In this post we will explore what makes music timeless. Like a good book, movie or even a joke that touches on topics that resonate across generations and cultures, music can do this too. At the same time, music is a form of technology that evolves – and evolves rather rapidly in recent times. And still, at its core, the fundamental principles have not changed. Thus, while styles can undergo extraordinary transformations, there is still a chance to make timeless tracks regardless of the genre or the fashion of the day. When it comes to songs, the challenge is that both the composition and lyrics must be timeless. On top of that, if you do not go with what’s popular at the moment, it will surely add to the frustration when trying to promote your product. This is like doing art for art – pure art – doing it just because you can. Think about the philosophers and scientists of the past who were often amateurs. And yet, they managed to create lasting theories that affect our everyday existence. It is the same with musicians who did not know how to read or write, did not go to school, but had a true penchant for making awesome music. I am not saying that everyone must be making timeless music. After all, music serves the great purpose of entertainment. It should give people joy. And this is what is most important. Moreover, transformation is part of life. Punk rock, for example, came to replace pop-rock and prog-rock, and was quite the opposite of those. Let’s therefore not read too much into my words. Instead, we will simply give credit and much-deserved respect to the artists making timeless music.
News:
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Music Picks:
The Boss by James Brown:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6LzjgzpVl0hB3YrBU1b8Z1
The father of funk released this timeless track in 1973. Yet it sounds like it could be released yesterday.
A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley (and remix by Junkie XL):
https://open.spotify.com/track/47y8hRlWLEJ4VafE6LMjEZ
https://open.spotify.com/track/4rr0gWiMrF4sOIefs3IEvZ
This is just a perfect example of a song that transcends time. It is one of my absolute favorites.
Дорога (The Road) by Auktyon:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1dgQzZC4W7W09FrUYN5l0i
Released in 1993–1994, this song is so fringe that it is completely timeless by design. You just cannot say that it belongs to any era or even genre. It is just a thing by itself and I love it.
Stray Camino by Jaron Freeman-Fox:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2Yg3l0aWrbj8aA9yMZijTQ
This beautiful instrumental composition comes from Canada as a bridge between the past and present with its unique and original style.
Minute Away by Signal-to-Noise:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6HlVw7Toi1qC3Uv2YL3Wbz
The lyrics here touch on the very essence of life itself. A combination of acoustic and electronic parts in this composition underscores the eternity. An exquisite transparency of the mix leaves no doubt – the message is clear. What a beautiful work!
CITY IS A PRISON by Raf Green:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0bPwwrIw3SdrBK1nCafjTQ
This awesome blues rock song is performed and produced with remarkable quality. In the end, you’ve gotta do good on production if you want the result to be timeless.
Dark Signs by Mars & Other Planets:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZxkCD1QZWacaDa6G0Lry3
Styled to be reminiscent of Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane, the composition maintains a balance of not falling too much into the past. It clearly feels modern, original and unique. The modern mix paired beautifully with the retro influences creates a truly timeless experience.
Something 2 Die 4 by 2Pac:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1bxIRi7gQvYddWwfV5N16O
Simple arrangements with a beautiful production add another layer of depth to the message conveyed by the lyrics. The song would resonate with listeners at the time it was released, and just as much, it is relevant today.
Promised Land by Dennis Brown:
https://open.spotify.com/track/3SmlQ9SaXbkmeXrXNF5ojP
This is my favorite song by Dennis Brown. Its sound is so timeless that it is almost impossible to believe it was released in 1979.
Let’s now finish the music picks with this still-relevant classic by Floyd Red Crow Westerman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbs6l-pkxxE
Final Thoughts:
Whether by design or by chance, truly timeless compositions maintain their relevance over time, political regimes, generations, and across various cultures. They can also provide a steady connection, bridging styles and influencing the artistic choices of emerging artists. While some of the examples I provided were major hits when they were released, other songs may still be new or remain relatively unnoticed. Yet none of that takes away from the fact that these compositions are beautiful and timeless. I am happy to play a part in helping them find their listeners.