Ashlee Polarek | Contributing Writer
It wouldn’t be surprising to say that many readers have a ‘90s guilty pleasure playlist or indulge in the classic oldies like “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley. However, music has evolved radically since the ‘50s. What reigned over the charts then took a complete 180 from what’s been dubbed as No. 1 now.
Here’s a glance at what topped the charts in terms of popularity, style or as an iconic representation of each decade from the 1950s till now:
While adults in the ‘50s might have been used to the swing and jazz of their time, the youth of the decade combined blues, jazz and gospel music and created rock ‘n’ roll. Forever immortalized in “Back to the Future” for introducing rock to the world, “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry tops the list for the 1950s.
No. 2 on the list made waves as one of the first songs with suggestive lyrics, making mom and dads everywhere cover their ears. The lyrics to “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard originally said, “Tutti frutti, good booty.” Although the words were changed, the rest of the song was still suggestive enough to make everyone go wild.
Ritchie Valens was 17 when he took a Mexican folk song and created his own rendition of the song known as “La Bamba.” Even though it was completely in Spanish, the song had everyone rockin’ right along.
- “Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry
- “Tutti Frutti” – Little Richard
- “Only You” – The Platters
- “Jailhouse Rock” – Elvis Presley
- “La Bamba” – Ritchie Valens
The 1960s “British Invasion” introduced some of the most famous bands such as a little one called The Beatles. The ‘60s music charts were also filled with lots of soul, like the classic “Hit the Road, Jack” by Ray Charles and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. Franklin’s song paved the way for women in the music world, showing females everywhere that they too could be successful in the music industry.
In 1966, the Beach Boys produced the most expensive record ever (at the time) costing $50,000, and on it was “Good Vibrations.” Finally, Bob Dylan took rock ’n’ roll to another level with his hit “Like a Rolling Stone.” Dylan was an influential folk-rock musician who emphasized the importance of lyrics and meaning
- “Hit the Road, Jack” – Ray Charles
- “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
- “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
- “Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys
- “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
The 1970s introduced disco and pushed forward anti-authority rock. Probably one of the most famous and recognizable songs from the ‘70s is “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
In this decade, the Swedish Pop Group “Abba” came out with a worldwide hit, “Dancing Queen.” Not everyone will admit to it, but most people know the words and perhaps even sing along when it’s played.
“We don’t need no education” became the mantra of youth in 1979 when Pink Floyd released “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2,” moving up the anti-authority movement that was prevalent in the ‘70s.
John Lennon’s “Imagine” conveyed the utopia he desired, pairing with the anti-war mindset of the 1970s.
Led Zeppelin mastered the blues-rock sound with “Stairway to Heaven,” and it’s rumored that Robert Plant was reading “The Lord of the Rings” when he wrote the song.
- “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees
- “Dancing Queen” – Abba
- “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” – Pink Floyd
- “Imagine” – John Lennon
- “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
The ‘80s didn’t just involve big hair, leather pants and a neon color pallette. This decade introduced hip-hop, glam rock and MTV to the music world. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” became a classic tune about good, old-time rock.
Bruce Springsteen wrote and performed “Born in the U.S.A.,” and although it sounds patriotic, the song is actually about the treatment of Vietnam veterans.
Run-D.M.C. and Steven Tyler collaborated on “Walk This Way” and brought with it hip-hop to the charts. Tyler’s voice perfectly complements Run-D.M.C’s rap lyrics in this one.
Of course the ‘80s list wouldn’t be complete without Michael Jackson. One of the most-played music videos on MTV, Jackson’s “Beat It” makes it on the ‘80s hits list. With impressive guitar riffs by Eddie Van Halen and Jackson’s slick dance moves and distinctive voice, it’s no wonder the song secured a place at the top of the charts and won two Grammys.
- “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
- “Born in the U.S.A.” – Bruce Springsteen
- “Walk This Way” – Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith
- “Physical” – Olivia Newton-John
- “Beat It” – Michael Jackson
The ‘90s were a time for pop, hip-hop and punk rock. Green Day had many top hits in the decade; however, nothing was like “Basket Case.”
The 1990s saw hip-hop increasingly popular, and with that came “California Love” by Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre, a song that became an anthem for native Californians.
Before Britney Spears shaved her head and went through her wild phase, she released the hit song “Baby, One More Time.” The pop tune, coupled with a scandalous music video and lyrics, brought this former Mouseketeer to fame.
The ‘90s was also a time for ska punk to develop. Out of ska punk came Sublime and the classic hit “Santeria.”
This list wouldn’t be complete without Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” The cover of Dolly Parton’s song topped the charts and became No. 1 in everyone’s hearts soon after.
- “Basket Case” – Greenday
2. “California Love” – Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre
3. “Baby, One More Time” – Brittany Spears
4. “Santeria” – Sublime
5. “I Will Always Love You” –Whitney Houston
The 2000s was a decade that doesn’t seem that long ago, yet memories of childhood sneak up when music from it is played.
The first on the list for the ‘00s is “Californication,” a song about the lifestyle supported and promoted by Hollywood. The Red Hot Chili Peppers captured audiences with its smooth melody and deep lyrics.
No. 2 on the list is “I Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. This fun, upbeat song took No. 4 on the “Billboard Hot 20” for the 2000s. The Black Eyed Peas had two top-20 tracks for the 2000s, making the group a notable band of the decade.
When Lady Gaga was first introduced to the entertainment world, many people didn’t know what to think of her, even after “Just Dance” made it into the top five. Her debut single secured Lady Gaga a place in the spotlight and on people’s playlists for years to come.
Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” is not to be forgotten. The song was No. 1 for 12 weeks and won a Grammy, making it one of the most successful tracks at the time.
- “Californication” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- “I Got a Feeling” – The Black Eyed Peas
- “Just Dance” – Lady Gaga
- “Lose Yourself” –Eminem
- “Yeah!” – Usher
Music over the last 60 years has almost completely changed, and each decade has influenced the one after it. While overall music tastes seem unique to each era, if you can mark off any of these tunes from earlier decades as songs you at least know of, that is proof that music really does transcend time.