Music videos are an art form in themselves. They not only add to a listener's appreciation of a song, but they can stand alone as a key creative element of a genre. Think of everything that goes into the making of a video. The lighting, costumes, makeup, set, props, mood, and more. Videos are like small movies. Each facet is the product of so much thought and care. The best, most cinematic ones tell a story. A few stand out to us, so we are spotlighting them for your enjoyment.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"Tonight I Wanna Cry"
This video for Keith Urban's poignant song is four minutes and sixteen seconds of pure molten heartbreak. Everything about it exudes unadulterated sadness. The dingy, sparsely furnished apartment, the gray walls, the empty picture frames, the snow coming down, a rumpled, unoccupied bed. Urban himself all alone, barefoot and morosely playing a grand piano. Each component of it screams misery, loneliness, bleakness, and isolation. Unhappy songs are a time-honored staple of country music. Urban's mesmerizing video is the essence of anguish. If you doubt that, read the pained comments people left on YouTube under this video. They will make you weep. As I am right now.
"You Look Like You Love Me"
Country music is about superb storytelling. The video for Ella Langley and Riley Green's duet is a stunning piece of visual storytelling. No wonder it nabbed the 2025 ACM Award for Visual Media of the Year. I always pondered why it was set in a smoke-filled, dank watering hole in the Wild West, but that era works so well with the theme of the song. A swanky Manhattan nightclub just would not have been as effective. The attention to the most minute elements is remarkable. From the "Wanted" posters on the wall to the authentic-looking costumes worthy of Gunsmoke, it all meshes. Langley herself looks like a foxy damsel who could have emerged straight from the 19th century. It's a fun frolic from a faraway time.
"Walkaway Joe"
From 1992, this is a splendid example of what a great music video can be. It has color footage of Yearwood singing, along with backing help from the Eagles' Don Henley. Plus there are black-and-white segments showing actors playing the roles of the fretful mom, the besotted daughter, and her toxic beau. Trivia tidbit: The no-good lad is actually played by the rugged young Matthew McConaughey long before he was a star. The video is inventive and dramatic, mixing lush visuals with solid storytelling.
"Something in the Water"
This song from Carrie Underwood with a spiritual theme gets the full lyrical treatment with gorgeous, ethereal photography and choreography. The dancers are amazing, especially the way they use their supple and expressive bodies. The way they make use of water is exquisite. Sensuous and uplifting, this video is very powerful. A wonderful backdrop to Underwood's passionate singing.
