Best Music Videos of 2013
The best music videos of 2013 pack a two-hour movie's worth of drama into three to six minutes of silent action. In most cases, there's no dialogue to aid the storytelling. The artist and director have to rely on the song and sharp acting to get a message through to fans. These 10 videos have done that better than any others this year.
A number of factors helped decide the Best Music Videos of 2013 list. Staff opinion and number of views on YouTube played an important role, as did ToC reader opinion and response on the weekly Top 10 Video Countdown polls. Overall, creativity and relevancy to the song were valued higher than anything else. The best videos make the songs even better.
- 10
'Wasting All These Tears'
Cassadee PopeCassadee Pope comes across as playful and optimistic, so it was especially heartbreaking to see her walk in on a cheating, jerkface boyfriend in the video for 'Wasting All These Tears.' She does a fine acting job, while her director makes use of special effects to accentuate her anger and remorse. It was a powerful video debut from 'The Voice' winner.
- 9
'Someone Somewhere Tonight'
Kellie PicklerAmerica was spellbound by Kellie Pickler and her 'Dancing With the Stars' partner Derek Hough's dancing by late spring. Their routine during the video for 'Someone Somewhere Tonight' was as emotional as anything the put together for the reality television competition. Once again Pickler proves she's a dual threat in this video accompaniment to an underrated song from 2013.
- 8
'Aw Naw'
Chris YoungChris Young's 'Aw Naw' video continues to do well on the weekly ToC Top 10 Video Countdown, but there's nearly three million other reasons on YouTube why this is one of the top videos of 2013. We like the concept, although we tried walking through a beer display at our local liquor store only to find one slightly cantankerous balding man stocking forties of Olde English malt liquor ... Seriously, the video should come with a 'Don't try this at home' warning.
- 7
'Crash My Party'
Luke BryanLuke Bryan's wife steals the show late in this summer 2013 video for the title track of Bryan's most recent album. Prior to that, the focus is on a young romance that took a wrong turn, but ... well, just watch it to see how it ends. It's heartwarming.
- 6
'Redneck Crazy'
Tyler FarrThe Best Music Video From a Country Newcomer award belongs to Tyler Farr in 2013. 'Redneck Crazy' is a slightly controversial concept, but as you'll see in this clip, it's all meant in good fun. Lee Brice, Colt Ford and 'Duck Dynasty' star Willie Robertson make cameos.
- 5
'Downtown'
Lady AntebellumIt's even more fun to watch Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott dress up for a night on the town when you know she was pregnant at the time this video was filmed. Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley play convincing police officers (in a '70s sitcom sort of way), while '2 Broke Girls' star Beth Behrs helps Scott prove a point.
- 4
'Boys 'Round Here'
Blake Shelton (Feat. Pistol Annies)With over 15 million YouTube views, 'Boys 'Round Here' wins the title of most-watched country video on this list. Pistol Annies and RaeLynn help Blake Shelton tell his story -- for the longest time, we were convinced the real Lil' Jon also joined in the fun. It wasn't him. Add a few pigs, cows and chickens and you have the most bizarre -- yet totally awesome -- party of the year.
- 3
'Mama's Broken Heart'
Miranda LambertThe award for Best Actress in a Country Music Video goes to Miranda Lambert for her role in 'Mama's Broken Heart.' Her buttoned-up, charming, bourgeois character lets loose when she gets her heart broken. Fans loved the conflict between the two different characters, each played brilliantly by this star singer.
- 2
'Two Black Cadillacs'
Carrie UnderwoodThis mini-movie expands the story Carrie Underwood's 'Two Black Cadillacs' tells, making it even darker than the audio original. The singer and her director were inspired by Stephen King's horror movie 'Christine' for this music video. It's frightening -- and brilliant.
- 1
'Highway Don't Care'
Tim McGraw (Feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban)A superstar cast, a dramatic script and Tim McGraw dressed as a doctor? Yep, that's enough to earn the trophy for Best Music Video of 2013. 'Highway Don't Care' also comes with a message about the dangers of texting while driving, and it doesn't feel forced. It's hard to find a music video that actually might have save lives, but McGraw's clip does that. The tune also makes the list of Top Songs of 2013.