eighteen years in the making...

1. "Hey Soul Sister" by Train

"Hey Soul Sister" by Train symbolizes my sisters birth. My sister was born in 1996 and this was a very special moment for my family and I. My sister is one of the most loving, caring, and energetic young women I know. She has taught me to be a leader and positive role model as her older sister. 

2. "Family" by Anika Noni Rose

"Family" by Anika Noni Rose symbolizes my family. They are a  huge part of my life and I don't know where I would be without them, they have shaped me to always strive to fulfill my fullest potential and I am so thankful to have them there supporting me. 

3. "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman 

"You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman symbolizes most of my best friends that I have known since Kindergarden. I am very thankful to have had such supportive, nice, and genuine friends all these years.  

4. " I want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Huston

"I want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Huston symbolizes my love for dance. I have been dancing ever since I was little and my passion for dance has always brought me happiness. As well, I love to entertain people and share my passion of dance with others. 

5. " Do you know the way to San Jose" by Dionne Warwick 

" Do you know the way to San Jose" by Dionne Warwick symbolizes this fall when I came to San Jose State University. Majoring in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. I have made many new friends here in San Jose and cherish all the memories we have made so far. 

ASU and Fever Moments

One thing I found particularly interesting within reading the epilogue of the novel "All Shook Up", was Woodstock's influence upon the society within the late 60's and teenagers fascination towards the festival, although parents disproved of such an event. Woodstock is noted by the author as a way for teens to share music with one another, however it was strongly discouraged and frowned upon by parents due to their children, " attending what turned out to be a chaotic, toiletless, muddy drug filled festival." As well, relating back to the authors points within previous chapters,  teens rebellion towards their parents within the rock and roll era caused hostile behavior. Moreover, This event within history was just one other way for teens to defy adults and their control causing Woodstock to be an event that transformed American society and culture. 

Another pivotal moment I found interesting within rock and roll's history is seen through the novel "Fever". Noted in Chapter 7, rock music within the mid 70's changed the societies perspective upon love, as well as long term relationships and intimacy. As the author states," Rock had changed men and women for the better, but they also faced new challenges as intimate partners." Music's influence and meaning upon sexual ideas completely contradicted real life. Concluding, many of these songs of the era gave people a new perspective upon love, however relationships could never be the way people imagined due to music and singers or songwriters false ideas of true love.          

Opinionator #2:“Rocking My Life Away: Why Music Matters”

Reflecting upon September 11th’s tragedy to our country in 2001, author Anthony Decurtis wrote the article, “Rocking My Life Away: Why Music Matters” in Rolling Stone magazine, illustrating popular music’s impact and purpose within our society. Written on September 28th, 2011, he reflects upon the week before the attacks on the twin towers by vividly describing his wedding and the popular music’s portrayal on emotions. Listening to the Stevie Wonder songs "I Believe When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever," and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" he sates, “It was a moment of sheer physical joy, uncomplicated, free and ecstatic.” The songs at this moment managed to capture the possibilities of love and connection within the family oriented group. But only two days after the wedding, the al queda bombings changed our societies feelings and reactions to a devastating event in which many mourned the lives of loved ones. The author suggests, that during these sad, confusing days we allowed music to help restore us to the full range of our feelings. 

Trying to bring pleasure into our lives through music, I believe one can see music’s meaning and importance upon a society. Whether they may be violent lyrics and aggressive sounds or pleasant lyrics and tranquil sounds, Decurtis identifies what popular music means and the benefits it has upon our society at large. Expression can also come through these types of songs, for one to not only think of these as just a typical pop song. Reflecting upon the article, I believe music is truly meant to represent a society or culture and be inspirational in even the most tragic, terrifying, or threatening times. Concluding, Decurtis thoroughly illustrates the importance of music and why it matters today within our society more than ever.  

Growing up in the 1990's...

For this post I chose to reflect upon the top and some of my favorite songs while growing up in the 1990's.

1. "Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin

"Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin hit the charts in the late 1990's and was seen as a Latin Pop genre. This upbeat song crazed by fans was a number one single on Martin's album. This has always been one of my favorite songs to get up and dance to because it has such a fun and interesting beat!

