Music videos often leave an indelible mark on our memories, sometimes becoming as iconic as the songs they accompany. We invite you to test your knowledge of rock music history with a fun challenge. Below, you’ll discover 20 intriguing screenshots extracted from a variety of rock music videos, showcasing different eras and artistic styles.

The challenge lies in the fact that none of these screenshots provide a clear view of the artists themselves; instead, they offer a tantalizing glimpse into a larger visual narrative. Your task is to see how many titles and artists you can identify from just one single frame. Are you ready to put your music video expertise to the test? Let’s find out!

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ANSWER: “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” Eurythmics (1983)

The Eurythmics’ music video for “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” paints a surreal landscape filled with imagery of cows and computers, reflecting the band’s innovative approach to video production in 1983. Annie Lennox shared in a 2017 interview with The Guardian that the goal was to create striking visual statements that would endure through time. She donned a suit and sported a cropped hairstyle, deliberately choosing to challenge traditional feminine stereotypes in music. By presenting herself as an equal to her bandmate Dave Stewart, she effectively redefined the image of female artists in a male-dominated industry.

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ANSWER: “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie (1983)

If only we had advised you to “put on your red shoes and dance the blues,” it might have jogged your memory for David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” This visually stunning music video, shot in Australia, features the captivating performances of Terry Roberts and Joelene King from Sydney’s Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre. Peter Lawless, the location manager, recounted to the BBC in 2014 the surreal experience of shooting the video, noting that both Bowie and the local dancers found the collaboration to be an unusual and unexpected encounter, further enhancing the video’s unique appeal.

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ANSWER: “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen (1975)

We began our challenge with two notable tracks from 1983, but the true golden age of music videos took flight in the early ’80s, largely thanks to Queen’s groundbreaking contributions. Although they did not invent the music video format, their investment of £4,500 in the production of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” then termed a “pop promo,” showcased the potential of visual storytelling. The immense success of the song inspired countless other artists to adopt similar marketing tactics, cementing Queen’s legacy as pioneers in the music video realm.

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ANSWER: “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1985)

In a whimsical twist, Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole into Tom Petty’s captivating 1985 music video for “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” Actress Louise Foley portrays the enchanting blonde-haired young woman who encounters Petty in the guise of the Mad Hatter, creating a visually rich and engaging narrative that blends fantasy and rock music seamlessly.

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ANSWER: “Strawberry Fields Forever,” The Beatles (1967)

While Queen played a significant role in the evolution of music videos, they were not the first rock band to explore this artistic medium. The Beatles created a variety of music videos during their time together, ranging from straightforward performances to more abstract and experimental visuals, as exemplified in “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Their innovative approach paved the way for future generations of artists to utilize music videos as an essential marketing tool.

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ANSWER: “Paranoid,” Black Sabbath (1970)

Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” music video opens with a chilling visual that immerses viewers in a disorienting maze of what appears to be a dungeon or sewer. This unsettling black-and-white imagery, coupled with dynamic, pulsating backgrounds, sets the tone for the band’s first single release. The video exemplifies the raw energy and dark themes that define Black Sabbath’s influential sound, marking a significant moment in rock history.

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ANSWER: “Black Hole Sun,” Soundgarden (1994)

If Black Sabbath’s video left you feeling uneasy, tread carefully with Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.” This visually disturbing video features surreal imagery, including Barbie dolls on a grill, cockroaches being scorched with magnifying glasses, and unsettlingly grinning individuals. Such bizarre visuals contribute to the haunting atmosphere of the song, further solidifying its place in rock music history.

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ANSWER: “One,” Metallica (1989)

For those familiar with the poignant 1971 film adaptation of Johnny Got His Gun, Metallica’s music video for “One” offers a profound connection, as it incorporates several impactful clips from the film. These powerful visuals are intercut with shots of the band performing in a cavernous space, creating a visually and emotionally charged experience that resonates deeply with viewers.

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ANSWER: “Money for Nothing,” Dire Straits (1985)

In today’s world, music videos often feature advanced animation and special effects. However, the 1985 video for “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits was groundbreaking, showcasing early computer animation techniques that were revolutionary at the time. Mark Knopfler was initially hesitant about utilizing animation, but this innovative choice clearly paid off, as the single achieved three weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard chart, marking a significant milestone in music video history.

