Millennials & Gen Z React To Music Videos That Defined Generations! (Lady Gaga, Ok-Go, Madonna)

We compiled some of the most generation defining music videos of all time to see what our Millennial and Gen Z reactors think about them! Are they still hold up after all these years or has the magic of these music videos been lost?
Content Featured:
Here it Goes Again - OK Go
• OK Go - Here It Goes A...
Like a Prayer - Madonna
• Madonna - Like A Praye...
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
• Nirvana - Smells Like ...
Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
• Gorillaz - Feel Good I...
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
• Sinéad O'Connor - Noth...
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
• Peter Gabriel - Sledge...
Around the World - Daft Punk
• Daft Punk - Around The...
Alright - Kendrick Lamar
• Kendrick Lamar - Alrig...
Rhythm Nation - Janet Jackson
• Janet Jackson - Rhythm...
Drake - Hotline Bling
• Drake - Hotline Bling
Take On Me - A-ha
• a-ha - Take On Me (Off...
Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim
• Fatboy Slim - Weapon O...
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
• Lady Gaga - Bad Romanc...
Sabotage - Beastie Boys
• Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Upside Down & Inside Out - OK Go
• OK Go - Upside Down & ...
REACT’s goal is to credit the original links to the content featured in its shows. If you see incorrect or missing attribution please reach out to [e-mail]
Reactors Featured:
Jaxon
/ jaxonhh
Angel
/ trbangel
Corey
/ coreymekell
Austin
/ apchilde
Jack
/ jackjerry
Jordan
/ jordanburton_
Producers:
Joe
/ joebereta
Kat
/ kathrynjanko
Gina
/ gina__marsh
Abhishek
/ abhijoshishake
Jada
/ jadayvonne_96
Raven
/ ravenraspberrie
Check out our instagram stories on video release days to see exclusive behind the scenes footage of this episode! / reactmedia
AROUND THE WEB:
TIKTOK: / react
FACEBOOK: / reactmedia
TWITTER: / react
INSTAGRAM: / reactmedia
KZbin CHANNELS:
REACT: / react
PEOPLE VS FOOD: / peoplevsfood
Creative Director - Nicole Iizuka
Director of Production - Kevin Lee
Line Producer - Anthony Mugnolo
Executive Producer - Joe Bereta
Associate Producer - Gina Marsh
Talent Producer - Annie Knudsen
Production Coordinator - Julian Steinberg
Casting Coordinator - Alexandra Sheffield
Studio Manager - Stephen Miller
Studio Technician - Micah Fusco
Set Medic - Mark Kirkendall
Editor - Kristen O'Hare
Post Production Supervisor - Doug Brady
Thumbnail Graphics - Alison Lowenberg
Supervising Editor - Ryan Johnson
Assistant Editor - Jay Acuna
#music #musicvideo #reaction
Millennials & Gen Z React To Music Videos That Defined Generations! (Lady Gaga, Ok-Go, Madonna)
0:00 Intro
0:12 Here it Goes Again - OK Go
1:15 Like a Prayer - Madonna
2:29 Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
3:58 Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
5:20 Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
6:21 Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
7:01 Around The World - Daft Punk
7:47 Alright - Kendrick Lamar
8:33 Rhythm Nation - Janet Jackson
9:25 Hotline Bling - Drake
10:10 Take On Me - A-ha
11:24 Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim
12:33 Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
13:20 Sabotage - Beastie Boys
14:44 Upside Down & Inside Out - OK Go
16:03 Final Thoughts
16:30 Outro

[@patreezzy]

Jaxon and angel are like two very different students who get sat next to each other in math class and by the end of the year they’re basically best friends

[@mymylauren]

You summed it up perfectly

[@user-tm4nd4di1x]

I feel like they" dated"

[@mymylauren]

@@user-tm4nd4di1x they could be possibly dating now jk ,

[@nickhill8612]

​@@mymylauren They were made for each other.

