There are songs cemented in history, tied to their time and anchored in their era. “Unchained Melody” is both of these things and, at the same time, isn’t. It’s very much a product of the 1950s, with its chord progressions and instrumentation. Yet, it became most popular ten years after it was written, when the […]
“Stairway to Heaven” is one of those polarizing songs; you either love it or hate it, or you love to hate it, or maybe you hate that you love it. Possibly you once loved it and now you hate it because you worked at a Guitar Center at any time between the time it was
It’s undeniable that Taylor Swift is a pop powerhouse known for pumping out albums packed with chart-topping hits over the last 20 years. She has the gift, she has “it,” whatever that “it” may be. We could talk about any of the more than 250 songs she’s written in her short 35 years on the
With Ozzy Osbourne’s passing in July, many of us have gone back to appreciate his music and entertaining moments in the spotlight. He was a polarizing character at times, but his work ethic, talent, and wild, entertaining antics, along with his personality, captivated millions of beloved fans, as well as the many who were more
“Believe” by Cher is an iconic late 1990s pop and club anthem, most notable for its pioneering use of Autotune, which created an almost distorted, melodic, and computerized sound that paved the way for many artists of today, such as T-Pain, Daft Punk, and Travis Scott, among others. The song’s lyrical content dives much deeper
The song pours a cocktail of emotion into us, ranging from heartache and loss to an uplifting sense that you are not alone in that sadness. It feels as if she has our backs, relieving us from carrying our heartache alone. The simple melodies and straightforward instrumentation gently highlight the song’s emotional core. This allows
Shania Twain, a Canadian-born country superstar, began her music career at a young age, signing with Nashville Mercury Records in the early 1990s. Her first album, released in 1993, fell short commercially, but the single “What Made You Say That?” and its music video attracted the attention of South African producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
Its lyrics provide a timeless impact still felt today, while its simple melodies give singers room to convey deep emotion. “Stand By Me” perfectly shows how a song’s magic can be considered endlessly but never fully explained. Feeling the song always comes first and leaves the biggest mark on the listener, regardless of their grasp
Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” has had a lasting cultural impact for numerous reasons. First, it is sonically and structurally a fantastic, emotive, almost droning, hypnotic piece of work. Secondly, the lyrical content is deeply relatable, even decades after its creation, tonally evoking nostalgia and a deep sense of longing and heartache. This long-lasting popularity, as well
Julie Andrews received the AFI Life Achievement Award in Los Angeles, and the evening slipped into something warmer than a ceremony. Five of her former screen children walked onstage. The now old von Trapp children began singing the iconic “Do Re Mi” from The Sound of Music. Andrews, now smiling ear to ear, joined the
Norwegian singer AURORA (born Aurora Aksnes) was born in Stavanger in 1996 and raised in Høle and Os. From an early age, it was clear that she had a knack for music. By the time she was six years old, she was already composing and singing complex, original songs. It quickly became clear that music
A decade later, people are still talking about and watching Aerosmith’s performance at the Colosseum in Rome (and for good reason!). Stephen Tyler took the stage on September 8th, 2017, as a benefit for the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. The night also featured many of the greats, including Elton John,