How Do You Define A Generation?

Every generation has something that seperates it from all the others. The '20s had jazz, the 60's had Vietnam, and no doubt our generation will be defined by Iraq. But it is music that always stands the test of time. Music floats through the airwaves of time like a tumbleweed caught in the wind. There is nothing more powerful or inspiring than a song, perhaps besides love. So let's travel through the generations of music that defined what it really meant to be a part of that time. The One Song That Defined Each Generation (60's-Present).

The 1960's
Song: "Like A Rolling Stone," by Bob Dylan
How It Defines the 60's:This song, oft considered the best song of all time, was a revolutionary song. To quote Rolling Stone, which named their magazine after the song, "No other pop song has so thoroughly challenged and transformed the commercial laws and artistic conventions of its time, for all time." There was no sheet music, no pre-ordained set-up to how it was supposed to sound. The personality he put into the lyrics and the sound can be only found in one of the 25 different takes it took to perfect it. But perfect it, he did. The 1960s were rough with Vietnam and Nixon. But as those things were changing our country in a negative way, this song alone changed the conventional way music was played. At 6 minutes long with sharp spirals of guitar and a gospel like organ "Like a Rolling Stone" was a revolutionary song in a revolutionary period.
Here is, not arguably, the best live version ever performed (perhaps of any song) of "Like A Rolling Stone":


The 1970's
Song: "Imagine," by John Lennon
How It Defines the 70's: The 70's, as you no doubt know, were times for free thought and openness. Peace, Love, And Happiness. No song has ever said that more boldly or powerfully. Lennon's lyrical genius (or naivety, depending on how you look at it) in "Imagine" basically is what the 70's were all about. After Vietnam, all people wanted was peace and understanding. "Imagine" was just that, saying "Imagine there's no countries, It isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too." Lennon, although basically preaching socialism, poured his vision of a better world down onto paper and wrote one of the greatest songs ever written. This song WAS the 1970's in a nutshell.
Here it is and it's not so hard to "Imagine," is it?


The 1980's
Song: "Beat It," by Michael Jackson
How It Defines the 80's: The 80's were a....different time. Nothing says different like Michael Jackson. After EXPLODING onto the scene by GETTING INTO kid's HEADS everywhere, Jackson really delivered with "Beat It." Besides creating the "Soulja Boy" dance of the 80's, the song hit home with not only R&B lovers, but due to a guest guitar appearance from Eddie Van Halen, was also embraced by rock enthusiasts. The music video was also immensely popular on the growing cable network MTV (pre-Tila Tequila). Music was changing in the 80's and Jackson's songs best define that change. "Beat It" became a runaway hit and the 80's became that decade America could just forget and move on. Michael Jackson wishes that's what the 90's were so we would forget the happy little boys in his bed frolicking around his genitalia.
"Beat It," ladies and gentlemen. No double entendre there. I really meant masturbate.
Because they won't let me put it in my blog, follow the link to watch the pre-sexual deviant M.J.:
"Beat It"

The 1990's
Song: Smells Like Teen Spirit
How It Defines the 90s: The 90's was the dawn of a new generation and Nirvana was the start of it. The big-time ampness of the song wiped the entire sound of 80's music right out the window. The band rose up from overnight, literally, through airplay on MTV. It was a voice that was new to the America's ears. "Teen Spirit" was the voice of a disturbed young generation. Even though Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain could never cope with the success his band had, they were one of the most influential bands of the 90's. It was Cobain's shot at the increasing materialism and commercialization of America's youth culture. As said above, this song wiped away the 80's music and formed a new generation. Rarely can a song define a generation. But this one did that and more.


The 2000's
Song: "Crank That," by Soulja Boy
How it Defines the 2000s: I do apologize. I bet you were hoping for anything besides this song. But in the generation of "terrible overplayed hip-hop songs," this is what best defines the 2000s. Unfortunately, if you remember one hip-hop song from this era, it will be this one. You will know the soulja boy dance 30 years from now. Rap has virtually taken over the airwaves and it seems like that's all people really listen to nowadays. It's a shame but the truth. Speaking of shame, this song sparked a multitude of dancing kids, unknown sexual innuendo, and all around annoyance and people screaming "YOU!" at each other. The song/dance is just one of those things, like the "Macarena" for this decade. Hopefully, a real song will come along in the next year that can better define this decade. But hip-hop is king for the moment and "Crank That" is the epitome of a song/artist gaining undeserving success.
Here it is, for the 33,802,513th time:


You may not agree with all my choices but I feel like I've defined these generations as best as I could. Since I will be perpetually hungo over from my upcoming trip to Dublin for St.Patrick's Day, a new post may be elusive for a while. Sorry, it's just the truth. However, you can enjoy this new post over and over until you've memorized it. Impress your friends! Or you can watch this video of Hannah Montana and explain to me the appeal over any other Disney character or why the frick she is so damn popular?!?!?!