Many artists of today pull their inspiration from previous decades. Whether it’s Lana Del Rey’s sultry late 1950s persona or Robin Thicke’s sexy ‘70s vibe, many of the current Top 40 songs bring back retro sounds but in a whole new light.
1950s
Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die
She claims that she sounds like the gangster version of Nancy Sinatra. If you listen to her tunes, you will quickly realize that she not only embodies Sinatra’s mod music style, but she is able to somehow add her own poetry into the mix.
1960s
Tame Impala’s Lonerism
If you listen to The Beatles, then you will easily be able to recognize their upbeat and trippy lyrics. Tame Impala shares a similar psychedelic sound, much like their musical counterparts such as Grizzly Bear. You can’t go wrong with a litttle chill ‘60s-style music.
1970s
Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories
Known for their digitilism and futuristic vibes, Daft Punk is easily the most iconic EDM duo to date. So when the pair’s highly anticipated fourth studio album was released with more seventies influences, fans and critics were taken by surprise. Daft Punk reinterprets ‘70s grooves with techno-filled riffs and robotic vocals on tracks like “Get Lucky” and “Lose Yourself to Dance,” creating a sound all their own.
Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines
Deemed as the song of the summer, after Daft Punk’s endlessly catchy “Get Lucky,” “Blurred Lines” also borrows from the disco-era with its funky beats. The song has been heavily compared to Marvin Gaye’s 1977 hit “Got to Give It Up.” Regardless, the tune is awfully catchy, offering a retro vibe for modern times.
1980s
Phoenix’s Bankrupt!
The French band’s fifth studio album takes a quick turn from 2009’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, heavy with retro influences. Bankrupt!, far more experimental than Phoenix’s previous work, boasts ‘80s-like sounds, similar to that of David Bowie, while still sounding like music of the future. Standout tracks include “The Real Thing” and latest single, “Trying to Be Cool.”
1990s
Lady Gaga’s ARTPOP
The pop sensation has shocked the world with her antics and style, but charmed with her pop dance anthems and sweet ballads. She’s finally back after a long break, this time with a sound more reminiscent of ‘90s house music. “Applause,” the first single off the upcoming album, is all the buzz of the music industry.
Jessica Keesee can be reached at jessica.keesee@theminaretonline.com
Natalie Hicks can be reached at natalie.hicks@theminaretonline.com