by Marisa Hefflefinger

Created on: April 14, 2008

UNFORGETTABLE COUNTRY MUSIC VIDEOS

Television variety shows were the first music videos, of sorts. They allowed performers to showcase their music in a different medium other than records or radio. In the 1960's, many artists began filming promotional clips that would play on television. Compared to today's extravagant videos, these short films, mostly of the artist singing, were nothing extraordinary. At the time, however, they served their purpose of advertising the music.

Since the 1980's, it has been custom to produce a video for each single. The power of visual images really helps listeners connect to the music, and it offers a way to further portray the meaning of the song, not to mention serving as entertainment. The following country music videos do just that:

Why Haven't I Heard From You by Reba McEntire

Think "Beauty School Drop-out" from Grease. In this video, Reba and her sexy back-up singers dance around in short leopard print robes with soap suds, curlers, and facial masks. Reba is angry that her man hasn't even called, and the beautification process taking place throughout the video leads to a theatrical stage performance at the end, asking, "What is your excuse?"

It's Your Love by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Unlike most video couples, these two artists are actually married, so the meaning and emotion behind the words they sing is real. Faith was pregnant during the filming of this video. Although she probably felt at her most unattractive, being quite large with child, Faith's glow added to the romantic tone of the video. The simple shots set in an elegant castle flash between Tim and Faith, and finally end with the two together, Tim with his hand over Faith's protruding belly. It is their love, at its best.

I Wanna Talk About Me by Toby Keith

This humorous video begins with Toby carrying many shopping bags for his wife or girlfriend, while she rambles on about what shoes would look best with what outfit. Toby, dressed as a policeman, pimp, and doctor, tries to perform his duty while listening to his female counterpart's incessant talk. Toby leads a party of like-minded men through the mall, celebrating the fact that sometimes they just "wanna talk about me."

The Thunder Rolls by Garth Brooks

This video follows the lyrics of an already powerful song. It begins with a "family" man leaving the room of a woman with whom he is having an affair, while a fierce storm brews outside. His wife is at home, pacing the living room, hoping that he is just stuck out

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