What's Your ATFV?
After I wrote about George Strait's new video for "Troubadour," someone e-mailed me to ask if that was my all-time favorite video. My ATFV? God, no. But that's a pretty cool question, and it's one I'm prepared to answer.
I like so many country videos for so many reasons. Sugarland's "Stay" comes to mind because of its sparse music and even sparser makeup. Jennifer Nettles has guts to do that. So did the Dixie Chicks when they went all-natural on "Without You," another love of mine. But I also get a little thrill just seeing Keith Urban playing banjo on a street corner in "Better Life." Or when I see Toby Keith asking his ex how she likes him now. And when I see Miranda Lambert light that match in "Kerosene."
I find that I'm not crazy about videos shot at concerts. No real reason, they just feel very expected. As do some of the literal sing-it/see-it formulas. That's why, back in the mid ‘90s, when Garth Brooks made the video for "The Red Strokes," he broke enough ground for it to become my ATFV. The way the red paint overwhelms the scene -- but never stops him from singing -- impressed me from the start. He reportedly paid about $500,000 out of his own pocket for that one. And after dousing 19 white beaver Stetson hats, tuxedos and grand pianos in paint, I can see why. But I don't love it because of its dramatic grandeur. I love it because, well, because it's Garth. And because it has maintained a presence in my mind all these years.
Do you have an ATFV like that? I'd love to know what yours are.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
MiaT says:
MY all time FAVORITE. I will dare to pick one artist. That would be …( drum roll )… TIM MCGRAW’s videos. Any & all. I must admit, I have CMT on most of the time & I can run in the living room to catch a new video but most of the time I just listen to the music. But when McGraw videos are on I make a b-line to the TV. “Like I never saw that one before”? But I just sit there and watch..like I have never seen it before. Old or newer I am right there. I guess I should ask myself why? But I am not. I guess I should explain it. But I am not. I am just going to let it be. I LOVE his videos. He is so talented in my book. So thats it. Without a doubt!
Leah says:
I love the video for International Harvester by Craig Morgan because it was filmed here in Wichita, KS.
But as far as all time fav…I love My Worst Fear by Rascal Flatts….or Prayin’ For Daylight..it was cute…
Drinkin’ Me Lonely by Chris Young….its excellent as well. Ok….I really can’t pick a fav…I love too many of them!! :-)
Chris N. says:
Clearly, it is “Hurt” by Johnny Cash.
Leah says:
These Days by Rascal Flatts is good too! :-)
Amanda says:
As a Kenny Chesney fan, I have to say that my favorite video is No Shoes No Shirt No Problems…it takes me the beach, if only for a few minutes…having fun with friends and playing some music - what could be better than that?
gail says:
I would have to say “Raining on Sunday” by Keith Urban!! AW, heck any of his videos! Just watching him play that guitar…WOW!
Steven says:
“The Red Strokes” by Garth. No other country star would have even THOUGHT of doing a clip like that. It’s so dramatic and intense, and is a clip a person remembers after seeing it one time. And it was all Garth’s idea, according to Jon Small, who has directed all of Garth’s videos since “Standing Outside the Fire”
Chris D. says:
I’ll say “Goodbye Earl” by the Dixie Chicks. It’s just a really funny video, like how the Chicks are there with the characters, but nobody can see them. I just crack up whenever I see that video.
audi16 says:
I don’t have a favorite there are so many great videos!
Rascal Flatts-”What hurts the most”
Faith Hill-”This Kiss”
Shania Twain-”That Don’t Impress Me much”
Brad Paisly-”Online”
Taylor Swift-”Teardrops on my guitar”
Carrie Underwood-”Before He Cheats”
OMG I could go on and on!
Alyssa says:
I’ve always loved the Dixie Chicks videos for “Long Time Gone” and “Top of the World.” They are both gorgeous and meaningful in their own way. And, of course, the songs are amazing!
27 says:
I think my first love in videos would have to be Redneck Woman. That’s the one that started my love for country. Currently, my favorite is Sugarland’s All I Want to Do. I also love Kenny Chesney’s You Save Me just because it’s such a pretty video (and I’d totally love to be that girl.. *sigh*)
Anna says:
i have to agree on the hurts the most video. you never thing a video can move you like that until she says “I saw you” at the end. Gets me every time!
Catherine says:
My ATFV is Dierks Bentley’s “What Was I Thinkin’”. Jake the dog was such a great co-star.
Irene davault says:
I like the new album release by Velma King “I Just Want To Sing”. This girl has a style all her own and a great voice.
Joyce says:
My ATFV is “Long Trip Alone” by Dierks Bentley.
audi16 says:
Totally agree with you Anna. I just love that video. It is so real. It shows raw feelings. I almost start crying eveery time I see the video.
Faye Hilbert says:
Of course all of my favorite videos would involve Keith Urban! My favorite! Although I would have to say that I especially love “Raining On Sunday” (so romantic and powerful) and “Days Go By” (so much fun to watch). I disagree though on the concert videos. Keith’s YLGIMS video is so much fun to watch and if you attended any one of his concerts this would bring back great memories and remind you how much fun you had there! Love this one too! As for other artists, I also love Martina McBride and her “Concrete Angel” video (so emotional) and I love “Anyway” and “How Far”, both videos are just two of the many great videos from Martina! Also, love Blake Shelton’s “Ol Red” (it’s like watching a mini movie and of course Blake looks great in it!) and of course “Some Beach” so funny! Of course it’s hard to pick just a few from all of my favorites including all of Jason Aldean’s videos (love them too!) but Keith’s videos would definitely have to take the top spot for me!
Shana says:
My ATFV has to be “But For The Grace Of God” by Keith Urban. When I first heard this song it sent shivers down my spine. That song means so much to me and the video was just awesome!! It made me a hard core country fan!!! I also love Alan Jackson’s “Good Time”. I love the line dance. That was pretty cool too!!
magen says:
i wouyld have to say that my all time favorite video would be Concrete angel by martina mcbride!! the scene shows how a litte girl can be hurt so much yet still put on a smile everyday b/c shes hiding from the truth !! it just brings tears to my eyes knowing there are people like that today who hide form the truth till they can no longer hide!! but it really is an amazing video
tlb says:
I love all Alan Jackson’s videos from Don’t Rock the Jukebox to Chatahoochee and his new one Good Time! He’s just so talented and has such an amazing voice.
If I had to pick a favorite it would be Gone Country.
brenda says:
George Strait what can I say he just keep getting better and better with time with his new song Troubadour,” . I love cmt because i like listen to music 24/7.
Laura says:
What? CMT plays music videos? All I ever see is a window of maybe 30 mins then it’s all repeats of crap movies, reality shows, and hokey home videos–very LITTLE music videos. I prefer the other channel for music and artist news.
Hmm, case in point…2 straight hours of Cribs, Country Fried Home Videos, 2 straight hours of Trading Spouses,
Oh wait, there’s an hour of CMT music at 2 am, think I’ll stay up for that-NOT!
CMT is a sell-out.
_Amanda_ says:
I love the vidio to “trubidor” because it isnt filled with acting or other people, its just him. It shows him from begining to where he is now, and i love that. I love Garth Brooks more than some people know but im not into the acting and props and paint, i love to see a great singer sit down on the stage and just sing without smoke, bright lights, or any other fancy things, i also love to see them go crazy and have fun. Its cool to see a vidio that was acted great but its not my thing. I have to say that the scean in “pure country” that George Strait stared in, is when he sits on the stage with nothing but his guirtar and plays to his love. That is the absolute best. That’s my ATFV.