An ’80s Sci-Fi Music Video Playlist

I have my friend Kris to thank for inspiring today’s music video playlist. After he suggested Billy Ocean’s “Loverboy” for the Valentine’s Day mix, I watched the video for the first time and decided that it should star in its own sci-fi playlist! So here it is, along with a collection of 1980s music videos set in space, as well as others with a general sci-fi vibe.

With a slew of science fiction films emerging in the ’80s, along with some pretty significant technological breakthroughs, it’s no wonder music videos from this time celebrated science in all of its stylish glory. The images above come from my favorite video in the bunch, “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)” by A Flock of Seagulls. There’s something so retro, dreamy and space age about it. Rather than going for an over-the-top production, there are quiet galactic moments that make a big impact.

Another fun fact: the first video on the list was Mirror80’s very first Friday Video Pick back in 2010. Oh, how time flies. And so do the spaceships featured in today’s playlist! Get ready to discover a good mix of videos that channel the past (pre’80s sci-fi), as well as those that celebrate 1980s style with movie-esque sets, a cast of crazy characters, and a few elements that will leave you scratching your head. But a little bit of confusion can be endearing, especially in the early days of music video. Enjoy!

And for more on the scientific aesthetic that swept over the ’80s (and additional details about some of the music videos featured above), check out this Mirror80 post from 2011. Thanks for listening. And watching! XOXO, Kate