Best vids of 2012

The Best Music Videos of 2012

By Nicole Cifani

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By Nicole Cifani

It's that time of year again when we get to count down the best musical content of the past twelve months! 2012 offered many video goodies from new artists like PSY to established singers like Taylor Swift; from colorful creatures like Nicki Minaj to the demure songstress Lana Del Rey. Below, the top ten songs of the year that not only rocked but had outstanding visual merit to boot!

10.) Matt & Kim - Let's Go
Matt & Kim upped the nostalgia factor on the second version of their video for the single "Let's Go" (the first version was a viral vid featuring basketball trick-dribble virtuoso Pat The Roc).  The duo incorporated a crushing 80's style Sears family portrait studio with an assortment of characters -- including the band members themselves!

9.) Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch - Sweet Nothing
Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine stars in this video from electro-pop star Calvin Harris. She rocks a pompadour and tailor-made tuxedo while performing at the Working Men's Club located in Dalston, London. Not surprisingly, clothes fly off and the action intensifies as a second storyline emerges that eventually includes our heroine!
8.) Alicia Keys - Girl On Fire
Check out this scorching video by Alicia Keys -- fourteen-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer. The girl can do no wrong!
7.) Best Coast - Do You Love Me Like You Used To
Taped live from the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, Best Coast does a stellar job of integrating their fans into the music video for this catchy tune. The song and accompanying video perfectly capture the spirit of summer love and beachy fun. We miss summer already!
6.) Mumford & Sons - Lover Of The Light
We follow one man's daily journey in this somewhat dark, cinematic and ultimately moving tale.
5.) Jack White - I'm Shakin'
Directed by Dori Oskowitz - who also directed videos in 2012 for the likes of Passion Pit and Adam Lambert - this impeccably stylish video features White facing off against himself in the ultimate battle for reigning guitar supremacy.
4.) Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes
Abstract electronic music producer Flying Lotus previewed his latest album, Until The Quiet Comes, with this moving short film directed by Kahil Joseph. Warning: graphic content towards the beginning of the piece.
3.) David Guetta & Nicky Romero - Metropolis
French producer David Guetta teams up with Dutch counterpart Nicky Romero on "Metropolis," one of six brand new songs on Nothing But The Beat 2.0 - a follow up on 2011's Nothing But The Beat.  The artistic video is a reflection of the popular street art movement and is directed by artist and filmmaker Mr. Brainwash. You'll see imprints of his work throughout this energetic piece!
2.) Temper Trap - Trembling Hands
A beautiful video from Aussie indie rockers Temper Trap, this one is an engaging story of sacrifice, loss, hard work and reward.
1.) Katy Perry - Wide Awake
"Wide Awake" is the second single from the re-release of Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection -- and was originally written for the documentary Katy Perry: Part of Me. Just like the film it was written for, the video is poppy, powerful, and demonstrates whether it's getting past a bad breakup or a tough time at work, sometimes all you really need to do is look within!