I don’t know if it’s just me, but as today’s music becomes more synthesized and typical, I find myself listening to ‘80s and ‘90s music quite frequently. Something about the genuinity of the lyrics and the depth of each instrument gives me such ebullience! Find out not only my favorite oldies, but also my favorite line in each.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
“My father yells, ‘Whatchya gonna do with your life’?”
This couldn’t be more spot-on. Okay, my dad isn’t asking me this question; I ask myself this question 10 times a day. College is somehow the same thing every day, yet each day brings something unexpected – resulting in this infamous question to make its recurring presence.
“I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts
Don’t remember this song? It’s the Friends theme song. Yup. ‘Nough said. Best line, obviously, “I’ll be there for you, cause you’re there for me, too.” I always think of my most loyal friends when listening to this one – this song surely hits the heart like no other.
“Jack & Diane” by John Mellencamp
“Oh yeah, life goes on.” We all need this reminder from time to time. Whether you just failed a calculus midterm or spilled your steaming coffee on your white sweater, life keeps going. You somehow pass calculus with a C and your grandma uses her sorcery to get that stain out – life went on!
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
This song is a whole lot of nonsense. I can, however, relate to the very first line: “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” With each tone harmonizing together, I can’t help but get the chills every time. Sometimes life seems so out of whack that it’s concerning whether life will always be like this. This song will free your mind from stress as you passionately scream the lyrics.
“All My Loving” by The Beatles
“All my loving I will send to you.” Okay, I don’t have a significant other to send my loving to, but I know I have friends or classmates with broken hearts. They could use all my loving! This song is short and repetitive, but perfect to get in a peaceful, loving mood.
“Island in the Sun” by Weezer
“On an island in the sun, we’ll be playing and having fun. And it makes me feel so fine; I can’t control my brain.” Can you feel the warmth of the sun reaching your soul? Oh, does it make me feel more than fine! Take a brain-cation with this relaxing rhythm.
Some of my other favorite throwbacks:
“Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
“You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
“Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
“Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
“The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley
“Down Under” by Men At Work
“Santeria” by Sublime
“Kiss” by Prince
“Africa” by Toto
“American Pie” by Don McLean
“Whip It” by DEVO
These differing songs will surely open your mind to new beats of the olden days. The wise words will pull you back into love, summer, history, memories, and maybe even a bit of sadness or empathy. Whatever triggers those ear-to-mind connections, these songs are deserving of their true display of “music.”