The Desert in Song

For our current “Caravan” edition we looked to deserts near and far to dig up inspiration for our roster of recipes. And many a band has taken a similar course, using the desert as a backdrop to bring their musical visions to life. Herewith, our top seven desert-bound music videos.

 

“Hold Me” by Fleetwood Mac

Our love for the Mac runs deep—very, very deep—so this is the desert video against which we judge all others. It’s got safari gear, trippy mirror images, buried musical treasures, white stallions. and, of course, the vocal stylings of two of our favorite ladies of rock: Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks.

 

“Down Under” by Men at Work

So weird and so wonderful. And while the sexy sax solo has always been widely lauded, we have a lot of love for a flute jam too.

 

“Frozen” by Madonna

Of the many stages of Madonna, her Yamamato-wearing, mehndi-sporting Kabbalah moment was one of our personal favorites. The desert at dusk lends itself perfectly to her dark and witchy vibes.

 

“I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” by Britney Spears

The desert has long been a place for meditative reflection, which is probably why Brit Brit chose it as the place to ponder her burgeoning womanhood.

 

“Say You’ll Be There” by Spice Girls

Nineties girl power in a desert setting.

 

“Bad Girls” by M.I.A

Dancing sheikhs, car tricks, and a parade of amazing outfits.

 

“Love Will Never Do (Without You)” by Janet Jackson

Janet dancing in the desert with a slew of shirtless (and sometimes pantless), muscled hunks (including late ‘80s heartthrob Antonio Sabato Jr.) in this Herb Ritts-directed number. She would go back to the desert years later for her “Together Again” video.

 

Honorable mention:

 

“November Rain” by Guns n’ Roses

The majority of the video isn’t desert-bound, but one of the most beloved guitar solos most certainly is: behold Slash shredding in front of a desolate desert church.