There’s nothing like the sweet tune of music that just unites each and every one of us. I can’t comprehend when someone says they don’t listen to music. Like how do you even get by? As for me, music definitely plays a huge role in my life. From just sitting in the car, to coming back home to a quiet living room, music is something that I need to fill it with. Being the person that’s open to a wide genre of music, I’ve always been so mesmerized by songs from the past and how songs have transformed as it is for now.
However, I get super shocked when a person doesn’t know who Pink Floyd or God forbid, even King of Pop, Michael Jackson? *frantically scratches head and flips table*. There are at least a few artists that ‘die die also you need to know’. Trust me, I’m doing all of you a huge favour and saving you from embarrassment the next time.
1.The Beatles
Oh, darling, all you need is love when it comes to The Beatles music. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history. This English band released 12 albums that’s a classic and is regarded as shaping the rock and pop landscape a masterpiece.
Songs you should listen to: Hey Jude, All You Need Is Love, Yesterday, Let It Be, Penny Lane
2. Aretha Franklin
You better think, think about what Aretha is trying to do to you, which is to bring the soul and funk to your life! This irreplaceable musical legacy is deemed as the Queen of Soul and there’s a reason for it. With her impeccable voice and diva persona, ain’t nobody can touch her. So you have gots to give her some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Songs you should listen to: A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Respect, Think, Son of a Preacher Man
3. Bob Marley
For those of you who don’t know who Bob Marley, time for you to be high in love with this reggae singer-songwriter that inspired many people who became a cultural icon. In his songs, he always spread the peace, happiness and the positive vibration to all.
Songs you should listen to: Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Redemption Song, Buffalo Soldier, No Woman No Cry
4. Led Zeppelin
If you don’t know what is Led Zeppelin by now, then you definitely need a whole lotta love from them. The band’s heavy, guitar-driven sound has led them to be pioneers and a role model as one of the greatest rock metal bands ever. If you listen to them (a must), don’t blame me if you start taking a stairway to heaven because that’s how good their music is!
Songs you should listen to: Black Dog, Kashmir, Whole Lotta Love, Lemon Song, Stairway to Heaven, Immigrant Song
5. Spice Girls
I’ll tell you what you want, what you really really want, that is English pop girl group called Spice Girls. Measures of their success include international record sales and an iconic symbolism for representing girl power back then. This ultimately made them cultural icons of the 1990s.
Songs you should listen to: Wannabe, Viva Forever, 2 Become 1, Mama, Who Do You Think You Are
6. Nirvana
It sure does smells like teen spirit when Nirvana comes up with new songs. It was founded by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. Though the band dissolved in 1994 after the death of Cobain, their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock and roll culture.
Songs you should listen to: Come As You Are, Smells Like Teen Spirit, All Apologies, Heart-Shaped Box, Lithium.
7. Ms Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is definitely an education album that you need to know of. Besides she’s an accomplished songwriter, rapper, she is most known for being a member of Fugees and breaking several sales records too.
Songs you should listen to: Ex-Factor, Doo Wop, Killing Me Softly With His Song, To Zion, Nothing Even Matters
8. Malaysian Local Talents
Nothing would be complete without the songs that our talented and brilliant Malaysian artist that has paved the way for our present artists now. Here are some of the Malaysian music bands you need to keep track of;
- Too Phat
- OAG
- Pop Shuvit
- Yogi B
- Datuk Siti Nurhaliza
- Sheila Majid
Check this out: https://www.2cents.my/2018/12/07/local-english-bands-you-need-to-be-listening-to/
To be honest, I used to be a complete noob (clueless) when it comes to old school music until one day that interest just sparked in me and I started listening to the songs that were once (and is) celebrated by everyone. It’s could a change of perspective for you to listen to something different and get in touch with your old school side. Let’s be real here, old is always gold.
This is my old school playlist on Spotify that hopefully can ignite the funk and rock in you:
In the song lyrics of Michael Jackson, “don’t stop till you get enough”, which, in this case, you won’t. Happy listening! 🙂