The most typical criticism levied against MTV was established in the late ‘90s when executives began to prioritize mediocre “reality” programming over the music video format that had been the network’s foundation since its launch in 1981.

Commonly overlooked, however, is that MTV never wielded any real authority; it was a mere promotional catalyst from its inception that was ultimately subservient to corporatized record labels.

In 1983, 90% of our media (movies, music, news, television, etc.) was controlled by 50 different companies. But since Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which abridged regulations on cross-ownership, that number eventually dwindled to six: AT&T, CBS, Comcast, Disney, Newscorp and Viacom make up the enormous half-trillion-dollar consortium that now control most of the platforms that we consume in some form every day.

In essence, both MTV and the genres most associated with the channel changed because the industry itself transformed, rather dramatically and, most would say, not for the better. As a result, when revisiting movies and music from bygone years, I find myself reminiscing about more than a sound or an accompanying memory; I’m also re-experiencing the vibe – how it all felt – which differs greatly from much of what mainstream pop culture currently releases for public consumption.

Obviously the entertainment of my younger years was pertinent to a different time and, by extension, was more devoid of the idiosyncratic heaviness of today. This remains evident not just in memorable performances by actors and musicians, but also in the emergence of nostalgia videos from a pre-9/11 America that documented everything from parties, the last day of school, or a leisurely stroll through a bustling shopping mall, which were recorded by everyday people on lo-fi VHS camcorders, and are at least somewhat responsible for engendering a growing plethora of reaction channels on YouTube.

Previous generations were essentially spoon-fed greatness. The past wasn’t utopian, as some may believe, but overall it was pretty good. In fact some say it was special, and when you break it all down people just want to feel something like that again. So naturally it is incumbent upon me to offer something that encompasses the ambiance of the ‘80s and ‘90s with the following recommendations, for those interested in a little time travel.

The list, which is by no means comprehensive, is intended to give the sojourner an idea of how the industry once was, long before the ugliness of ESG initiatives and political indoctrination took hold. And remember, as you scroll, it’s all about the vibe. The comments section for each video, if nothing else, demonstrates that beyond question.

Enjoy.

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“Say Say Say” by Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson – From McCartney’s Pipes of Peace album, this is among MTV’s first concept videos and remains among the most memorable.

“Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson – Probably my first favorite song, the Cinderella-themed video set in New York City encapsulated the era perfectly.

“Word Up” by Cameo – A catchy party anthem that was amplified by an even more remarkable video.

“Poundcake” by Van Halen – Babes. And one of the catchiest riffs ever thanks, in part, to a Makita 6012HD cordless power drill.

“Sensitivity” by Ralph Tresvant – Perhaps the most underrated song in R&B history and a good example of the New Jack Swing subgenre that’s remembered with the utmost fondness.

“Small Town” by John Mellencamp – ‘merica.

“West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys – Never thought a stroll around London could be equal parts upbeat and melancholy. In fact the whole thing is just saturated with ’80-ness, for lack of a better way of describing it.

“Mad About You” by Belinda Carlisle – A big crush of mine when she left The Go-Go’s and went solo. There was a moment around the 2:28 mark of the video in which the 10-year-old version of me was sure I was going to marry her… unfortunately my girl real-life ended up with the guy in the video.

“Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard – Ranked #1 on MTV’s Top 300 Videos of All Time in 1991, impressive considering the whole thing is just footage from a concert in Denver, Colorado.

“Don’t Disturb This Groove” by The System – This song might hit hardest of all and, to this day, I’m not entirely sure why. But it probably has something to do with a girl named Wendy.

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds – Iconic ‘80s masterpiece from one of the definitive movies of the decade; a teen anthem that has spanned generations.

“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by The Police – A good example of how it wasn’t necessary for the video to be a literal interpretation of the song, but perhaps an even better example of how the appeal is found in its simplicity… a recurring theme of the era to be sure.