Aretha Franklin "Respect"

    Aretha Franklin's "Respect" is another one of those classics that came out from the 70s. I'm not surprised that in this era of time that Aretha Franklin has been feeling pressure from not only post civil rights movements but also from personal family relationships. I find it fascinating that multiple times within the song that she labels herself sort of like the "Bread winner" in the relationship and demanding respect. At this time in the 70s it's still atypical to see women in positions of "control" especially in just a  family setting but I find it amazing that Aretha was willing to push the boundaries during this time with her music. 

   On another note, this song has characteristics that make me want to sing the whole thing. For example, it feels like there’s a constant build up to the climax where Aretha finally has an abrupt stop and spells out respect. This build up makes the whole song worth listening to and it ties back to this “Breaking” of norms as it feels like a power move for Aretha Franklin as a provider. I personally feel this is just one of those songs that has helped define what music is and the possibilities of the power that can come from it.

"I Shot The Sheriff" by Eric Clapton and Bob Marley

   I honestly can't get enough of "I Shot the Sheriff". It's just one of those songs that are just so smooth that it becomes an easy listen. However, theres something about Bob Marley's performance that definitely beats Eric Clapton. I don't know if it's just the fact that his is the original or if because its faster, but I kind of struggle to sit through Clapton's okay performance. I certainly think reggae at this time was being define with songs like "I Shot the Sheriff". Bob Marley is opening up a new genre to the American Public and I honestly find it fascinating that he metaphorically becomes the "Face" of the new music style for Americans to grab onto. Especially in this time period, Bob Marley understands that there are still racial issues even if it's after the civil rights movement. "I Shot the Sheriff" is just one of the simple representations that black people within the U.S. were trying to bring attention to the general public that there continued to be racial tensions. Lyrics such as “I Shot the Sheriff, but I swear it was in self defense” stand as a testament that even standing up for yourself (in this fictional dispute) leads to public disbelief and possible condemnation.

"Hotel California" by The Eagles

   "Hotel California" has gotta be one of my favorite songs from the 70s by far. I find the whole experience very nostalgic anytime I hear the radio happen to play it. However, one of the defining parts within the song may be its very precise focus on allowing the guitars to be the focus in the song. I find it so difficult to see modern day songs that take such an abrupt turn away from the singer and perform a guitar solo. I guarantee there are modern rock songs that hold that tradition, but top performing songs just negate this practice. 

    As much as I enjoy the song, I think the Eagles were also leaving a political statement within the lyrics. They understood the kind of change from the 60s into the 70s by saying “So I called up the Captain,' Please bring me my wine' He said, 'We haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine' “ I’m sure the feel of the U.S. was reflecting some of the external conflicts that were occurring between the U.S. and foreign powers. With the 60s time of “Peace and Love” unraveling and a new generation arising, I’m not surprised that artists such as the Eagles can feel the shift in culture occur so abruptly.

"You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes

 I absolutely love this song. This is probably one of the largest classics that I grew up listening to on a regular basis. The steady beats of a tambourine in the back create a super optimistic sound as the rest of the song builds up to such a catchy chorus. From all the many genres and the various emotions that are brought from stories or lyrics, this song sets a playful tone on love. It tells a very serious story of possible heartbreak and the pain that her own mother has experienced. However, I love how she expounds on all the possible benefits that can come from love. She leads to this build up in the chorus from the benefits of love and the powerful emotions that come from it.    

    I think a song like this came out from one of the most perfect time periods with it. Just taking an example from the 60s and 70s with escalation in the cold war and also Vietnam helps fit this song in the promotion of the spread of love. I'm not surprised that with the escalation of wars and political unrest within the U.S. that bands such as The Supremes feel it's necessary to promote an increase in love.

Rock Around the Clock

    I think "(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock" is one of the most iconic songs that I've ever heard. Even for me personally growing up, it was one of those songs that I listened to on repeat just because of how catchy it is. Bill Haley and His Comets made one of the greatest classics that was way out of its time for the quality of the music. For example, in the middle of the song it has a guitar solo that surpasses a lot songs from the same time period for the skill and intensity of playing.  

   The child-like play style of the song just creates an ambience that actually fits for all age groups. Through out the entire song there appears to be a steady drum and some kind of cello in the background that pushes the song to stand out for its type of beat structure. Although the song has been known to be popular among all age groups, Bill Haley was certainly focusing on catching the attention of a younger crowd. He was certainly aware that creating music that satisfied a younger crowd would provide for a greater acceptance and growth for his music style.

Blog Post - "Hey Good Lookin' "

    "Hey Good Lookin" is just such a classic song for me. I honestly grew up listening to this song a lot by convenience so I felt very familiar with it when I had the opportunity to critically break it down. Hank Williams did an amazing job at creating a memorable Country song especially with his iconic voice. For me I personally find it a perfect fit for the style of the song along with his nasally voice. Personally it gives vibes that its supposed to be coming from a lower end of the financial class. It's as if he's supposed to be uneducated with lyrics such as "No more lookin', I know I've been tooken' " as to hopefully meet up with an average person. I think Hank Williams was smart in the regards that he wasn't trying to make his song too flashy or elegant. But rather, I feel he was self aware that if he wanted to have success in creating a song such as this, he needs to make it fairly energetic and fun. For me personally, Hank Williams has become an iconic face in country music who honestly pushed the boundaries on what country music could become.

Blog Post - Week 3 "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)"

    I love just how smooth of a song this is. I'm not surprised by any means that Frank Sinatra became wildly popular with female youth because of his demeanor in songs like this. Frank Sinatra has by far got to be one of my favorite artists for the mid 1900s as his reputation and style is easy to respect. To add a little bit of historical context, I also find it no surprised that this song became popularized as many men in the 1940s were separated from their families because of war.  I'm sure he was well aware of the feelings that the general population were at and characterized it perfectly in a song. One of my favorite parts about Frank Sinatra, that I believe brought him to his stardom of being recognized as one of the greatest artists, is the fact that he is iconic and memorable. The style of his singing paired with the kinds of songs he feels are necessary to record creates an experience that can't be forgotten. Personally, I find "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)" one of his songs that can stand the test of time as a classic for any kind of love song.