by Emma Riley Sutton

Created on: April 15, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2008

Country music has as many videos as another genre of music. Personally, I'm not a fan of any video - I prefer to use my imagination to visualize what is happening in the song. Despite this fact, there are many memorable videos I enjoy. There are a few that could be considered unforgettable. "This Kiss" performed by Faith Hill, "Good-Bye Earl" performed by the Dixie Chicks, "Independence Day" performed by Martina McBride and "Whiskey Lullaby" performed by Brad Paisley and Allison Kraus.

"This Kiss" is a quirky, fun video. Seeing Faith Hill bouncing on those giant flowers is a sharp way of expressing the "oh my" factor found in some kisses. Faith Hill is both beautiful and cute (meant as a compliment) in her little baby doll dress. She is thoroughly convincing that "This Kiss" is the highlight of her life. Her smile makes one wonder, "Is Tim McGraw that good of a kisser?" Her eyes answer that question with a resounding "YES!"

"Good-Bye Earl" is a funny video that looks at the horror of domestic violence through different eyes. After watching this video, the viewers truly believe these two gals are capable of such revenge. Two wrongs do not make a right, but this video is right. Who could blame them for doing away with Earl? This video, using humor, shows that revenge sometimes does make you feel better. And, even if viewers disagree with the idea of getting even, one would be hard pressed to find someone who weren't rooting for these two spunky women.

"Independence Day" takes a completely different view of domestic violence. It is raw and real. Martina McBride sings this song with such passion a video is almost redundant. Yet, this video sets the mood Martina McBride creates with her voice in concrete. Anger, determination, and the need to survive fuels this video. Beautifully directed, this video exposes what can happen when enough is too much and something must be done to stop all the pain.

"Whiskey Lullaby" is a haunting look at alcoholism. Excellently shot (by Rick Schroeder of "Silver Spoons" fame) it looks at the effects alcohol has on people. Hearts ache as the viewers see the fate of these two people in love. Despite tearing at heartstrings, this video is neither sentimental or mushy. It is a realistic look at alcohol tearing people apart.

Though not a fan of the video, I do see and understand their role in music. Most videos are enjoyable. Few are unforgettable. "This Kiss," "Good-Bye Earl," "Independence Day," and "Whiskey Lullaby" are definitely unforgettable, all for individual and separate reasons.

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