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When it comes to nostalgia, there are many things that can trigger fond memories and feelings of the past. Personally, the smell of banana bread reminds me of Saturday mornings as a child. Seeing blue jays reminds me of my old home in Florida. Songs create this effect, as well. Listening to old songs that we used to play obsessively can recreate memories and moments that we’ve forgotten. Furthermore, they can send us back to a different time in the course of history. In remembering the past, we take a look at five songs from a few of the historical icons in the music industry.
1. “Moonlight Serenade” By Glenn Miller: The Romance Of A Different Time
Glenn Miller’s hit song in the thirties was “Moonlight Serenade.” The slow tempo and hypnotic melody were perfect for a romantic serenade under the moonlight with a loved one. With the silky smooth effect of jazz, his most popular tune stirred sentiment all around the globe. In particular, this tune gives me a feeling similar to Harry James’ “It’s Been A Long, Long Time,” which is featured in the final scene of Avengers: Endgame. The wholesome and heart-warming scene of a reunited Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter is a moment that I feel best matches both songs.
The grainy sound of an ensemble of muted trumpets fits well with the gorgeous accompaniment of saxophone and clarinet. Together, they mesh into a sweet piece that envisions a romance of the ’30s. The music of this different time has taken me aback with overwhelming love and joy for big band music, as it often has the effect of inducing adoration. For this reason, it’s easily interpreted as a conversational piece. The saxophone and clarinet melody converse with the choir of muted trumpets in harmony, producing triumph and conclusion. Under a starry sky, the music depicts peace, resembling a resolved conflict.
2. “Route 66” By Chuck Berry: In Love With The Mother Road
Secondly, the legendary Chuck Berry and his hits took over the jukeboxes of 1960. His style creates a combination of rock and pop that never gets old. It is prominent in one of his best tracks named “Route 66.” The bluesy song captures the pure bliss of driving on the famous Mother’s Road, well known as America’s Highway. Many artists have performed their renditions of this swinging tune. Berry’s voice, with its drive for electric bass and piano, brings a refreshing new sound to this Bobby Troup classic.
Many associate this tune with the Pixar film, Cars. Cars‘ recognition of the natural wonder of the famous highway is both memorable and commemorative. Additionally, the movie incorporates the classic American style of the sixties. Trends like fifties’ show cars, old school diners, and lava lamps are revived in this classic Pixar film. Moreover, this nostalgia lives on through “Route 66.” Truly, it brings the world of a different time to the ears and minds of the present.
3. “Earth Blues” By Jimi Hendrix: A Rock Legend Of A Different Time
Jimi Hendrix performed at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, leading to his start in the Band Of Gypsys. According to Discovermusic’s Tim Peacock, the band took the world by surprise in an album of “otherworldly blues- and psychedelia-streaked hymnals to the injustices.” Likewise, Bill Graham commented on their performance as “the most brilliant, emotional display of virtuoso electric guitar playing I have ever heard.” With such an impact on the seventies, listening to his top hits today, like “Earth Blues,” reminds us of a different time in history when Hendrix’s music changed the future of funk and rock for the better.
“Earth Blues” took the world by storm as Jimi Hendrix became one of the most iconic rock artists in the 1970’s. When it was released in 1971, “Earth Blues” was cherished for its urge to push for freedom. “Earth Blues” emphasized Christian beliefs and focused on the creation of humankind and the Earth. The lyrics quote, “Lord, there’s got to be some changes.” Along with plenty of other unreleased songs, his album, “People, Hell and Angels,” was released in 2013 from a previously recorded session before his death. His passionate lyrics and performance depict his dedication and love for music. For this reason, Hendrix’s unique style of rock shaped the future of seventies rock. Similarly, his music has circled back to be appreciated today.
4. “Break My Stride” By Matthew Wilder: A Tik Tok Sensation
Meanwhile, Tik Tok has made the eighties hit more recognizable than ever before. Matthew Wilder, who some consider a one-hit-wonder, recently went viral in a series of Tik Tok videos that repeat the catchy chorus of this pop hit. “Break My Stride” was one of the countless hits that introduced synth-pop to the world, therefore outlining the progression from the seventies to the eighties. This smash-hit about a dysfunctional relationship is a song that instantly caught my attention from the reggae-style beat. Wilder took the basis of classic eighties hits and gave them an unexpected twist to set this single apart.
The current obsession with “Break My Stride” is evident as its throwback to retro pop has caught the hearts of many and sent listeners back to a different time of perms and leg warmers. Therefore, it was rather a delightful surprise to see this eighties sensation revived. Similar to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” the track’s comedic effect has made it a favorite among today’s tech-savvy youth. According to Billboard, Wilder was ecstatic about the sudden popularity, despite the comedic use of his meaningful lyrics.
5. “Blue Velvet” By Bobby Vinton: The Melancholy Romance Of The Sixties
Lastly, “Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vinton is an honorable mention of past hits. Released in 1963, this dreamy singer placed himself on the charts among several other teen idols. Both “Blue Velvet” and “Mr. Lonely” quickly set him apart. In comparison to “Moonlight Serenade,” the progression of romance in music evolved. The swaying melody in the serenade of the thirties was transformed into the genre of doo-wop music. Specifically, backing vocals and a double bass replaced the traditional instrumentals.
Throughout the song, Vinton’s charming voice echoes a set of lyrics that are both heart-wrenching and sentimental. The major key is deceiving from the melancholy lyrics, expressing love for a significant other by reminiscing about past memories. Since Vinton’s version was released, it has since become the most popular rerecording of “Blue Velvet.” The lyrics redeveloped into a version that best fit the romance of the sixties, rather than the initial recording of Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris.
A Different Time Of Music
Music today currently resembles the memories of the present and the experiences we cherish. Whether it is a track of mumble rap or anti-pop, our favorite songs help us remember some of our most memorable moments. Furthermore, they portray the many generations of music we know and love. Artists continue to add to the music industry. Therefore, hope grows for the warmhearted nostalgia these songs will carry for the future.