Sana Thakkar Week 13: Musical Memories
Last week, I was making noodles with my brother, while showing him the songs I used to listen to when I was around his age. Although he did not know any of the music I played, listening to these songs took me on a trip down memory lane. Music is a powerful tool to reminisce the past. The iconic hits of the 2000s display more than just the pop culture advancements of the time. For many, they are the key to their childhood and most special memories.
"Gangnam Style" is a cultural revolution that was released in 2012 by PSY. During the "Gangnam Stye" era, the whole world was united in performing the signature horse-riding hook step at every dance, party, festival, and concert. For many generations, PSY and "Gangnam Style" shaped the childhood and memories of many. Although it was the first video to reach one billion view on YouTube, it reached so many more hearts worldwide.
The era of "Gangnam Style" was one quick and glamorous hits. Many other songs joined the legendary list such as "Happy," "Party Rock Anthem," "You Belong With Me," "What Makes you Beautiful," and "Roar". Each of these songs contains a special memory, and allows me to realize the incredible power music has over memory. "Happy" is the first song I performed in front of a professional audience; "Party Rock Anthem" is the song I listened to at my first dance; "You Belong With Me" is my first Taylor Swift song; and "What Makes you Beautiful" is the song I would listen to and dance with my friends every day.
Hi Sana! Your analysis on the power of nostalgic music was very interesting to read. Music is a part of many people’s lives and childhoods, which is why it has so much power over our memories. For example, when I think of music I listened to in my childhood, I usually think of old Tamil songs that my parents used to listen to, and popular pop music artists at the time, such as Maroon 5 and Justin Bieber, as well as music artists that go in and out of style, such as Train. Music is one of my favorite forms of art because it allows people to connect with each other in a primarily auditory way, which is why it is so different compared to other forms of art. Many forms of art, such as cinematography, panting, dancing, and photography, focus on providing artfully pleasing visual aids, while music is a much more tangible art form. Music can be interpreted in many different ways by multiple people, and this can make a single song unique to its listener. I can also relate with some of the songs you mentioned as nostalgic, such as “Gangnam Style” and “Party Rock Anthem” because these are songs I vividly remember from my childhood as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Sana! I really enjoyed reading your blog. I truly relate with the feelings and emotions you mentioned in the blog. The 2000s and 2010s pop era music influenced my childhood as well. I still reminisce when listening to those songs and think about all the fun times I had in those years. I also used to listen to some Bollywood songs when I was young, and I still listen to the same songs today. One of my favorite artists at that time used to be Taylor Swift, and still is. I remember how her song "Shake It Off" was such a hit back then. That was the first Taylor Swift that I ever listened to. Thankyou for writing about music this week, it brought back so many memories for me! Good job!
ReplyDeleteHello Sana! I find myself looking online more and more, looking for what I liked back in the day. Your nostalgic journey through the iconic hits of the 2000s is incredibly relatable for that reason. It's amazing how music has this remarkable ability to transport us back in time, evoking vivid memories and emotions from our past. "Gangnam Style" truly marked a cultural phenomenon, uniting people across the globe with its infectious beat and iconic dance moves. It's more than just a catchy tune; it's a symbol of an era, a soundtrack to countless memories. And you're absolutely right about the power of other hits like "Happy," "Party Rock Anthem," "You Belong With Me," "What Makes you Beautiful," and "Roar." Each of these songs holds a special place in our hearts, representing pivotal moments and experiences in our lives. From first performances to dances, from discovering new artists to bonding with friends, these songs become intertwined with our memories, creating a soundtrack to our lives. Thank you for sharing your personal connections to these timeless tunes. It's a beautiful reminder of the profound impact that music can have on our lives, shaping our memories and bringing joy with every beat.
ReplyDeleteHi Sana,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your claim that music is the best way to reminisce about the past. Every time I listen to a song that was popular when I was in middle school or elementary, it’s mtagical ability to transport me back in time triggers memories and emotions I thought were long forgotten. Your experience of sharing your favorite songs from the 2000s with your brother while making noodles is truly heartwarming. "Gangnam Style" indeed marks a significant cultural milestone, not just in terms of its catchy tune but also in the way it brought people from all corners of the globe together through its iconic dance moves. It's fascinating how a single song can leave such a lasting imprint on society, becoming a shared experience for millions worldwide. Your mention of other songs like "Happy," "You Belong With Me," "What Makes you Beautiful," and "Roar" adds depth to the discussion, showcasing the diverse range of memories each song holds for different individuals. It's remarkable how these songs become intertwined with our personal narratives, serving as soundtracks to our past lives.