If we really think about it, the fact that a blend of words, harmonies, melodies, and beats can create something that shapes millions of lives is otherworldly. Songs can transport us back to nostalgic moments, make us feel emotions that we thought we had otherwise processed, represent entire cultural movements, and even change the trajectory of music on its own.
While today we have an incredible variety of entertainment options at our fingertips, from the latest arrivals in slot gaming to new movie and music releases almost on a daily, music in previous generations captivated massive audiences unlike anything else.
Different people may experience music uniquely and belong to various subcultures, but certain songs and artists have managed to transcend boundaries and dominate mainstream charts.
Decade by decade, let’s go over songs that defined their eras.
1950s: ‘Hound Dog’ by Elvis Presley
If you look over the most popular songs of the 1950s, you’ll notice that the decade experienced a dramatic change in what people were listening to. Intimate solo singers, the crooner sound, and vocal jazz defined the early ‘50s. Music at that point was palatable, non-controversial, and easy to listen to. And then rock and roll came around.
Among the genre’s greats were Chuck Berry and Bill Haley and His Comets, but no one stood out quite like Elvis Presley. He oozed sexuality and took inspiration from African American rhythm and blues, bringing it to the mainstream. Although Presley didn’t write ‘Hound Dog,’ he popularized the original twelve-bar blues song recorded by Big Mama Thornton, making it ‘an emblem of the rock ‘n’ roll revolution.'
1960s: ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ by The Rolling Stones
When the 1960s began, the general rock genre was in full swing. But with so many developing genres like psychedelic rock and British rock coming to life, those early pioneers fell into the background.
One of the most iconic English rock bands still to this day, The Rolling Stones, formed in 1962 and was quickly considered a pioneer of hard rock. They took the early rock and roll sound and elements of blues and infused their own gritty, rebellious sound that resonated with the counterculture.
Out of their many hits, ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ not only became their first number-one hit in the US but eventually one of the world’s most popular songs. Keith Richards’s memorable guitar riff, catchy sound, and lyrics all came together to produce a song that still remains relevant today.
1970s: ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon
At this point, The Beatles were already experiencing their heyday. Between 1963 and 1970, they released 13 studio albums, with a song catalog so massive and so loved that it was no question they had solidified themselves as one of the most influential bands of all time.
As a revered songwriter with natural musical talent, Lennon also launched a solo career and established his own legacy. His signature song? ‘Imagine’ was written during a period of contention between The Beatles, especially Paul McCartney and John Lennon. He wrote it as a ‘plea for world peace,’ which was particularly relevant in the ‘70s when there were social and political disturbances around the world.
Beyond that time, the song’s general and idealistic lyrics still make it relevant to any generation that experiences a need for hope.
1980s: ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was a worldwide phenomenon. Over his four-decade career, he raked in accolades, revolutionized the concept of the music video, and essentially influenced the world with his music and live performances.
Everything from his style to his presence was a talking point, making him much more than a musician. Jackson’s discography is teeming with hits, but ‘Thriller’ was so powerful that it broke down racial barriers at the time and transformed the music video concept into an art form.
The song is considered a ‘disco-funk’ song, with theatrical elements, horror movie sound effects, and a killer bassline. It allowed Jackson to put his vocals on full display and perform to his full potential on stage.
1990s: ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana
The ‘90s was an era that is hard to define. With so many distinct musical paths to explore that all have little overlap, music in the 1990s was sort of shaped by how the individual wanted it to look. For example, we saw the rise of the girl group and boy band concept, the early days of rap, the wave of ‘90s metal, and the alternative grunge rock scene.
No single band represented grunge as much as Nirvana, a name still cited as a major influence on artists today. In their short three-year career, they managed to become one of the best-selling bands of all time. And despite being an ‘underground’ type band, their song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ could not have been more mainstream.
Like the riff in ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ by The Stones, the four-power chord progression became a recognizable, powerful riff. People were instantly drawn to its raw expression of teenage angst.
2000s: ‘Crazy in Love’ by Beyoncé
Then, it was the turn of the millennium. Digital music platforms made music accessible and discoverable, MTV had music videos on demand, and pop icons slowly but surely defined the era. People were intrigued by the polished sound of modern pop and R&B and the stars behind the music. Everyone wanted to be in on the inner world of artists like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Destiny’s Child, mimicking their image and adopting their lifestyle.
Another common trend during this time was collaborations between big-name artists, all vying to reach the top of the charts. One notable example is ‘Crazy in Love’ by Beyoncé, featuring Jay-Z—two incredibly influential artists with undeniable legacies.
The track was infectious, with powerful vocals, a catchy hook, and a blend of several of the most popular genres at the time.