Iconic American Songs That Defined Each Decade from the 1950s to the 2000s

Music aficionados often possess the unique ability to identify the era of a song just by its style and sound. The musical landscape of the past decades has been shaped by distinctive genres: '50s doo-wop, '60s soul, '70s funk, '80s new wave, '90s grunge, and '00s pop-punk. These styles are sometimes rejuvenated by contemporary artists, sparking nostalgic memories of the periods they originate from.

The '50s: 'Tutti Frutti' by Little Richard (1955)

Labeled as the birth of rock 'n' roll, Little Richard's 'Tutti Frutti' exploded in the music scene with its unforgettable opening cry, A-wop-bop-a-loo-mop, a-lop-bam-boom! Little Richard's exuberant performance and innovative music style broke new ground and set a precedent for future performers like Prince and David Bowie.

The '60s: 'River Deep – Mountain High' by Ike & Tina Turner (1966)

This song is a mighty showcase of Phil Spector's 'Wall of Sound' and Tina Turner's formidable voice. 'River Deep – Mountain High' stands as a monumental vocal masterpiece, reflecting the immense emotional depth and soaring spirit of the '60s.

The '70s: 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder (1972)

Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' brings the essence of funk and soul that dominated the '70s. With the release from his album Talking Book, Stevie Wonder captured the funky zeitgeist of the time, contributing to one of the most iconic tracks of the decade.

The '80s: 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson (1982)

The King of Pop's 'Beat It' defined the '80s, with its ground-breaking music video and the indelible mark it left on pop culture. The track came off the record-breaking album Thriller, underscoring Michael Jackson's profound influence on the music industry and the world at large.

The '90s: 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Nirvana (1991)

Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' became the anthem for Generation X, encapsulating the grunge movement of the '90s. The song and its accompanying music video captured the angst and rebellious spirit of the era, resonating with audiences worldwide.

The '00s: 'Seven Nation Army' by The White Stripes (2003)

The White Stripes broke into mainstream success with 'Seven Nation Army', a song characterized by its unforgettable guitar riff that has since become a staple in sports stadiums around the globe. It marked the garage rock revival of the early 2000s and showcased Jack and Meg White at their creative zenith.

decades, music, heritage