We Love Awards 2015: Music Video of the Year

In an era when budgets are tight and immediacy is often valued above quality in content, bands often opt to forego the expensive process of crafting high production music videos. Music videos that function as cinematic short films seem to be increasingly sparse, while live footage and iPhone creations are on the rise.

A few acts have bravely struck out to continue innovating in this shifting context, displaying noteworthy artistic integrity by translating the excellence they apply to their music to the visual format. For this year's annual We Love Christian Music Awards, we've nominated five of the best videos that embrace artistic vision and technological exploration to push the music video medium to the next level. Here are my thoughts on why each of these videos deserves to take home the trophy.

"Dreams" by Kings Kaleidoscope
This BEC Records band has been redefining what worship music sounds like, and their inventive approach translates to this music video as well. Just as the song holds startlingly vivid textures, the video itself traces a journey through colorful and surreal surroundings that brings those textures to life. The incorporation of some subtle kaleidoscope imagery is a nice self-reference without being too heavy-handed. 

Why it could win: The cinematic quality of this video is top notch. With stunning vistas, an intriguing visual narrative and intentional use of color, this is an instantly striking piece. 

"Heartbeat" by Mat Kearney
Mat Kearney's unique brand of pop has earned him listening ears across both Christian and mainstream Top 40 channels, and his new album Just Kids might epitomize his pop-tunes-with-heart habit. The nostalgic feel of the album leaves its stamp on the music video for lead single "Heartbeat," which has elements that seem to subtly remind of music videos from the 80s and 90s and the reign of MTV. Kearney gets to show off some dance moves (backed by a team of professionals) in an urban L.A. setting.

Why it could win: There is something instantly classic about this video, tugging on nostalgia even while its visual structure (the piece was filmed in one take by a drone) is smooth and up-to-date. The technical prowess displayed here alone makes this music video a head-turner. 

"Not Alone" by Bread of Stone
Bread of Stone's pop rock sound has been honed through countless hours on the road and a dedication to pushing the envelope, and their music video for "Alone" might be their biggest milestone in that regard yet. The group utilized special cameras to film in 360 degrees, creating a music video experience unlike anything else ever attempted. At any point in the video, watchers can rotate their view in any direction, getting an immersive experience into a variety of breathtaking settings. Although this video is the first of its kind, it's unlikely to be the last.

Why it could win: This video is a true technological accomplishment, both in the concept itself and the fact that it was successfully carried out. It's unusual that anyone, in any area of the music industry, manages to turn the way we interact with music videos on its head, but Bread of Stone has done exactly that.

"Vice & Virtue" by Jimmy Needham
Smooth singing master Jimmy Needham released one of his best albums yet this year with the soulful Vice & Virtue, which wraps startlingly convicting and honest statements in smooth, soulful tunes. The music video for the title track plays like a short film, a refreshing break in a world where more and more bands seem to be phoning in music videos by recording simplistic live performances. The narrative that unfolds involves Jimmy Needham in a cat mascot outfit, a dance-off and ultimately a touching quest to help his elderly grandma.

Why it could win: This is easily the most straight-up entertaining music video released this year. The narrative never lags for an instant despite the video's longer runtime, and the quirky creativity displayed makes it impossible not to smile while watching.

"Wake Up" by NF
Young Capitol rapper NF exploded on the scene this year with his debut release Mansion, a set of hard-hitting songs introduced to audiences across the country through firecracker performances on festival stages. "Wake Up," the first music video released in conjunction with Mansion, traces the lives of two individuals in very different situations who are both walking through life numb and unfulfilled. The sense of urgency, the call to "wake up" in the song's lyrics, is communicated through careful cinematography and near-perfect pacing.

Why it could win: This is an art piece that embraces minimalism in all the right ways with its clean visual style and slick editing. The subtle way the video's pacing reinforces the build of the song displays an attention to detail that makes this everything a music video should be.

Which was the best? Cast a vote for your favorite in 2016's We Love Christian Music Awards here.