Here is a list of eight songs from the past that we should all be listening to this summer! You may have heard of some of these hits before, since many people (probably including your parents) still listen to them nowadays. These tracks always bring me happiness and power, and have helped me get through tough times. They make me nostalgic for an era I never knew.
- “Heroes” by David Bowie
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This song is my all-time favorite! It pumps up my mood every time I listen to it. The song was recorded in 1977, in a studio close to the Berlin wall, which was a symbol of the Cold War battle between communism and democracy. As the lyrics go, “and the guns shot above our heads, and we kissed as though nothing could fall” this song refers to the cold war and the people who lived during that time. This song tells us not to give up, no matter what happens in your life!
- “I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin
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The song was originally written for Dionne Warwick and covered by Aretha Franklin in 1968. I like to listen to this song when I get ready in the morning.
“The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you”
I think this is the best song to listen to when you want to start your day in a positive mindset.
- “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
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This is one of my favorite songs by The Beatles! Written by George Harrison, it is one of his best-known masterpieces. The song begins with an acoustic guitar intro, which is also played by Harrison. The song was released in 1969, a year with one of the worst winters in the UK. It has been said that Harrison wrote this song hoping that he would be able to feel the beautiful sunshine through music. This song always reminds me of a peaceful sunny summer morning.
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
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Many may know this song from the famous film “Stand by Me”. The song was originally performed by Ben E. King in 1961. This song always sends me chills, because the lyrics are simple yet so beautiful. I also recommend watching the film if you haven’t watched it yet!
- “Aoi Sangoshou” by Seiko Matsuda
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This Japanese pop song was released by Seiko Matsuda in 1980. Aoi Sangosho (青い珊瑚礁) is her second single and one of her most popular songs. The song has been used in many TV shows and commercials, especially in the summer time. It always reminds me of the beautiful beach and makes me want to go on an island vacation.
- “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas and The Papas
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Listening to this song makes me feel like an L.A. hippie who made a huge counterculture movement in the 1960s. The narrator of this song is reminiscing the warmth of Los Angeles during the winter in New York City. The harmony is beautiful, and it contains a flute solo, which is rare in a pop song. This song is so nostalgic that it takes me way back to the 60s, even though I never lived in that time.
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
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Could you think of any other song that evokes such euphoric feelings? Best known from the 2008 film “Mamma Mia!”, this song is sung by the Swedish pop band ABBA. The song begins with a piano roll and an upbeat intro. Every time I hear this song it makes me want to dance, even during a lockdown!
- “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
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Mazzy Star is my all-time favorite artist. This song, released in 1994, is about hopeless romance, and may not be the happiest song to listen to. However, the melancholic melody and the voice of lead singer Hope Sandoval is so ethereal that every time I listen to it, I feel so calm and relieved.
Finding good old songs is like treasure hunting. You get to know the history and the background of the time when the song was created. Share your favorite song from the good old days with us!