25 Hilarious Moments When Kids Didn’t Realize Their "New" Music Was Actually From The 80s & 90s

The best music has already been made; they are just doing versions of it now.

Music is powerful in our lives. It’s not just about the sounds; it can evoke emotions, help us remember things, and transport us back to specific moments in our past. Whether it’s a sad song or a lively beat, music profoundly affects how we think and feel.

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Each generation has its favorite music, which young people today might find strange or confusing to older folks, and vice versa. However, despite these different tastes, something timeless connects us all: the music that meant a lot to us while growing up.

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Recently, Jeff Sharlet shared a heartwarming story. His 13-year-old child discovered the music of The Cure, a famous band from years ago, and liked it. This sparked a lovely phenomenon where parents and others began reminiscing about the music that held significance for them in their youth.

It demonstrated that the songs we love aren’t just about our experiences; they’re a way for different generations to understand each other. Nostalgia plays a significant role in how we enjoy music. The songs we grew up with remain in our hearts.

They’re there for big moments, whether we are celebrating or seeking comfort. When we share these songs with younger people, we’re not just sharing music; we are sharing a part of who we are.

This illustrates how music can endure through time and connect people of all ages. For Jeff Sharlet, witnessing his child enjoy The Cure’s music was more than just pleasant—it reminded him how music evolves yet remains essential in our lives.

The story garnered considerable attention online because it showed that the songs that resonate with us can also resonate with others, regardless of when they first heard them. As we navigate life with music, the genres people enjoy change.

It's essential to appreciate all the different sounds and stories that each generation brings. What might seem different in music can become something we all enjoy if we’re open to new beats and melodies. This not only helps us understand music better; it also brings us closer together as friends, families, and communities.

Something new...

Something new...Instagram
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Nirvana

NirvanaInstagram
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It was our music first...

It was our music first...Instagram

Nostalgia's Impact on Music Taste

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, emphasizes the powerful role nostalgia plays in our music preferences. He explains that nostalgia can evoke positive emotions, leading us to associate certain songs with cherished memories.

For children today, hearing 80s and 90s music can create a sense of connection without them even realizing its origins. This blending of eras fosters a unique musical landscape, where even younger generations find joy in retro tunes, often without context.

The Doors

The DoorsInstagram

They had to share

They had to shareInstagram

Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood MacInstagram

Music historian Dr. John Covach notes that many contemporary hits borrow heavily from past decades, often creating a sense of déjà vu for listeners. He suggests that this phenomenon is indicative of cultural recycling, where artists draw inspiration from what has come before.

Covach argues that rather than viewing this as a lack of originality, it can be seen as a way to honor the musical foundations laid by earlier generations. This interconnectedness enriches the listening experience across age groups.

That is very likely...

That is very likely...Instagram

The Smiths

The SmithsInstagram

S*x Pistols

S*x PistolsInstagram

The Role of Parents in Music Exposure

Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist, highlights the importance of parental influence in shaping children's musical tastes. She suggests that when parents share their favorite songs, they not only create bonding moments but also introduce their children to the cultural context surrounding those tracks.

To enhance this connection, Levine recommends families engage in music listening sessions, where parents can explain the significance of songs from their youth. This encourages appreciation for different musical eras and fosters open discussions about emotions and memories tied to those songs.

AC/DC

AC/DCInstagram

Oh

OhInstagram

Pink Floyd

Pink FloydInstagram

Cultural anthropologist Dr. Lawrence Cohen emphasizes that music serves as a social glue, connecting generations. He points out that when kids encounter 80s and 90s music, they’re not just hearing old tunes; they're tapping into a rich cultural dialogue that spans decades.

This shared experience can be a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to bond over music, creating shared memories that resonate across time. Cohen encourages families to explore playlists together, discussing the historical context and personal stories behind the songs.

Add It Up

Add It UpInstagram

A remake of a 50s hit

A remake of a 50s hitInstagram

A long time ago...

A long time ago...Instagram

The Educational Value of Music

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, an education expert, argues that music education is crucial in cognitive development. Exposure to diverse musical styles can enhance children's critical thinking and cultural awareness.

She recommends that schools should integrate music from various decades into their curriculums, allowing students to engage with different eras. This not only broadens their musical horizons but also instills an appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of the music, teaching them to value diversity in artistic expression.

The Beatles

The BeatlesInstagram

Cream

CreamInstagram

Cool

CoolInstagram

Dr. Brené Brown, a vulnerability researcher, suggests that music plays a significant role in emotional expression. She notes that certain songs can evoke strong feelings, making them excellent tools for discussing emotions with children.

To facilitate this, Brown recommends parents create playlists that align with different moods, encouraging kids to share their thoughts and feelings about each song. This practice teaches emotional literacy and helps children articulate their experiences while deepening their understanding of music's emotional impact.

The Smiths

The SmithsInstagram

New artist...

New artist...Instagram

You might like this...

You might like this...Instagram

Exploring Musical Diversity

Musicologist Dr. Mark Katz discusses the importance of musical diversity, noting that exposure to a wide range of genres cultivates open-mindedness in children. He believes that this diversity not only enriches their musical experience but also enhances their cultural fluency.

Katz encourages families to explore various musical genres together, from jazz to hip-hop, explaining that each style carries unique histories and cultural significance. By doing so, children develop a more rounded appreciation for music and its role in shaping society.

Nirvana track...

Nirvana track...Instagram

Green Day

Green DayInstagram

True

TrueInstagram

Dr. Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist, argues that music is fundamentally linked to our evolutionary psychology. He explains that music taps into universal patterns of human emotion and social bonding.

Pinker suggests that parents can harness this by using music to teach children about empathy and connection. By discussing the emotions conveyed in songs, parents can help children understand the complexities of human experience, bridging generational gaps while fostering emotional intelligence.

Scorpions

ScorpionsInstagram

The story of Jeff Sharlet and his child discovering The Cure’s music shows how music connects different generations. Music isn’t just sounds and words; it evokes emotions and helps us remember special times.

It’s a language that everyone understands deep inside, bringing us closer together even when we’re different. Music is like a universal song that unites us all, one melody at a time.

Is there an artist your kids believe is new on the block?

Understanding the Deeper Patterns

In conclusion, the interplay between generations in music appreciation highlights the timeless nature of sound. Experts like Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar and Dr. Madeline Levine suggest that music serves not only as entertainment but also as a medium for emotional connection and cultural education.

By fostering environments where children can explore various musical styles and histories, parents can deepen their children's understanding of music's significance. This approach not only enriches familial bonds but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for the diverse tapestry of musical heritage.

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