12 Songs for Throwback Thursday

So, it's 2018. New year, new you etc. Everyone is looking to the future and what's coming. But what about the kids that don't feel like they belong in this technology-heavy time? I've grown up constantly being told that I have an "old soul" and that I have a timeless 'aura.' It used to frustrate me a bit, not being able to pinpoint the decade that influenced me. Most people have a very specific feel to them. They look 80s, 60s, or (god forbid) early 2000s. But some of us aren't as sure where we belong. If you've ever felt a bit lost in time, this playlist is for you.

I've been listening to Metronomy for a couple years now, and it shocks me that more people don't know about them! They've got a groovy, new-age funk sound that I haven't heard replicated anywhere else. It's a bit 60s, a bit modern, and all fun.

The line to listen for:

"And even when I'm low on time, I swear, I'll spend it with you, boy."

The first time I listened to this song, I was helping my mother move. She actually asked me if this band was from the late 80s/early 90s. While the song she was referring to was released in 2014, it feels quite a bit older. All of the songs by Drowners are short and danceable, making it perfect for a night in or a road trip.

The line to listen for:

"I almost choked when you offered me a smoke on your cigarette."

It makes me sad whenever people's knowledge of Billy Joel is limited to "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl." He's released so many amazing tracks throughout the years, but "Vienna" has always felt the most timeless to me. It's all about the universal need to slow down and live life. Plus, an accordion break? Neat.

The line to listen for:

"You've got your passion, you've got your pride, but don't you know that only fools are satisfied?"

Nothing feels quite as 60s as the Mamas & The Papas. It's lighthearted verses and old-age harmonies, combined with outdated slang make this song one for the ages.

The line to listen for:

"I don't care where you've been, you ain't been no where 'til you been in with the in crowd."

Whenever my hair ceases to cooperate, I like to look at 80s artists. They make me feel so much better about themselves. There are so many trends to love about that decade—high tops, jean jackets, oversized sweaters, leggings—but terrible perms are one thing I'm glad are gone. Don't get me wrong, perms done right look incredible. I got one a few summers back and felt as cute as the french girl (Monique?) in Better Off Dead. This song is the perfect throwback for someone who never got the chance to live through the vivacious era of the 80s.

The line to listen for:

"Monday you can fall apart. Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart. Thursday doesn't even start, it's Friday, I'm in love."

This is one of those rare songs that sounds a bit older than it is. I've always placed it as a mid-90s song, but The Strokes released their self-titled album in 2001. It's groovy and fun, with an early alt flare.

The line to listen for:

"Well, I've been in town for just about fifteen, oh, minutes now and baby, I feel so down. And I don't know why I keep walking for miles."

Until they were banned from US tours in 1965, The Kinks were an important part of the British Invasion. Their rowdy conduct and disheveled shows gained them no point in the eyes of high society, but appealed to many in the age of rock and rebellion. "All Day and All of the Night" is a tune that I can't get out of my head.

The line to listen for:

"Oh yeah, all day and nighttime yours, leave me never."

If you've ever wanted to spend a day taking a road trip back in time, this song is a playlist must. It's lively and modern, while paying homage to classic rhythm and vocals.

The line to listen for:

"Almost everything could be forgotten."

My uncle lovingly refers to Muse as the Cure of the 2000s. They've got the same crooning, mopey British energy. "I Belong To You" manages to span multiple genres, with its killer bass clarinet solo and homage to the opera Sampson and Delilah. It's a powerful love song and super great mood booster.

The line to listen for:

"Traveled half the world to say I belong to you."

One day, when I have endless amounts of time, I'm going to write a bit on the differences between revolutionary and anarchist rockers of the 70s. However, being the busy (procrastinating) student that I am, that research will have to wait a bit longer. For now, I'll try to be content with this rocker anthem.

The line to listen for:

"Whatever happened to all this season's losers of the year?"

Another 60s group always worth returning to are The Monkees. Their whimsical organ and guitar melodies make "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone" an enjoyable listen. And if 60s music isn't your thing, Sex Pistols did a rowdy cover of it!

The line to listen for:

"When I first met you girl you didn't have no shoes, but now you're walkin' 'round like you're front page news."

Aretha Franklin is a goddess. I've literally spent days listening to her work on shuffle. The emotion and power behind her voice is wonderfully her own. "Ain't No Way" happens to be one of my favorite, but really? Go to her artist page, close your eyes and point. You can't go wrong.

The line to listen for:

"How can I give you all the things I can if you're tying both of my hands?"

Hopefully one of these songs has taken you back to another time! For a Spotify playlist with these (and many more) great tunes, check out the link here.