[@mymylauren]

@@nickhill8612 maybe , who knows we may see them on a future couples episode of react , im just kidding

[@maryhughes6372]

You should explain to them WHY each music video was iconic. There are reasons behind it that they probably are unaware of. A few of them even mentioned after seeing the clip ‘I don’t see that as iconic’ or ‘why is this iconic.’ I don’t blame them because they don’t know about either the controversy surrounding it or how difficult/challenging it was to make it.

[@emilyprentice5581]

Jaxon's parents need to teach a class on how to raise your child to be musically/culturally educated cause he just excels far past everyone else to be honest. I love that they said Jaxon being Jaxon because yeah, he's in a class of his own

[@hibcam]

Jax listened to my music (Beatles, Bowie, 80's New Wave) since he was a baby. He never complained about what he listened to in my car and now he has Great Taste!

[@DrizzFizzlebeatz]

Part of is Jaxon having siblings who are quite older than him as well.

[@emilyprentice5581]

@@DrizzFizzlebeatz well this was worthwhile information. Yeah, that definitely would help. I thought he was an only child and his parents were basically superheroes

[@mackenziedowns9930]

I love watching Jaxon when music is involved. He's just so in love with music and I love that.

[@stretchkitty21]

Ikr. He's my spirit animal, but my animal can't come out in front of people lol.

[@kousuke87]

There’s the Millennials and Gen-Z’s… and then there’s Jaxon 😂 always reacts the best, knows so many bands, sings along, pumps you up

[@mitzloo1933]

The child hardly watched the videos - just acted like a complete tool. He’s horrible.

[@monie802]

@@mitzloo1933he was clearly familiar with all the songs / videos tho. He prob didn’t watch them bc he didn’t need to, he already knew what they were.

[@theashenogre8948]

​@@mitzloo1933 you must hate that he's getting love and attention in the comments. Grow up kiddo

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen6030]

I have no clue how "Thriller" was omitted from this list, it is quite arguably one of the most iconic music videos of all time.

[@hellbunniez3]

love love love jaxon and angel’s energy whenever they get paired up together! they’re like just two friends vibing in the car in a fast food restaurant’s parking lot haha

[@scottsaunders5087]

The Sinead comments were a dagger to my heart RIP Sinead

[@mariapapou9059]

I love them all, but yeah, it's a shame they didn't know her. And so close to her passing, it sort of made me tear up for a moment. But on a lighter note I really enjoyed this video! Jaxon and Angel just gold

[@Ace1762]

The fact that neither Thriller or Smooth Criminal are on this list ruins the credibility of whoever made this list.

[@bklynkat23]

Facts!

[@Medvun]

Missed out a few gems: Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity Michael Jakson - Thriller RHCP - Give it away KoRn - Freak on a leash Dire Straits - Money for nothing M.C. Hammer - U cant touch this

[@aarongilmore1254]

Honestly, every time there's a react music, I LOVE watching Jaxon jam out. He loves every genre of music. He loves music the way I love films and I'm here for it!!

[@chloshitler7689]

Not Jaxon being absolutely iconic this whole video XD

[@Bouquez]

No thriller? Honestly that has to be the most iconic video of all time

[@omarelk194]

The disrespect to Sinead O’Connor (may she rest in peace) is upsetting.

[@Eris_Strife]

Did you ever hear Prince do it?

[@omarelk194]

@@Eris_Strife Yes I have. He does a great job but Sinead O'Connor crushes that song.

[@scottsaunders5087]

I mourn for the generations who don’t recognise how iconic Sinead O’Connor was to my generation

[@shannonEGBOK]

Yes, and Prince wrote that song. I love it.

[@robertgonzalezseguros]

Jaxon has an incredible voice!!! His parents are really proud for give him a lot of music menu

[@elizabethkenobi1365]

I want whatever Jaxon and Angel were having! Those two had enough energy to make their own music video! 😆

[@tmwilson524]

"Like that one with the girl and just her face".... My Gen X heart is crying!!!! I mean that song defined my heartbreak as a teen, and it was written by Prince for Pete's sake!!!

