OPINION | Artists from the 70’s are NOT vintage

Opinion piece by Sarah Lepage

The Rolling Stones, Culture Club, Madonna, Queen or even Elton John were THE Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Måneskin, Eminem or Imagine Dragons from my parent’s generation. “And you can tell everybody, this is our song”, are lyrics I remember clearly. I spent hours in the car with the blasting music of the 70’s and 80’s in my ears. Next to me, my mom sang everything nostalgically whilst looking back to her teenage years. However, today the elderliness from these celebrities doesn’t prevent them from creating and coming out with new songs and albums. Some adapt their content to the Gen Z’s musical preferences; others stay true to themselves. Elton John, Abba, or Iggy Pop are great examples. Here are the reasons why you should listen to these legends in the music industry.

First and foremost, Elton John also known as the Rocket Man didn’t rest during the lockdown. For several artists, being quarantined and isolated inspired them and the lockdown quickly became a “rockdown”. In October 2021 Elton John came out with a new album including exclusively features with artists like Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Young Thug, Charlie Puth, Lil Nas X, Gorillaz, and more! The single that entered the top 10 charts for weeks is “Cold Heart” in collaboration with English pop star, Dua Lipa and Australian band PNAU. Using a melody as well-known as “Rocket Man (I think it’s gonna be a long, long time)” is a genius move. On one hand, it’s new and fresh but on the other hand it reminds of the rising initial single that came out in 172. A sweet memory for some and a new bop for others. Elton John is still going strong in clubs and that’s thanks to his strategy of integrating 2020 artists to his musical creations. The man with the glittery and star-shaped glasses proves everyone that no matter your age, you can still break records. Indeed, he’s the only artist to ever be classified in the TOP 10 selling singles in the UK for six different decades. There’s no doubt, if you haven’t had the chance yet to listen to that remix (even though I’m pretty sure you’ve heard it at least once on the radio in your car or whilst grocery shopping), don’t hesitate. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Secondly, the 1974 Eurovision’s winner, ABBA came back in 2021 after a forty-year break. The fans were ecstatic. We must admit that “Mamma Mia” or “Dancing Queens” reach a consensus for everyone: if you hear those songs at a party, you must get off your chair! It’s your time to shine and to show off your best dance moves! But on the contrary of Elton John, ABBA’s new album “Voyage” was not as welcomed as expected. The fans were happy to listen to the same kind of melodies that will finalize their “ABBA: The complete discography” Spotify playlist, but many were disappointed. The Swedish band didn’t renew its style at all and compared to what they’ve produced before, “Voyage” is clearly deceiving. Various instruments, orchestral bits, a repetitive chorus, and voice harmonies, are the main ingredients to create an authentic ABBA song. And being able to enumerate all these ingredients can be considered as an issue. Yes, they are unique and touched an entire generation, but the new technologies create new sounds, new musical habits that pioneers in the music industry use nowadays. Afterall, I must admit that me saying that might be sort of ironic seeing as the tour that they’re planning in 2022 will be entirely digital. Listen for yourself and who knows? Maybe, you will want to experience a new kind of holographic concert.

Lastly, Iggy Pop, drug addict and Rockstar recently did a collaboration with Måneskin: four Italians and the winners of the Eurovision 2021. Full of controversies, that band dares to be provocative and claimed after their victory that “Rock’n’roll never dies!!”. Indeed, the rock is still in good health and alive and what a greater way for that young Italian band to work with “Godfather of Punk”, the emblematic Rockstar, Iggy Pop! Personally, I had already heard of his artist name a couple of times, but I was not able to either put a face on it, or associate it to any songs. The feature with Måneskin poked my curiosity, therefore I looked more into the character of that American star.

In conclusion, the artists from the 70’s are not dead. Collaborating or being featured on albums keep them alive. It’s beautiful to see how, after 50 years, an artist is still as valued as its debut. This proves me that art and music is not temporary. If you keep pushing and get successful, your passion will be fulfilled for your entire life. In the end, Culture is just a cycle of genres: some disappear but then resurface decades later. So, back in 1977 the Bee Gees were already right... Artists and music “Ah, ah, ah, ah stay alive, stay alive”.