These 10 Songs Will Make You Feel Nostalgic

Music has changed so much in the past decades, from Frank Sinatra to Ariana Grande, we have seen and heard all kinds of beats and rhythms.

Whether you are a Generation Z, a Millenial, or even a Baby Boomer, these songs will surely make you think back on the good old days.

Here is a list of my favorite songs from the 1950s to 2020:

1. Blue Suede Shoes (1956)- Elvis Presley

Rock-and-Roll songs are the best to listen to when you are in your room. This song gives me extreme beach vibes and reminds me of the Disney Channel original movie, Teen Beach Movie. Blue Suede Shoes will make you want to jump up and dance every time you hear it. Using drums, a guitar and a bass, Elvis Presley made this version of Blue Suede Shoes (originally written by Carl Perkins in 1955) the best of all covers.

2. Put Your Head on My Shoulder (1959)- Paul Anka

This song has been a true love anthem for years. Who wouldn’t want to slow dance with the love of their lives to it? Not only are the lyrics easy to sing to, but the artist’s voice is soothing. With basic instruments such as a bass clarinet and a ukulele, they complement Paul Anka’s baritone vocals creating one of the most famous love songs in the U.S.

3. I Want You Back (1969)- The Jackson 5

Who can forget about the Jackson family, not only including iconic pop star Michael Jackson as his younger self, but the entire family that produced songs like ABC, Blame It On The Boogie and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. At the time this song was created, Michael was only 10 years old.

4. Respect (1971)- Aretha Franklin

There is something powerful about listening to a Black woman sing at a time when segregation and racism were still strong issues at hand. This song not only mentions that women only ask for one thing in life but also emphasizes everything we as women are capable of doing for a man and in exchange, we just demand respect. Soul music is uplifting but even more powerful matched with instruments such as saxophones, trombones and trumpets.

5. Another One Bites The Dust (1980)- Queen 

The band Queen, led by Freddie Mercury, is an enormous memory alone. The band originated from London, England, but received the love of many fans around the world. Creating amazing songs such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now and the worldwide favorite, We Will Rock You. It’s really hard not to sing their songs when they blast through speakers.

6. What’s Love Got To Do With It (1984)- Tina Turner

I dedicate this song to my fellow single people. We all have screamed this song at least once or twice in our life. Tina Turner made a spectacular song to remind us that love isn’t necessary to be happy in life. The reaction to physical touch shouldn’t correlate with the feeling of love. As Turner stated, “Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?”

7. No Diggity (1996)- Blackstreet

Blackstreet’s rap/gospel song No Diggity will make you move every muscle in your body and have you rapping every verse with confidence. Featuring Dr. Dre as a secondary vocal source gave this song the voice it needed to be as catchy as it is. No Diggity translates to no doubt.

8. 1, 2 Step (2004)- Ciara

This R&B song that includes stunning rapper Missy Elliot will make you want to go to a party. It’s recommended to dancers who love to create choreographies to upbeat songs. This song has a bit of an electric vibe that is existential throughout the whole time. The mood of this song gives me the same energy as Ciara’s Level Up song.

9. Just The Way You Are (2010)- Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars, the love bird of 2010, produced this amazing song to remind fans that they are beautiful just the way they are. If you ever feel down about yourself, this song will remind you that everything about you is special, unique and gorgeous. Introducing the component of the piano creates a melancholy and harmonic aspect to the song.

10. Yo Perreo Sola (2020)- Bad Bunny 

If you haven’t heard this song, you’re lying. Bad Bunny, one of the most famous artists of the 21st century, made this song to remind his fans that they only need themselves to have fun anywhere they go. His music video, which was made during the pandemic, featured him and only him having fun, dancing and even dressing up as a woman to replace the dancers that were originally in the music video. If you ever feel left out, I totally recommend this song so you can remember that you don’t have to have anyone else except yourself to have fun.