In the editor’s rotation: Old but gold

This week, I’ve really toned down the vibe in terms of music.

When I need something to soothe me or help me relax, I find myself turning to what some people would call “grandma music.” I’m talking about anything from the late ’30s to ’70s, and a few from the modern day.

This week, it’s all about the classics, or songs that sound reminiscent of the eras that produced such great music.

‘Heaven Knows’ — 54 Ultra

This song was released last year. When I found that out, I couldn’t believe it. It fully sounds like something much older, but it’s absolutely perfect.

It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a long time, and I accidentally stumbled upon it while waiting for my English class to begin. It’s been on repeat since.

‘Ooo Baby Baby’ — Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

This song. There are no words for this song, but just know that it was in my top five songs in last year’s Spotify Wrapped. It’s just too good.

‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ — The Stylistics

This song was introduced to me by my mother when I was in high school. At first, I didn’t appreciate it the way I should have. But now, I’ve been listening to it at least once a day.

It reminds me a bit of the Bee Gees, which I’m a big fan of, so that makes me love it even more.

‘Will I See You Again?’ — Thee Sacred Souls

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Thee Sacred Souls is a trio that sounds straight out of the ’60s soul scene, but it actually formed in 2019. This song is catchy, mellow and a real treat for your ears. It’s one of those songs you could listen to on repeat and never get sick of — I speak from experience.

‘No No No’ — Dawn Penn

This track is also a bit of an outlier, hailing from the ’90s, but it still fits the vibe. I can’t help but bop my head along whenever I’m listening to it; the chorus is an absolute earworm and is guaranteed to get stuck in your head, where it will linger all day.

‘This Bitter Earth’ — Dinah Washington

I recently discovered this song through a movie I watched for my film studies class, “Killer of Sheep.” It has an amazing soundtrack, but this song was the true standout. The lyrics are straightforward but impactful, and the instrumental is stunning.

‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ — The Flamingos

This is the type of song that makes me feel like my body should begin levitating. From beginning to end, it’s simply flawless. There’s a reason why this song has become a classic and remained popular.

‘Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)’ — Four Tops

I can’t remember where exactly I first heard this song, but I feel like my mother was somehow involved. Regardless, I do recall falling in love with this track the first time I heard it. It’s such an endearing love song; how could you not like it?

‘Wedding Bell Blues’ — The 5th Dimension

I heard this song in “Gilmore Girls,” and it instantly secured a place in my liked songs on Spotify. It’s such a cute and fun song, and it always serves as a pick-me-up.

‘Easy Living (with Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra)’ and ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ — Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday unarguably has one of the most gorgeous voices to grace the music industry. “Easy Living” appears on the soundtrack to one of my favorite films of all time, “Carol,” and consequently wormed its way right into my heart.

“I’ll Be Seeing You” is perhaps Holiday’s most well-known song, and for good reason. It’s the kind of song you should dance in the kitchen to; that’s the only way I can describe it.

‘Only You (And You Alone)’ — The Platters

This song has been covered plenty of times by artists such as Ringo Starr, The Stylistics, Louis Armstong, Elvis Presley and even Alvin and the Chipmunks, but nothing beats the original recording. The Platters’s version will remain superior, as the song was performed exactly how it should be.

‘This Magic Moment’ — The Drifters

Like a lot of the songs on this list, this one will probably be familiar to you. The vocals are great, but the instrumental is really what does it for me.

‘Baby I’m Yours’ — Cass Elliot

I’m a big fan of The Mamas & The Papas, but Cass Elliot’s solo work is also excellent. She was a true talent, and I desperately wish her life wouldn’t have ended so early on.

Although this song wasn’t first performed by Elliot (Barbara Lewis is the original recording artist), I prefer her version.

‘Try a Little Tenderness’ — Otis Redding

This was mine and my best friend’s song in high school. And yes, every time we performed it in the car, we channeled our inner Duckie from “Pretty in Pink.”

@_chloebowie_

southacr@miamioh.edu