You’re standing impatiently in the slow-moving checkout line at the mall, wondering how much longer before it’s your turn. Suddenly, “Beat It” blares through the store’s loudspeakers. You spontaneously nod along to the music in approval. As you turn your head in sync with the beat, you notice customers around you, young and old, doing the same. You’re struck by how this song from eras past still has such a hold on people today, just like your other favorite artists, The Beatles and ABBA. You begin to wonder, ‘What is it about their music that makes them so timeless?’
The Beatles
The Beatles are among the first international pop stars in music history. Leading the British Invasion of the 1960s, the foursome instantly mesmerized American audiences with their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was an upbeat, youthful anthem of pure, simple love and happiness that resonated with people everywhere. “Revolution” extolled the virtues of rebellion against established norms, which struck a chord with the masses during the counterculture movement of the time. Beatlemania saw fans everywhere emulating everything the band did, from their hippie floral prints to their “mop-top” haircuts. Ultimately, though, it was their music about universal human experiences of love and nonconformity that resonated deeply with their fans.
ABBA
ABBA is an acronym consisting of the first initials of the four band members. This Swedish group shot to international fame after winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their hit, “Waterloo.” Their catchy, often joyful music is beautifully carried by the harmonious lead vocals of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. In “Dancing Queen,” they sing, “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life.” Junior Skylar Lu enthuses, “[It] sounds so light-hearted and cheery when you’re just listening to it.” Though their earlier hits are bright and poppy, their later songs often turned melancholic as both couples underwent divorce. Yet their music continued to capture the imagination of a worldwide audience as they continued to spin relatable human emotions of love, heartbreak, and longing. In “Slipping Through My Fingers,” they lament “The feeling that I’m losing her forever, and without really entering her world,” expressing the grief of parting with a loved one. “It’s clear to see how impactful those lyrics are and how much it can resonate with people of all ages,” said Lu. ABBA’s lasting appeal has been further augmented over the years by musicals, documentaries, and movies featuring their music, which continue to touch audiences to this day.
Michael Jackson
Ever heard of “The King of Pop”? It’s no surprise that this illustrious title was bestowed upon Michael Jackson, entertainer extraordinaire. Jackson first captivated American fans alongside his four older brothers in The Jackson 5. However, he reached mega-stardom as a solo performer with his unparalleled artistry, dedication to perfection, and electrifying live performances. His music is a blend of different music genres, infused with infectious beats, incredible dance moves, and his trademark falsetto vocals and grunts. Michael Jackson’s legacy is further cemented by intricately choreographed music videos of his multi-platinum Thriller album, considered revolutionary at the time. Embedded in the heart-pounding beats are often messages to be strong without succumbing to violence. In “Beat It,” Jackson belts out, “Don’t wanna see no blood, don’t be a macho man… So beat it… Just beat it.” Using his music as a platform, Jackson encourages people of all backgrounds to embrace one another, a timeless lesson that rings true through the ages. Just as he implored “Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race,” his messages still resonate with the world today.
The Beatles. ABBA. Michael Jackson. Three different music icons who reached the pinnacle of success through several decades. They mesmerized audiences worldwide with their distinctive sound and style. The Beatles were beloved for their youthful rebelliousness; ABBA for their angelic, pleasing harmonies; and Michael Jackson for his killer dance moves and enthralling performances. However, it was their ability to connect with their fans through universal experiences of love and loss, conflict and peace that set them apart from the rest. It’s no wonder that their music remains relevant long after its release: a timeless, sonorous resonance that touches the depths of the soul.
