Classic Songs vs. Songs

We all may not be able to describe what makes a classic song different from any other song, but we know it's different. It gives us a different feeling, more of an emotion. It's that song from years ago that you can still turn up the radio for. It's that song you hear at the end of great movies, or sometimes the only song that you can remember from a particular artist.

What is the first song you think of when I say, "classic song"? And now ask yourself why. I know it may be hard to answer at first, but think about it...that's exactly why it's a classic! It just does something to you.

One of the first songs that come to my mind is the Diane Warren penned "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing", recorded by Aerosmith, and made famous during the end credits of the 1998 Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton movie, "Armageddon". Simon Cowell, (known to many as critical American Idol and X-Factor judge) dubbed the song as "one of the greatest songs of all time".
Just what did that song do. What kind of characteristics does the song have?

1) It is EMOTIONAL

I bet this song made half the people in the movie theater cry (in a good way). The movie and music video helped convey that emotion. But even just listening to the recording creates a different atmosphere. You tell me...

2) It is RELATABLE

I believe every person on planet earth can relate to missing something at one point or another, and not wanting that feeling again.

3) It is TIMELESS

You will turn on the radio in 20 years, and still hear this song playing (granted there is still radio at that time). Now I know some of you will say all songs are timeless now because they can be played forever on the internet. I don't mean it like that. But think of it like this...there are songs you will continue to search for on the internet years from now, or songs that will always be in your ITunes library, or CDs you will never throw away or sell at a yard sale because they have your those classic songs. Then there are other songs that you forget existed and they only came out a few weeks ago. That's the timeless I'm talking about.

4) It leaves an LASTING IMPRESSION

This is similar to being timeless, but I gave it its own section to clarify. Again, the movie and music video helped this songs make a lasting impression, because when you hear the song, you can see the movie or music video playing in your head. And even if there was not a movie or music video out to give you that impression, this song as well as other classics may make your mind create it's own "times of your life" inner-mind video; say makes you reminisce or playback sections or moments of your life that you can relate the song to.

Now don't get me wrong, we still need those songs that stay around for a few weeks, play in the clubs, and 70 times on the radio (per day), just to disappear shortly after. It helps to justify the classics, and separate great songs from good songs. These type of songs are the ones that pop in your head at some random moment 5 years later, and make you remember a night you thought you forgot (and try hard to forget again). But today as I write, with so many new songs coming out every hour, I want to remind us all to be on the "ear out" for those next classic songs. You'll know it when you hear it.

Three More Classic Songs:

1. One Sweet Day - Written by Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, and Boyz II Men

2. Because You Loved Me - Written by Diane Warren (Recorded by: Celine Dion)

3. Complicated - Written By Avril Lavigne and The Matrix

Please comment and post your classic songs.

I will do the same. :-)

- Jared Jones
Singer/Songwriter/Vocal Producer
jaredjones@jaredjonesonline.com