Nostalgia has been a recurring theme in music and has dominated the trends of the past decade. But why is this so? Are there elements that define it? Are there good and bad musical examples?
First, let’s begin at the beginning. Why do listeners gravitate toward nostalgia? An article discussing the psychological benefits of nostalgic music states, “Music can transport the listener to past times and places of their life, as well as to the attached emotions.” Many can attest to this statement. It’s a reason so many throwbacks to bygone eras are seen in music and why the most popular artists today musically resemble elements of the past.
As listeners, it is in human nature to seek comfort in the familiar. But what about artists? Are they utilizing nostalgia in its natural musical progression, or are they cheapening it by barely innovating what has already been done?
An article on why music is so nostalgic states, “Creating a nostalgic atmosphere in music involves a thoughtful blend of melody, arrangement, lyrics, and production techniques.” This should be considered when evaluating whether the following artists’ songs are good or bad examples of such a theme.
“First Class” by Jack Harlow
When listening to “First Class,” the song directly hits the listener with the sample of Fergie’s hit song, “Glamorous.” It is meant to invoke those feelings of the early 2000s while listening, and while it does achieve music charting success, can the song survive without the sample? The answer is that it cannot. It sounds as if Harlow is adlibbing for most of the song, and even when he is rapping on top of the beat, there is nothing nostalgic or memorable about the lyrics (that are not from the sample).
Based on this analysis, “First Class” is a bad example of nostalgia. Remembering the quote previously mentioned, “First Class” only covered a part of creating a nostalgic atmosphere. It was entirely too dependent on the sampled melody of “Glamorous.”
“Stronger” by Kanye West
When talking about iconic sampling, “Stronger” by Kanye West cannot go unmentioned. In a similar sense to “First Class,” it heavily utilizes “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” by Daft Punk. The difference lies in the use of other elements of a nostalgic atmosphere that are memorable to the listener. The arrangement, lyrics, and production techniques added a new level of innovation to the song. While the sample is an amazing tool within the song, it does not define it. Here below is a video of “Stronger” without the sample:
The song still stands strong without the sample, making it a good example of nostalgia; it utilizes all elements and doesn’t depend overtly on one but is innovative in itself.
Looking broadly, nostalgia has interwoven itself and will likely remain a steady fixture within music. However, it is up to listeners to discern the true artistic intent of the artists they listen to and determine their ability and intention when invoking such a feeling.
I am a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. I am currently attending the University of Houston as a Marketing major, and a PR and MIS minor. I am passionate about my work through the various creative avenues I use such as writing, designing, and photography. In my free time I enjoy delving into rabbit holes and discovering new things!
