I have been thinking about music a great deal lately and decided to look at what the music was that represented our troubling times back in the 1960s versus what we had in 2024. Although this isn’t an exclusive list and I didn’t go through all the generations, these are some that appeared the most frequently on Google searches (and AI). It reflects how we thought about the world back then and what’s going on now:

1960s:
-We Shall Overcome (Joan Baez, 1963): A traditional gospel song that became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement
-In My Life (The Beatles, 1965): A nostalgic song about reflecting on the love for those who are no longer with us 
–Eve of Destruction (P.F. Sloan and Barry McGuire, 1965): A wakeup call about the Vietnam War
–A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke, 1965): A protest song by soul singer Sam Cooke 
-My Generation (Pete Townsend, The Who, 1965): A song that was banned from the BBC for a reason not directly related to its lyrical content
–Respect (Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin, 1967): A protest song by soul singers Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin
-Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud (James Brown, 1968): A protest song by soul singer James Brown

2024:–A Bar Song (Tipsy): A song by Shaboozey about dancing and drinking through hard times 
–Good News: A song by Shaboozey that conveys despair without the use of alcohol or women
–Worthy: A song by Mavis Staples that encourages self-respect
–For Cari: A song by Fletcher that explores self-reflection, self-acceptance, and personal growth
-If this is the last time – A song by LANY that serves as a reminder to tell loved ones how you feel
–Tell me About Tomorrow: A song by jxdn that encourages people to look for hope in times of loneliness and depression
–On: By Chord Overstreet, this song is about unconditional love
–Fix You: A song by Coldplay that is about finding light at the end of the tunnel
The Lighthouse: A song by Stevie Nicks that is considered a woman’s rights anthem 

What is interesting to me is that the list I found from the 1960s addressed external problems of the world: global truths, wars, protests, prejudice, and violence. And yet the ones I found for 2024 were more internal: drinking, despair, self-exploration, self-reflection, or internal processing of the individual.

We turn to music to lighten our mood or identify with the things we are going through. We turn to music to get through those moments when we don’t feel there is any hope. My question is this about the new generation:
Since social media covers so much of the external conflict, violence, and global issues, is that the reason younger people think about the internal conflicts?
Something to think about….

Here are two interesting conversations I found that may give you a perspective from a younger person’s point of view in today’s world:
“During times of great hardship or great happiness, whether it be global or personal, music is so often the medium we turn to in order to convey our joy or to find solace, peace, and comfort. It has the ability to express a sentiment beyond words and is never impeded by cultural barriers: it is universal in the emotion it channels, whatever emotion that may be. As the current crisis tightens its grip on the world and affects every one of our lives, it is no exception that music is something that will help us to endure this time of fear and uncertainty, providing hope and unity to communities across the globe. Throughout history, there have been many examples of how music has been a vessel of strength in the most challenging of times.”—Siobhan Cullinane
https://www.warwickshiremusichub.org/blog/a-brief-history-of-music-in-times-of-hardship

“But what has really helped me over the years has been music. It has been my saving grace; without it, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through. Ever since I was little music has played an important part in my life. I grew up listening to artists such as Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and Backstreet Boys. And I have carried that love of music with me throughout my life. When I am feeling upset, overwhelmed, or happy, there is always music to go with the mood and help me to feel better.”—Rebecca Field
https://medium.com/songstories/how-music-has-helped-me-through-some-tough-times-d1696b9109ff

And here is an interesting list of songs from all over. This author identified these songs (2024) that give her Strength and Courage—Serena Whitfield (2024):
1.         “Eye of The Tiger” By Survivor
2.         “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly
3.         “I Will Survive” By Gloria Gaynor
4.         “Roar” By Katy Perry
5.         “Not Afraid” By Eminem
6.         “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
7.         “It’s My Life” By Bon Jovi
8.         “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
9.         “Stronger” by Britney Spears
10.       “Courage” By Pink
11.       “Courage” by Céline Dion
12.       “Fight Song” By Rachel Platten
13.       “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
14.       “Warrior” By Demi Lovato
15.       “Hero” by Mariah Carey
16.       “Unstoppable” By Sia
17.       “Confident” By Demi Lovato
18.       “Stronger” By The Score
19.       “Float On” by Modest Mouse
20.       “Get Up, Stand Up” By Bob Marley & The Wailers
https://playlistcurator.org/songs-about-strength-and-courage/

So, put on your giant list of music that uplifts you on Spotify, or go to KBCO, 99.5 the Mountain, Mix100, or even Kool 105, the oldies channel, and think about what uplifts you in a time where we all need good vibrations.

I love you all and hope you have a great tomorrow!