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ANSWER: “Land of Confusion,” Genesis (1986)

For those who have ever imagined what Genesis might look like as characters from a Jim Henson puppet show, the “Land of Confusion” music video brings that vision to life. The video features puppets of prominent figures like Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, and Henry Kissinger, cleverly satirizing political leaders while delivering a powerful message through its unique visual style.

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ANSWER: “Losing My Religion,” R.E.M. (1991)

Did you recognize the gold-winged figure from R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” video? If so, well done! Lead singer Michael Stipe initially envisioned a simpler performance-focused video, but was persuaded by director Tarsem Singh to pursue a more elaborate concept. This decision proved fruitful, earning R.E.M. the prestigious MTV award for Video of the Year, showcasing the transformative power of artistic collaboration.

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ANSWER: “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” ZZ Top (1983)

Many music videos feature flashy cars, but ZZ Top fans likely recognized the standout vehicle from the 1983 video for “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” The striking fire-engine red car is a memorable element of the video, which was directed by Tim Newman, a cousin of renowned musician Randy Newman. This visual flair, combined with ZZ Top’s signature sound, creates a captivating viewing experience.

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ANSWER: “Beautiful Day,” U2 (2000)

If you recognized this music video, you either have a deep appreciation for U2 or have spent considerable time navigating the bustling Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. U2’s “Beautiful Day” resonates as a musical backdrop for travel, evoking feelings of hope and positivity that have made it a timeless anthem for many.

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ANSWER: “Kiss,” Prince (1986)

Have you spotted the mysterious woman from Prince’s 1986 music video for “Kiss”? While it may sound like a dramatic question, the woman in the screenshot is Monique Mannen, who later appeared in films like Coming to America (1988) and The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990). This video showcases Prince’s flair for captivating visuals and memorable performances.

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ANSWER: “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” Bob Dylan (1965)

Would it have aided your guess if we mentioned that the bearded figure in the screenshot is one of America’s most celebrated poets? That’s the renowned Allen Ginsberg casually standing off to the side in Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” video, originally referred to as a “promotional film clip.” This video remains an iconic representation of the fusion between music and poetry.

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ANSWER: “November Rain,” Guns N’ Roses (1992)

Here comes the bride—specifically, Axl Rose’s then-girlfriend Stephanie Seymour in the music video for “November Rain.” Their real-life engagement took place in February 1993, just a year after the song’s release. However, their relationship came to an end only three weeks later, adding a layer of poignancy to the video’s romantic narrative.

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ANSWER: “Sledgehammer,” Peter Gabriel (1986)

The screenshot provides a substantial clue: a literal sledgehammer descending towards Peter Gabriel’s head. However, this representation is not as literal as it seems. Like Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing,” Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” video showcased pioneering techniques such as claymation, stop motion animation, and pixilation, pushing the boundaries of what music videos could achieve visually.

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ANSWER: “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” Twisted Sister (1984)

If you recognized the powerful figure in the screenshot, you may relate to the theme of aspiring to rock stardom despite parental disapproval. This premise is central to Twisted Sister’s music video for “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” directed by Marty Callner, which resonates with many who have faced similar struggles in their pursuit of artistic dreams.

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ANSWER: “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinead O’Connor (1990)

Even those unfamiliar with Sinead O’Connor’s music are likely to have encountered her iconic music video for “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which features striking visuals of her pale face against a stark background. If you recognized the video from the opening shot of a cloaked figure walking down a desolate path, you deserve recognition. This compelling video earned O’Connor three MTV awards: Video of the Year, Best Female Video, and Best Post-Modern Video, solidifying her impact on music and visual culture.

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ANSWER: “Africa,” Toto (1982)

In Toto’s “Africa” music video, you can spot Jenny Douglas-McRae as the bespectacled librarian. Beyond her role in this iconic video, she was also a member of the funk group Dayton and has provided live backup vocals for renowned artists such as Janet Jackson, Cher, and Rob Thomas, showcasing her versatility in the music industry.