[@bito-ononrizhelanneclairei3594]

jaxon's having the time of his life LOLLL we love to see it!

[@smartypants258]

Jaxon is my favourite! The fact that he knows words to songs from almost every generation, super impressed! Definitely took me back from my high school days in the mid/late 80’s but I knew every video/song but one!

[@allnitedj72]

I'm always surprised that people don't know how good of a dancer Christopher Walken is. He started out his entertainment career training as a dancer.

[@justlive2809]

Jaxon and Angel are a great duo such a mood

[@anirai1516]

Bruh I don't know where some of these people have been not to know these iconic songs.

[@lauralove528]

Jaxon is LIVING for these videos.

[@mitzloo1933]

Jaxon is living for the spotlight.

[@ashleymack9459]

Jaxon was raised well! He knows his shit. And Angel is so adorable.

[@jourdanthompson5695]

For the two who didn't know the difference between viral and iconic...viral is popularity and iconic is being inspirational to (to quote the title) generations to come. And I'm only saying this because it lowkey irritated me when they said only Lady Gaga had a concept. You know where many of her concepts came from? Madonna. Janet. They all had concepts that have inspired other artists, maybe they just didn't understand them. Anyway I hope I don't sound snobby, but that just didn't sit right with me

[@venadacent7696]

Jaxon + Angel pairing....always bring the jokes!

[@talkingflowerlei]

every time there's a music related react, jaxon has to be in it. he's just so funny and he knows his music!

[@vamplord4000]

I love how much Jaxon is enjoying the music and expressing his love for it. He’s so fun to watch,

[@lethargicbobhope]

Kids need to watch what they say about Sinead O'Connor

[@wanderingyoutube]

The drawings for the animation in Take on Me was done by hand over 3 months by 1 guy.

[@DawidC.909]

Jaxon rules. He was my favourite since he was a kid

[@gusscoutinho]

It's like living in an alternate reality, a world where youngsters haven't heard of Nothing Compares To You. That music video was massively played everywhere. So much I can't stand it until this day!

[@gcooper642]

I love Jaxon, but he doesn't know what personal space is. He's like your favourite cat 😂

[@mymylauren]

He seems to only be like that with Angel lol .

[@leahtheloser]

People not knowing Sinead O'connor hurts me she is an iconic legend back home

[@JacksonOwex]

Yeah... I cry for real music too! It's hard today!

[@fxaman]

She’s icon everywhere! Here in Czechi this song was so massive!

[@Goldeneyesluvsjasper]

I've never been so proud of Jaxon then seeing him rap along to feel good inc

[@Damechtia]

Honestly, this whole video is just about Jaxon vibing and we need more of him!!! 💜✨️

[@VicWeave]

Virtual Insanity is a lot more iconic than Hotline Bling for dancing in a room by yourself.

[@Maxwell-yk8hz]

Hearing some of them not know gorillaz when i know for a fact i'm younger than all of them is heartbreaking to me. Gorillaz got me through some shit

[@karenhaggard7094]

my 15 yr old son has been listening to them for yrs. He just discovered ICP

[@aaliguy9986]

Jaxon turns into a different person in these videos 😂

[@Ericstuhhh]

Jaxon has top tier musical taste. Super entertaining to watch.

[@mizzmeme]

Y'all should have told them why they, especially the older videos, were iconic. For example Sinead O'Conner- this is a huge female star, in the 80s, with a shaved head, on a music video. It just did not happen.

[@amberdavidson579]

Yes 100% and her video was also iconic because it was so different to anything else being produced. The 80s was about excess (crazy sets, rich colour etc.) and here was this song and music video that was stripped back to subdued tones, a couple of frames and pure emotion.

[@lilouette]

Jaxon is a whole mood in this video LOL

[@ninjenn91]

Angel and Jaxon are lowkey my favorite duo...

[@SavageHornet]

A-ha "take on me" is the greatest music video of all time IMO, the pencil animation paired with live action is so captivating.

