I can imagine that when you’re working in a creative field, like music, that when those inspirational juices are flowing you can imagine the the perfect visuals to accompany your work. But sometimes you might have too many ideas of how you want the work to go, or the executives have an idea, what do you do? It seems that normal fashion is for artists to create multiple versions of a video and then pick their favorite, but for these artists they decided, “why choose?” Here are the musical artists that decided to have multiple videos for the same song:
Ashanti’s “Rain on Me”
The visuals to the first video were dynamic. It featured her in a dysfunctional and abusive relationship with Larenz Tate. The video made the lyrics pop with each scene, and made many people a believer of Ashanti’s talent, and Larenz’s acting chops.
After that video, a second one was released that included scenes of Ashanti performing the song in the rain, which made it more… like a music video.
Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks”
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When the song was first dropped, you couldn’t go to a club or church without hearing it. Kanye West’s lyrical genius was exhibited on the track that was a risk, but also a high reward as he boldly proclaimed the role that Jesus plays in his life and in the lives of others. Such a strong song needed not just one strong visual, but three.
Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”
After being inspired by the audacious work of Frida Kahlo, the members of the British band Coldplay co-wrote the song that ended up winning 2009 Grammy’s “Song of the Year.” With lyrics that depicted Biblical imagery and monarchy, the group had two corresponding videos to go along with the hit song.
Tupac ft. Dr. Dre “California Love”
Before setting the music world ablaze with not only his rap skill, but also his verse on Big Sean’s song “Control,” Kendrick Lamar was inspired by watching Tupac and Dr. Dre film the music video for “California Love.” But it’s not the post apocalyptic version you might know and love. It was a more of a local video with the rap legends performing their song in drop top cars and their cruise the local streets of Compton, California.
Craig David’s “Fill Me In”
When this English crooner first started making moves across the pond, and began to gain notoriety of in the US, his hit song “Fill Me In” deserved great visuals. After creating a video of a young woman who makes moves with David when her parents leave, he created a complimentary video for the US.
Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights”
When Mr. West first decided to make a music video for the acclaimed “Flashing Lights” he made three versions. After much thought, he released the version that most people are familiar with. A woman, a car, a man in the trunk and things happening with a shovel. However, another video leaked that featured a young model who embraces the New York night life, but who is ultimately scarred by it.
Natasha Bedingfield’s “These Words”
When the song first premiered, Natasha Bedingfield was accompanied by cute walking, animated boomboxes that followed her while she went about her video. However, that wasn’t her first video. The original one was had even more animated items, multiple versions of the songstress, and her words that leads her boyfriend to her.
Robyn’s “Do You Really Want Me”
Who else remember this phenom?! When she first appeared as a musical act on “All That,” and appeared in YM magazine, I just knew she would be big. Though the US hasn’t really heard much from her, Swedish singer is still making big moves in Europe. After successful tours, winning Swedish Grammys and being nominated for US Grammys, let’s take our girl Robyn back to her young days when she released three videos for the song “Do You Really Want Me?”
Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love”
After winning the UK’s version (the original version) of “X Factor,” Leona Lewis was destined for greatness, and her first single “Bleeding Love” proved it. The song’s powerful lyrics had two videos that showed the affects of relationships. In the first version, it showed multiple couples in varying stages of love, and the second version showed Leona arguing with her boyfriend.
Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us”
The very much missed “King of Pop” was known for pairing his powerful vocals with even more powerful visuals. Before getting a chance to film the Spike Lee directed video, the Brazilian government tried to shut it down. Their fear was that Jackson was trying to exploit the grittier parts of Rio De Janeiro.
The second version was just as gritty, which featured an incarcerated Jackson and footage of brutality and hate crimes throughout the US and the word.
