10 Most Cringe-Worthy 80s Music Videos

The 1980s was a time of bold fashion, unique music, and some very memorable (for better or worse) music videos. While many songs and their videos have stood the test of time, others have left us scratching our heads. Here are ten music videos from the 80s that truly make us wonder, “What were they thinking?”

10. Separate Ways – Journey

In 1983, music videos were still fairly new. Many artists were figuring out how to bring their songs to life on screen. Journey’s “Separate Ways” is a classic example of what not to do. The talented musicians miming their instruments without actual ones looked ridiculous. The keyboardist clawing at an invisible keyboard is especially cringe-worthy at the 54-second mark. Also, the random woman wandering around adds to the confusion.

9. Down Under – Men at Work

“Down Under” by Men at Work acts out its lyrics quite literally. The video features the band in various silly setups, including a scene where one member sits in a tree playing the flute to a stuffed koala. The sand digging and dancing scenes are equally strange and make you question the creative choices behind this video.

8. Look of Love – ABC

ABC’s “Look of Love” features some very baffling elements. The wardrobe choices are odd, and the cane dancing is awkward. Throw in some chattering teeth and a scene of a man disgustingly eating pasta, and you have a video that’s hard to make sense of. It’s surprising this concept ever made it past the planning stage.

7. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Dead or Alive

This synth-pop hit epitomizes the 80s. Peter Burns’s finger-wagging and the band members waving flags make for an incredibly cheesy video. Dead or Alive followed the trend set by Boy George and Culture Club by having an androgynous frontman and catchy tunes. This video is a prime example of the era’s over-the-top style.

6. Doing It All for My Baby – Huey Lewis & The News

Huey Lewis & The News were known for not taking themselves too seriously, but “Doing It All for My Baby” might have gone a bit too far. The video attempts to turn musicians into actors in a bizarre Frankenstein-themed setting. It’s a clear display of why musicians should stick to their strengths.

5. We Built This City – Starship

Some songs are great but have terrible videos; this is not one of them. “We Built This City” by Starship is cheesy on both fronts. The video mirrors the song’s over-the-top cheesiness, making it a double whammy of 80s cringe. It’s no wonder this song and video have become infamous over the years.

4. Safety Dance – Men Without Hats

“Safety Dance” features an array of odd choices. Set in medieval England, the video includes Morris dancers, a dwarf, and a perplexing puppet show. The lead singer prances around looking goofy while the female lead appears to be in a daze. This chaotic mix makes for a bewildering watch.

3. Lick It Up – Kiss

“Lick It Up” by Kiss is as odd as its title suggests. The post-makeup phase of Kiss saw them in outfits that, in any other decade, would not be considered tough. The leather, chest hair, and leopard print make you wonder what the appeal was back then. Thankfully, they eventually returned to their iconic makeup.

2. Dancing in the Street – David Bowie & Mick Jagger

David Bowie and Mick Jagger are legendary musicians, but their video for “Dancing in the Street” is far from legendary. The video, featuring cringe-worthy dance moves and outfits, makes you question their decision-making. Bowie’s slow-motion jump into the song and the overall vibe scream “awkward” and “forced.”

1. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!

Even with just the audio, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! is already cheesy. But the video takes it to another level. The short shorts and bright outfits are hard to take seriously. This video is a prime example of why some trends should stay in the past.