[@rdwoolf]

No, Jaxon, Aha is not a one-hit-wonder. The band had two top twenty hits in the USA and had several hit singles in many countries in Europe, South America and their native Norway. “The Sun Also Shines On TV” did well in the U.S. as well as “The Living Daylights,” which was a James Bond theme.

[@emersonblair]

I love when angel and jaxon are grouped together it’s so fun to watch

[@MrTrellheim]

Rest in Power Sinnead O'Connor EDIT: Ok, fine video and all, but I find a video about iconic music videos without: A) "Thriller" (the standard music videos have had to measure against for a loooooooong time), B) "Video killed the radio star" (first music video in MTV and itself a commentary on the place music has on audiovisual industry) and C) "I want to break free" (come on! the band in drag? it would have made heads explode nowadays. It made heads EXPLODE back in the day) is a bit lacking

[@cliffordbunton8788]

Jaxon and Angel actually hit the note. Good job, y'all!

[@zzizahacallar]

A-Ha

[@nerdlarge4691]

You all really need to start giving my cultural and music history context to these music videos. Especially for the younger generations who weren't alive for a lot of these videos.

[@sleezywalk420]

The Boy with the brown hair is full of energy and almost knows every song that’s dope 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

Jaxon and Angel need their own show.

[@daviddezeeuw9031]

Jaxon is just killin it no matter what era of music you throw at him.. And hes got proper knowledge about the artist and everything, sometimes more so than the adults!! Jaxon is a cool dude..

[@gnu_andrew]

This is the guy who thinks a-ha are a #1 hit wonder? Ok...

[@AvengefulSiren]

Y’all, Jaxon vibing with these songs is just my fav. Plus another Daft Punk fan!!! Wish they were still around.

[@thatgirl9532]

The dynamic between Jaxon & Angel never fails to be entertaining plus they are too adorable!!! 🥰

[@beingsneaky]

Well, Jaxon sure turned out to be a fun person.. lol

[@yoshimasterleader]

Clint Eastwood is a more iconic Gorillaz video than Feel Good inc.

[@jasonscragg4056]

How many of them even know that drummer in the background of the Nirvana video would go on to great things.

[@cr0426]

The young people saying they’d never seen the Sinead O’Connor song made all my joints hurt. 😂😭

[@venadacent7696]

It's safe to say Jaxon had a good time shooting this one 🤣🤣🤣

[@darkangelholz]

Love when Jackson and Angel are together! Xxxx

[@crystalsnow1138]

This whole list could've easily been only Michael Jackson videos. I remember his music videos (or in his words short films) being premiered on primetime tv when I was younger.

[@msmrsro]

Nothing Compares 2 U, sung here by Sinead O’Connor, was written by Prince.

[@taetoro]

I love how Jaxon just vibin' with everyone that he pairing with 😂

[@Kitti_B]

A-ha isn't a one hit wonder. Legends from Norway!

[@jamesjoyce5810]

Definitely. Maybe in US they only known for Take On Me. But they have other great songs. Americans should have type A-HA and search 😅😅

[@fairymom24]

I live for Jaxon moments in these videos. Absolutely hilarious 😂

[@AroundTheWorldWithEase]

How on earth do you make sucha list and not include Michael Jackson? You know, the guy whose videos not only defined a generation, but the artform of the music video itself? Billie Jean? Beat It? Thriller?

[@jesc8827]

Right half of these had no business being on here. No thriller or baby one more time is just ridiculous.

[@laurenaspreyart]

Sweet dreams are made of these Now that’s an iconic song and video

[@soulzenith8125]

Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity, Blink 182 - What's My Name Again, and Sisqo, Thong Song have to be in your next one.

[@jazzmynalamango173]

Everyone just reacting normally to the videos, Jaxon and Angel just vibing and having their own party each time.

