What makes it a classic?

Do you know what songs that came out in the last five years will be classics? I don't. I have no idea because there are so many one-hit-wonders nowadays. When I think of classics, I think of the best songs by amazing groups from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Mostly the '60s and '70s. I've just barely gotten into '80s metal. I was once told that the children of my age group won't listen to the music of the '60s and '70s. I really hope that's not so. While I do love some current bands (Nightwish, Kamelot, Rhapsody, Death Cab for Cutie, Green Day, Apocalyptica, and Blue October, just to name a few), the truly remarkable songs, in my opinion, came from the '60s and '70s.

While I whole-heartedly disagree when some one says creativity is dead and everything that can be done has been done, I do not think popular musicians are as daring as they used to be. Music today is meant to be catchy. Real instruments don't even have to be used for a song to reach the top of the charts. The groups/"artists" that reach the top of the charts often don't write their own music or lyrics, let alone both (kudos to Taylor Swift, even if I don't like her music). If you want to find the real talent in modern musicians, you basically have to search for it. A lot of these groups don't want to get radio play (Dream Theater, anyone?) so I suggest Pandora for your music finding needs.

The '60s and '70s were all about experimenting. Concept albums, an amazing amount of sub-genres, and different ways to play instruments were created at a rate in this time that has never been matched since. I feel nostalgic today (not that I lived then, but I didn't even realize people made music after the '70s until I was 12ish, so this is the music of my childhood) so I've decided to pick a favorite song or two from each of my favorite groups and talk about it.

The Beatles are always a good group to start with. They'll be the hardest pick, mostly because the different types of songs they made, depending on who wrote it. So I've settled on three.

1. Oh! Darling is just a wonderful song. I love very blues-inspired rock 'n' roll. I also love the way Paul McCartney's voice sounds. He wanted it to sound like this song had been sung every night in a club for weeks, so he recorded it in the mornings so his voice would be gravely. The mix of the voice and melody just portrays longing. John Lennon claims he could have sung it better, but I'm not sure. It's pretty perfect the way it is.
2. Fixing a Hole This song sounds like a harpsichord! It's so cool! I just love the instrumentation of this song. The guitar entrances are at such amazing times! I'm very excited about this song, obviously. It's so simple but so great. I never ever skip this song when it comes up on my mp3 player, even if I'm in a metal mood. 
3. Blackbird Who doesn't like this song? It's simple, acoustic, and beautiful. It's one of the few songs I love more for the lyrics than the music. I just feel peaceful when I listen to it. It also uses dynamics so well! I miss dynamics in music...no one uses them anymore...at least on the radio. Also, I think the bird chirps are used very wisely.

Next up is Cream! My favorite Cream song is White Room. I love the juxtaposition of singing and guitar styles. The melody is very simple and kind of repetitive, but it works with the guitar so well. And don't forget about the drums! The drums just tie the whole song together. I love it.

Deep Purple was hard to pick a favorite. I love Deep Purple, but I've decided on one. Woman From Tokyo is just so fun! I wish more people knew about this song. There are so many details. I love how the hi-hat and bass line up so perfectly during the bridge. I love when the guitar comes out during the verses for just a little bit. Also, there's a false end. I love false ends. It makes the rest of the song seem like a treat.

The Eagles (I'm just going down my artist list, can you tell?) was easy. Desperado is a perfect song. Piano, ballad, strings, a beautiful voice, what more do you want? It's peaceful and sweet and touching. The mood of the song is spot on.

Jimi Hendrix was really hard. I am always amazed at his guitar playing; it doesn't matter how many times I've listened to the song or what song it is. I have decided that All Along the Watchtower is my favorite. Not only is the guitar part awesome, it flows the best in my opinion. It makes me happy to listen to this song.

There is is no doubt in my mind that the best Led Zeppelin song is Stairway to Heaven. This song is just a masterpiece. I don't care that it's eight minutes long (I often listen to songs that are up to 20 minutes, anyway). I love how the feel of the song changes about half way through, but it still has the same theme. I love hearing talent and I can definitely hear talent in this song. Also, the lyrics are just so intriguing.

The Mamas and the Papas turned out to be difficult. I'm trying to mostly pick songs that are originals by the band and most of my favorites by this group are remakes. I finally settled on Monday, Monday. I realize this is not the song this group is well known for, but I really love this song. I love the chorus. And the harmony. And the instrumentation. It just makes me smile every time I hear it.

I know a lot of people think The Monkees were a made up band, but they weren't. They just ended up being highly commercialized. Since this is the case, I have also picked a song by them. It is...I'm a Believer. Is anyone surprised? I didn't think so. I love this song. It's so much better than the remake. It's just so much fun! I love fun songs.

Simon and Garfunkel was really hard. I had to pick two for them. Really, I've never heard a song by them that I didn't absolutely love.

1. The Boxer was always one of my favorites growing up. I always asked my dad to play me "the ly la ly song." It's just so simple and soulful and beautiful. Plus, it reminds me of my dad and his guitar.
2. Homeward Bound was another of my favorites growing up. It's so pretty and you can hear the emotion in the melody. Also, reminds me of my dad again. I'm not sure why only Simon and Garfunkel songs remind me of my dad, but they do.

I decided to pick the song that makes me smile the most for Three Dog Night. I ended up picking The Show Must Go On. I don't know a single person who can't help but smile while listening to this song. It starts with the circus song! And then it gets serious. And then it's the circus again! Plus, Danny Hutton just has an amazing voice

The Who was another easy band. I love Pinball Wizard. I love the original and I love Elton John's version. It's just a great song. I love the sound of the song. I love the singing, the instrumentation, the structure, and basically everything else that has to do with this song. Also, Tommy was a forerunner to some amazing albums. It was the first successful rock opera. I understand that many young music listeners may not understand the awesomeness of a rock opera, but they are just awesome. They may have become extremely unpopular when the album was ruined by mp3s, but I love the bands that still do them, even Green Day (though American Idiot is not that great of a rock opera).

These are just the band I know well enough to make an educated decision on. Other bands that deserve mention for being awesome are The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. Bands from the '80s worth looking into are Metallica, Iron Maiden, and U2. Earlier rock 'n' roll stars worth mentioning are Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and, of course, Elvis Presley. If anyone is interested in the great country stars, I highly suggest Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. I didn't include any of  my country favorites because I decided to focus on rock music. If I didn't focus on one rather large genre, this list would never end.