Retro Dee writes about music, fashion and other trends of the 1950s on this site. Check out her blog, Retro Dee’s Guide to the Best Era Ever here, and her column here every Wednesday.
Hi folks! It’s Retro Dee with some more great music from The Best Era Ever to brighten your day!
When I feel the need to be energized and uplifted, and maybe even when I need a bit of hope- I look no further than to some of my favorite hits from the Nifty Fifties.
One reason I love the 1950’s era so much is because it was such a happy time. The depression was over, the war had ended and most families were experiencing a significant amount of positive cash flow. This resulted in kinder, happier people who had strong morals, lofty goals and positive ideals for a good life.
Unfortunately, the record has shown time and time again that in History, happy times do not last forever. There are new struggles that present themselves which reflect harshly on the times and on the everyday lives of humankind.
No matter what has happened, is happening, or will happen in the world, the 1950’s will always be preserved as a special time where the world was, relatively speaking, mostly problem-free. This fleeting, happy moment in time was often reflected in the songs from those days.
Here are 5 fun, uplifting tunes from the 1950’s to brighten your day.
1. “Sh-Boom” by The Crew Cuts
This is my go-to happy song. Originally written and recorded by The Chords, this is technically a cover. I personally prefer this version, but The Chords version is great too! This song was featured in the 1990 movie Cry Baby starring Johnny Depp and was also recently featured in a car commercial.
2. “Rave On” by Buddy Holly
Second only to “Sh-Boom” on my playlist for inducing pure joy, is this 1958 hit by my favorite artist of all time. Written by Sonny West and Bill Tilghman, this song is not only happy-sounding, but is charmingly romantic as well. And you get to hear Buddy Holly’s voice, which for some of us, is the saving grace of any day of the week.
3. “Gee” by The Crows
This hit by The Crows encapsulates the sheer happiness of young romance, a re-occurring theme throughout the 1950’s. Whether you like doo-wop or not, this song is undeniably uplifting.
4. “Walking Along” by The Diamonds
This is a happy-go-lucky, upbeat tune by one of my favorite groups. You seriously can’t feel down if you’re listening to this jam! Although it was previously recorded by a group called The Solitaires in 1957, The Diamonds version is more popular.
5. “Long Tall Sally” by Little Richard
Now, I don’t know about actual lyrical content, but this song is certainly fun to rock out to! And the music? They just don’t make songs like this anymore, but thank goodness that at one time, they did!
Bonus Song:
“Life’s A Happy Song” written by Brett McKenzie, performed by The Muppets cast
Okay, so this song is not exactly from the 1950’s, it’s from Disney’s 2011 film The Muppets starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams. However! The opening number takes place in the fictional town of Smallville, which is an all too obvious tongue-in-cheek tribute to the perfect days of the 1950’s. This brilliant musical number can and will bring immense cheer into anyone’s day!
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Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post. For more, please follow Retro Dee’s Guide to the Best Era ever here on WordPress. You can also follow Retro Dee on Twitter @RealRetroDee and Instagram @mariepascal82
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