Ever since the dawn of MTV and Friday Night Videos, the music video has significantly impacted musical tastes and pop culture. It might not be as extreme as when the Buggles declared that "Video Killed the Radio Star", but there is no arguing that the music video certainly could make or break a song's popularity. So this regular Flashback Video feature will serve to remember some of the music videos from the great '80s decade that made an impact on me in one way or another.
This issue we will cover "Toy Soldiers" by Martika. This was the second single released in April of 1989 from her self-titled debut album. "Toy Soldiers" quickly climbed the charts making it all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the end of July holding the top spot for two weeks that summer. Martika was previously known for starring on the television show Kids Incorporated. This haunting song written about her friend who was battling drug addiction was quite a departure from the pop music they sang on that show. The children's choir singing the opening chorus as well as the line "Won't you come out and play with me" are notable because five of her former Kids Incorporated castmates including Fergie and Jennifer Love Hewitt are among the singers.
The music video for "Toy Soldiers" was directed by Jim Shea who has had a long career as a director and cinematographer. In addition to this video, Shea also directed The Bangles "Hazy Shade of Winter", Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam "Head to Toe", Bob Seger "Shakedown", Barbra Streisand "We're Not Makin' Love Anymore" and Winger "Hungry" in the '80s and continued working through the '90s and further decades mostly moving to videos in the country music genre. In the video for "Toy Soldiers", Martika is seen singing with a waterfall in front of her, an effect accomplished by filming her in an empty pool with a water current flowing between her and the camera. She is dealing with a friend who is addicted to drugs and as it gets worse, Martika is consumed by pain and helplessness as she remembers the earlier, happier times in their relationship. Here is the music video for "Toy Soldiers" by Martika...
As of September, 2024, the video for "Toy Soldiers" has over 106 million views on YouTube. An impressive accomplishment.
Hope you enjoyed another trip back to the '80s thanks to Flashback Video!
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