Top 5 Music Videos Summer 2010: Katy Perry, John Mayer, Jack Johnson

Growing up, I was definitely part of the MTV generation, and I watched hours and hours of music videos in my youth. As an adult, I drifted away from music television, but in recent years, I've become interested in the music videos on the VH1 network. On a recent Saturday, I tuned in to the VH1 Top 20 Countdown, a weekly program that counts down the most popular music videos of the week. Here are my picks for the top 5 music videos perfect for summer 2010.

Top Music Video for Summer 2010 #1: California Gurls by Katy Perry

California Gurls by Katy Perry could easily become the anthem for summer 2010, and this light hearted song is the perfect background music for summer road trips and parties. Singer Katy Perry is known for being slightly naughty and irreverent (her previous hit song was I Kissed a Girl) and the music video for California Gurls features Perry and Snoop Dogg in a surreal kitschy landscape of cotton candy, lollipops and animated gummy bears.

California Gurls is an ode to all the West Coast has to offer, and the song was written in response to Jay Z's Empire State of Mind. The breezy, beachy, and campy vibe of California Gurls by Katy Perry makes it one of the hottest music videos for summer 2010.

Top Music Video for Summer 2010 #2: You and Your Heart by Jack Johnson

You and Your Heart is the latest hot song and music video by the environmentalist, surfer and singer songwriter Jack Johnson. Johnson developed a cult following as a result of his hit album Brushfire Fairytales and his new CD To the Sea recently topped the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. You and Your Heart by Jack Johnson, from his To the Sea album, is a simple music video that shows Johnson singing and surfing, but it's surprisingly powerful, evoking in the viewer a sense of joy and well being.

Whenever I watch You and Your Heart by Jack Johnson on VH1, I'm always uplifted, carried away for a few moments to a place of peace and serenity that washes away all my cares and concerns. With its positive vibe, catchy lyrics and guitar rhythms, and surfing imagery, You and Your Heart by Jack Johnson really raises the vibration, making it a great music video for summer 2010.

Top Music Video for Summer 2010 #3: Half of My Heart by John Mayer

Half of My Heart by John Mayer, from the album Battle Studies, is the newest hit from this talented singer songwriter. Half of My Heart is a song about a man who just can't make a commitment to a woman, and John Mayer's music video depicts him as a "runaway groom" sitting alone in a bar as the disappointed wedding party dismantles the failed nuptials.

Pop and country singer Taylor Swift performs some background vocals on Half of My Heart by John Mayer, and her sweet sounds only add to the song's appeal. It's a pleasure to watch the mellow Mayer play his guitar in this video; this laidback, low key song has a hypnotic effect on the listener and will surely become one of the most memorable tunes (and music videos) for summer 2010.

Top Music Video for Summer 2010 #4: Like You Do by Angel Taylor

Angel Taylor is a fresh face on the music video scene, and she's also one of VH1's "You Oughta Know" artists. Like You Do by Angel Taylor showcases her musical gifts quite nicely, showing Taylor sitting in a cafe playing her guitar, perhaps in an open mike situation. Angel Taylor has a beautiful voice, and her sweetness, innocence and vulnerability are quite endearing in the music video Like You Do. The softness and sincerity of Taylor is a pleasant contrast to the harsh, more overtly sexual themes in recent music videos by singers Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and even Miley Cyrus.

Watching the Like You Do by Angel Taylor music video, the viewer's heart soars as all the patrons of the coffeehouse eventually rise to their feet and dance around to Taylor's joyful music. Like You Do by Angel Taylor hits all the right notes, making it the perfect music video for summer 2010.

Top Music Video for Summer 2010 #5: This Afternoon by Nickelback

This Afternoon by Nickelback is the perfect chill out, kick back song and music video for the summer of 2010. Nickelback is known for more somber songs like If Everyone Cared, and the light hearted humorous video for This Afternoon is definitely a departure for this band that usually explores more serious themes. The scenario of This Afternoon by Nickelback begins when a bunch of nerdy guys liven up their summer party by roping in Nickelback to play for the crowd; as this music video goes on, things get quite rowdy (and a bit raunchy) with beautiful girls, bikinis, beer and everyone having fun and cutting loose to the music.

Each time I hear This Afternoon by Nickelback on the radio or I watch the music video on VH1, I think about a carefree summer day. Perhaps this will usher in a new musical direction for Nickelback, and This Afternoon by Nickelback seems destined to become the quintessential music video for summer 2010.

Music videos are not just for the kids anymore; if you're an adult who enjoys music, VH1 Network has something for every age and musical taste. Check out the weekly VH1 Top 20 Countdown every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on VH1, and vote online for your top music videos at: top20.vh1.com.

Source:

http://www.vh1.com/shows/series/top_20_countdown/