Has it already been a year?  In the words of IMVDB editor Doug Klinger, "it really makes you think."

No long intro needed, let’s start at the top.

Anderson .Paak – “'Til It's Over” aka “Welcome Home” (Director: Spike Jonze) 

Arguably not a music video (hence why it isn’t on IMVDB).  But, it is the best thing I’ve seen all year.  Charming, breathtaking, technically impressive magic by VMA winning choreographer FKA Richard Koufey.

Childish Gambino "This Is America"

There’s nothing left to say about this video. Mainly Because The Internet has come up with a million ludicrous theories about it on its own.  But, I am most thankful for it bringing this meme into my life.

Beyonce, Jay-Z "APES**T"

Fast like a Lambo.  The Carters beat the record by running through the Louvre in six minutes, skrt skrt skrt.  Mona Lisa still playing it cool, not even breaking a smile for Beyonce.

Dua Lipa "IDGAF"

Duo Lipa.  Duel Lipa?  Sorry.  IDGAF that it was a 22 hour shoot because you made something for the ages.  Henry Schofield, Marion Motin and Stromae deserve some praise for the incredible chorégraphie of bodies and camera.

Prince “Mary Don’t You Weep”

Just gorgeous.  The perfect complement to this soul baring track.  Let’s shoot film instead of people from now on?

Benny Blanco f/ Halsey & Khalid "Eastside"

This easily could have been in the top three for me.  The simplicity.  The feels.  It could have been a cheesy video of a doomed romance between a Highland Park hipster in love with a Venice Beach type.  But, Jake Schreier knows better.  Lock a camera off and just watch.  It wouldn’t be his first or last time.

Vince Staples “FUN!”

Best use of Google Maps in a music video since The Wilderness Downtown.

Beck "Colors"

Edgar Wright and Ryan Heffington are back in the driver’s seat and it’s a trip.  Oh and how I adore Alison Brie.

Billie Eilish "When The Party's Over"

I had a bellyache on what Billie Eilish video to include here.  There were so many good offerings like this and this.  But, the howyahdothat factor of this was too good to ignore.  Maybe Carlos should go make a movie?

Florence + The Machine "Big God"

Last year I saw Florence Welch in the audience of a Pina Bausch performance in New York.  She obviously really soaked it up.  I’m Hungry for more.

Lil Dicky f/ Chris Brown "Freaky Friday"

I want to give an honorable mention to Chris Brown for an Oscar level acting performance as Lil Dicky stuck inside his own body.  Lindsay Lohan, who?  Beat.  And, now let’s go back to blacklisting Chris Brown like it’s 2009… because he hasn’t proven himself otherwise?

There you have it 2018.  I wish you Money + Love in 2019, maybe go start a Corporation, but most importantly, let me live My Life.  Until next time…

Jason Baum is a music video producer and director based in Los Angeles.