uIf you are anything like me, there have been many times that your parents try to play music that they like...aka music that is not on whatever top hit radio station you listen to...and you will not stand for it. How can it be good if our parents like it???
But as I got older I realized something.
There's actually some good stuff out there from before our time.
Here's some of my favorite stuff that is older than me. This list ranges from hardcore rock to soft rock. Check it out and the next time your parents try to play their music, you might find yourself saying "hey, this is a good song!".
AC/DC
I know nothing about AC/DC except that they are a serious rock band with a few catchy songs.
Recommendations: Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long
Aerosmith
You might know of Aerosmith because of the lead singer Steven Tyler. You know, the guy with the long hair? He was a judge on American Idol? That's about the only knowledge I have on Aerosmith.
Recommendations: Dream On, I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing, Walk This Way
The Beatles
If you don't know who The Beatles are...man, get on top of your stuff! I know they are before our time but they are a classic and I'm sure you know some of their songs.
Recommendations: I Want To Hold Your Hand, Help, Hey Jude, Can't Buy Me Love, We Can Work It Out, A Hard Day's Night, Yellow Submarine, All You Need Is Love, Hello Goodbye, Come Together, Here Comes The Sun, Blackbird, Yesterday, Let It Be, Twist and Shout
Billy Joel
Ok...let me just say this...I LOVE Billy Joel. He is so iconic and you are missing out if you don't know his music! I'm actually going to see him at Madison Square Garden in December so that is very exciting. I must thank my parents for showing me this wonderful artist!
Recommendations: Piano Man, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Only The Good Die Young, Big Shot, My Life, You May Be Right, It's Still Rock and Roll to Me, Tell Her About It, Uptown Girl, We Didn't Start The Fire, The Longest Time, Vienna
Bon Jovi
Classic rock and roll. If you don't at least know Livin On A Prayer, my guess is you live under a rock.
Recommendations: It's My Life, You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin On A Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive
Boston
I literally don't know a single thing about this band other than the fact that I like one of their songs.
Recommendations: More Than A Feeling
Bruce Springsteen
Another classic. You've probably heard some of his songs before. Now I only know a couple of his songs, and the ones that I do are just so feel good. Fun fact...Bruce and I actually share a birthday.
Recommendations: Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, Born To Run, Born In The USA, Glory Days, Mary's Place, Working On A Dream
Creedence Clearwater Revival
What do I know about this band? Nothing. Other than I like one of their songs because it is in the movie Remember The Titans (side note...this is a great movie. watch it if you get the chance!)
Recommendations: Up Around The Bend, Bad Moon Rising, Have You Ever Seen The Rain
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I remember back in the day having their songs on my iPod because I shared an iTunes account with my dad. I never thought I'd include them in an article of music that I actually like...
Recommendations: Teach Your Children
Def Leppard
Let me explain this one. I only know one song and I literally found out about it when I was 16 because my friend really liked it and would always request it at Sweet 16 parties.
Recommendations: Pour Some Sugar On Me
Earth, Wind & Fire
My recommended song will make you feel SO GOOD I PROMISE JUST LISTEN TO IT
Recommendations: September
Elton John
Ah, Elton John. I honestly don't have anything to say. Just listen to his music.
Recommendations: Your Song, Bennie And The Jets, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Don't Go Breaking My Heart
Guns N' Roses
If you are looking for some really hard rock...this is for you.
Recommendations: Welcome To The Jungle, Sweet Child O' Mine, Live And Let Die
James Taylor
I grew up listening to James Taylor. My parents always had his CDs and we would listen to them, so I guess my music taste has come full circle.
Recommendations: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), Mexico, Shower The People, Fire and Rain
Journey
If you say you don't know Don't Stop Believin', I think you are lying.
Recommendations: Any Way You Want It, Don't Stop Believin'
Kenny Loggins
This is another one I remember having on my iPod as a child...and I always clicked the next button. Again, if only I knew that older me would actually like this music!
Recommendations: Footloose, Danger Zone
KISS
To be completely honest...KISS scares me. There. I said it. The tongues, the makeup...it's all too much for me. But this is a good song. Just don't ever take me to a KISS concert.
Recommendations: Rock And Roll All Nite
Marvin Gaye
Another song that I only like because it was in Remember The Titans...again I say it's a great movie!
Recommendations: Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Neil Diamond
I hope you know this classic song! If you don't, study up and listen to it!
Recommendations: Sweet Caroline
Norman Greenbaum
I should've just made a section for songs from Remember The Titans.
Recommendations: Spirit In The Sky
Phil Collins
Phil Collins music makes my heart warm. Fun fact: He wrote a lot of music for Tarzan!
Recommendations: You'll Be In My Heart, Strangers Like Me, In The Air Tonight, You Can't Hurry Love
Queen
I shouldn't have to explain Queen because I'm sure you already know a bunch of their songs (We Will Rock You) but maybe you don't know some of my recommended songs, which if you don't, check them out!
Recommendations: Under Pressure, Somebody To Love, Another One Bites The Dust, Fat Bottomed Girls, Don't Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody
Rick Springfield
Ugh. This is such a jam out song. Listen to it.
Recommendations: Jessie's Girl
Simon & Garfunkel
Another song I remember having on my iPod...
Recommendations: Mrs. Robinson
Steam
See? I said I should've had a section just for Remember The Titans...
Recommendations: Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
Styx
I have this memory of my dad playing this song a lot in the car when I was younger. Again...my music taste has come full circle.
Recommendations: Come Sail Away
Van Halen
Nothing to say. Just listen to the song. It's a good one.
Recommendations: Jump
Van Morrison
I FREAKING LOVE THIS SONG
Recommendations: Brown Eyed Girl
Yusuf / Cat Stevens
I promise this is the last one from Remember The Titans (if you didn't catch my drift already...it's a really good movie)
Recommendations: Peace Train
And there you have it...music that is not from our generation that is actually good. I promise your parents will be impressed!