YouTube and I are best friends. I scour that bitch for all types of videos. Sometimes, I look up military homecoming recordings and Thai life insurance commercials to make myself cry. I don’t know what the hell comes over me that makes me want to just sob, but nonetheless. I find the videos, shut the door, let the tears stream down my face, and erupt into the living room like I didn’t do shit.

Among the long list of things I’ve looked up, I’ve seen minimalist music videos that are actually pretty cool. I’m talking portrait style, for the most part “one-take,” music videos. I think Sinead O’Connor’s the pioneer behind this. Below are some music videos (and one movie clip) that I’ve found that I thought were pretty cool. There’s something about watching the emotions change as the song progresses… or perhaps how effective just dimming the lights are.

If any of you know any more portrait, face-only videos, let me know!

P.S. I recommend you try and max the resolution if you can.

“Cold War” – Janelle Monae

“Skinny Love” – Birdy

“Tennis Court” – Lorde

“Here We Go” – Beldina Malaika

“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” – D’Angelo

“I Dreamed a Dream” – Anne Hathaway for Les Miserables

“Warwick Avenue” – Duffy