pure Heroine.”

The track leans on a simple yet hypnotic handclap beat, underpinned by basslines and synths that feel both sparse and immersive.

Its lyrics settle into a reflective space, channeling themes of unity and defiance while paying homage to her roots without delving into overt patriotism.

The music video, filmed amidst Brooklyn’s derelict Red Hook Grain Terminal, conjures a dystopian narrative that mirrors the song’s insistence on carving one’s own community.

Chart-topping accolades aside, the impact lies not in sales but in Lorde’s ability to craft a world where rebellion against mainstream tropes feels quietly revolutionary.

Performed on stages from David Letterman’s show to the ARIA Awards, the song crystallizes an artist unafraid to blend grit with glamour, all while glorifying the mundane and turning it into something extraordinary.

Featured on the 2013 album “Pure Heroine”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

10 . Tiësto, Oliver Heldens – The Right Song (w/ Natalie La Rose)

Tiësto and Oliver Heldens team up for “The Right Song,” a house track featuring Dutch vocalist Natalie La Rose.

Released on January 22, 2016, this collaboration balances energetic production with vocal hooks designed for peak-hour playlists.

The track doesn’t belong to a specific album, standing alone as a single under the Musical Freedom label, with licensing to PM:AM Recordings/Universal Music BV.

The accompanying video, directed by Shynola, leans into a quirky narrative, gaining attention on platforms such as Vevo and YouTube.

A mid-tempo rhythm anchors the song, blending Heldens’ signature basslines with Tiësto’s polished festival-ready sound.

Natalie La Rose adds a pop sensibility, weaving lyrics of optimism through the layered beats without overshadowing the production.

While the track may lack groundbreaking qualities, it thrives on its ability to mesh functional club energy with approachable mainstream appeal.

Shared widely via Spinnin’ Records’ YouTube channel, its presence affirmed its place in curated dance playlists rather than chart-topping positions.

The collaboration encapsulates a moment of creative exchange within EDM without venturing too far from genre conventions.

Featured on the 2016 album “The Right Song”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

11 . Devlin – Rewind (w/ Diane Birch)

“Rewind” by Devlin, featuring Diane Birch, fuses sharp lyricism with a melodic backdrop to probe themes of time and loss.

The track, released in 2013, positions itself as a reflective entry in Devlin’s discography, propelled by a meticulously produced framework courtesy of TMS.

Diane Birch’s contribution to the chorus—a reimagining of an idea from her earlier work—injects a layered emotional texture that balances the song’s introspective mood.

The accompanying music video visually underscores the song’s melancholic inertia, anchoring its narrative within an urban landscape marked by fleeting memories.

Chart-wise, the song makes its presence felt, climbing to significant positions in the UK and Scotland, testament to its cross-genre resonance.

Its production aligns modern hip-hop sensibilities with the contours of heartfelt storytelling, leaning into its dance chart appeal without compromising its core message.

Ingenious yet restrained, it walks the tightrope between commercial aspirations and personal expression with commendable agility.

Featured on the 2013 album “Rewind (feat. Diane Birch)”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . Indiana – Solo Dancing

“Solo Dancing” by Indiana strikes a cool blend of electronic-pop precision and vocal allure, emerging as a hypnotic anthem of independence.

Released in 2014, the track brims with icy synths and understated beats, offering a brooding backdrop for Indiana’s sultry delivery.

The lyrical content leans into themes of autonomy and self-revelation, reframing solitude not as loneliness but as empowerment on one’s own terms.

Its accompanying video matches the tone, flaunting a vivid yet minimalist visual language, balancing between noir intrigue and pulsing nightclub aesthetics.

Commercially, this effort found moderate success, snagging a respectable spot on UK, Irish, and Scottish charts, though it didn’t translate into enduring mainstream recognition.

Yet, its remixes—crafted by artists like Chris Lake and Joe Goddard—underscore the track’s club-friendly DNA, proving its adaptability beyond the original version.

Without loudly demanding attention, it becomes a stealthily effective piece of pop-leaning electronica, understated yet memorable in its quiet decisiveness.

Featured on the 2014 album “No Romeo”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Instagram