[@Vulcanerd]

Jaxon and Angel had so much fun together 😄

[@gotham61]

It's pretty amazing the Take On Me is now almost 40 years old. It was made entirely by hand, before computer animation could do that type of thing. A-Ha was only considered a one hit wonder in the US. In Europe they continued to have hits for many years. Sinead O'Connor was an early victim of cancel culture. She was pretty much blanked by all media outlets after she ripped up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live in 1992.

[@teodoranichitean4072]

Jaxon is my favourite

[@gerrymccann2003]

That kids Christopher Walken impression is excellent lol

[@irishted13]

No Jamiroquai Virtual Insanity?!? MJ Thriller?!? You didn’t tell them that Prince wrote Nothing Compares To You or explain the SNL incident…

[@jenniferhonaker9445]

A difference between iconic and viral! Yes!

[@SadwichPunch2100]

There are some good selections here. However, there are some notable absences as well. Thriller by Michael Jackson, Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A., The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC, Hey Ya by Outkast.

[@Zarsla]

Same.

[@marydavis5234]

Thriller is not there as it was released in 1982 and the host said in the beginning of the video, that the songs are from the 1990s and the 2000s.

[@SadwichPunch2100]

@mary davis well then they didn't follow their own rules. Take On Me was released in 1985, Like a Prayer was 1989, and Rhythm Nation was 1989, Sledgehammer was 1986.

[@TomCashTV]

Jaxon screaming Sabotage absolutely killed me! 😂

[@shavannya]

Jaxon makes the whole reactions more fun to watch..

[@apairofsocks1213o7]

the people not knowing gorillaz made me so sad they are so good

[@richardgranholm1561]

The biggest most iconic music video in history wasn’t even mentioned. Thriller Michael Jackson period

[@seldom24]

Jaxon parents must have really like music man 😂 I'm still surprised by the amount of knowledge he has on 90s songs

[@hilloochka]

I'm a bit surprised these Ok Go videos were included, but not Jamiroquai's Virtual Insanity.

[@darkwulf2k]

nor any Michael Jackson video like Thriller

[@RoxyWeasley12193]

Good list but some videos missing from here are "Baby One More Time", "Thriller", "California Love" and "Black Hole Sun"

[@marydavis5234]

Th host did say the songs are from the 1990s and 2000s, Thriller was released in 1982.

[@basti_marr]

Saying Nothing Compares 2 U wasn't iconic broke my heart

[@ramonashearer7241]

Christopher Walker is a trained dancer. That's how he got his start.

[@baradureye2170]

Aw mtv🥹 back when any new music video released was so hype

[@x0habiib0x]

I got my preorder in for the AngJax duet EP. The variety. The energy. The emotion. The talent. Take my monies.

[@AnniePriwinkle]

Every time I see Jaxon he seems like a really nice great person! Every video is like a new different side of him ! Love all of you !

[@demosteneswiggin5122]

Jaxon and Angel are such a powerful duo! Their dinamic is so energetic and fun!

[@williamkennedy9745]

How was Jamiroquai- Virtual Insanity not on this list?

[@jodimyers410]

1:46 I’m so glad they acknowledged the controversy!

[@PrisonbreakSPNheroes]

Nothing Compares 2 U was originally released as a side project from Prince but Sinead O'Conner made it more popular.

[@Cutejess2407]

Why no Michael Jackson?! Thriller, Bad, Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean are much more iconic than these!

[@realSimoneCherie]

Jaxon and Angel are too cute

[@biancabianca296]

Music episodes never fail to make Jaxson get the zoomies.

[@stacylewis7119]

I love Jaxon and Angel's energy! They seem like they'd be really cool irl.

[@nickhill8612]

Same here.

[@jwalk9095]

You totally missed Jamiroquai Virtual Insanity

[@s.k.9401]

FR

[@ponch1620]

Yes.

[@eaqua56]

Yes!

[@darrencrosbie-rowlands2167]

Jaxon being iconic for 16 mins straight!!!!

[@ValdrianthTTRPG]

"This is good technology"for Take on Me. Whose gonna tell them about rotoscope and that someone had to hand draw those frames?