2. "Bye, Bye, Bye" by Nsync  

Nsync's hit Bye, Bye, Bye was their first hit single released in the late 1990's and received various awards and nominations. This was another one of my favorite artists growing up that I loved to dance and sing to their songs with my friends and little sister. In addition, this is one group that I will never forget about growing up due to their last impact upon music history.  

3. "Oops I Did it Again" by Britany Spears 

"Oops I Did it Again" by Britany Spears was a top hit for numerous weeks and was known as a hit song that lasted the entire decade. Spears album hit the charts and almost all of her songs are known by any teenage girl across the globe. Britany Spears was by far one of my favorite music artists growing up with during the 90's. 

4. "Everybody Dance Now" by C+C  Music Factory

"Everybody Dance Now" by C+C  Music Factory is a dance-pop genre famous for their upbeat music. I always loved dancing around and working out to this song when I was younger. It's beats are very motivational when working out and the lyrics are fun.   

5. "Wannabe" By The Spice Girls

"Wannabe" By The Spice Girls was top hit in the 90's featuring the british pop group formed in the mid 90's. With all different personalities each girl emphasized what was known as girl power. I loved this girl group as well and performed in a talent show to Wannabe, that will be a long lasting memory. 

Opinionator #1

Outages for Blackberry users spread worldwide October 12th causing numerous complications for users, as well as the Blackberry company. This is an ongoing problem, as stated by author, Peter Svensson who wrote the article, “ Blackberry outage Spread to North America,” in which concerned Blackberry users due to interruptions and delays within cell phone use. With an outage of email, messaging and Internet services on Blackberry phones the evening before the iPhone 4S launched, millions of customers were angry for the delays. Author Svensson writes, “ They are not doing anything that is competing with Droid and iPhone products.” Therefore, competition between phone companies has diminished due to Apple’s highly efficient software recently released that “actually” works.

As a reader of Svensson’s article, I thoroughly believe these complications shall be dealt with. It is unacceptable for outages to occur frequently and last for 24 hours or even a few days. Media and cell phone utilization, in particular, is a habit that has become a way of living and without being able to call, text, or keep in touch with friends and family when necessary, media users are now more likely to switch to other phones with better quality services such as the iPhone or Droid due to this problem. After apologizing to customers for the mishandle Blackberry users have become strenuous on the company to fix these issues to ensure better quality and efficiency for customers. In conclusion, I know that the Blackberry company made a mistake within their RIM software, but this should be taken care of soon, or consumers may sooner or later no longer want their products.    

Here is the article link : http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9QB2KB81.htm

Music Memories #2

Interviewing my grandmother, Jacque Young, who was born in the 1930’s vividly gave me insight to the culture and transformations of music up to the 21st century, through her music memories. Her reflections answered my questions based upon her life growing up as a teenager listening to a variety of popular, country, contemporary and big band types of music within the early 40’s. As a child, my grandmother listened to Elvis Presley and Kathy Klein. Popular for most of the 1950s, one of her favorite artists was The Platters who sang “ My Prayer”. Later on in the 60’s, famous for her hit single “ I’m Sorry”, singer and song writer Brenda Lee was one another one of my grandmothers favorite artists. It was not until later that she began listening to Ray Charles, “ I Can’t Stop Loving You” and Billy Ray Cyrus : Achey Breaky Heart”. As well the transformation of genres and music devices such as records, recorders, and then CD’s played a significant role within music’s history while she was growing up. Later on as the big band genre became very popular, she would go out dancing to songs and do the jitterbug and swing with her friends. As she stated, “ The 1940s musical styles helped pave way to the rock ‘n’ roll styles of the decades that were to come”. Agreeing with her statement, I feel as if these hit songs really did change the way society viewed and listened to certain types of music. Also stating, “Today it is difficult to even understand the meaning of some of the rap or pop rock songs,” my grandmother chooses to still listen to the songs of the era in which she grew up in. Interviewing my grandmother, made me realize how her music tastes within the 30’s are much different than interests of teens and the rest of our society today within the 21st century. Some, like my grandmother, might say music has become difficult to analyze or comprehend, however I believe it has shaped and brought an eclectic style to our generation for others to see in years to come.  

Happy Songs

1." What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong is one of by absolute favorite songs due to its optimism and vivid imagery of such a wonderful world through the lyrics. Listening to this song brings back many happy memories through out my life and I would like this particular song to be in my wedding because I love it so much. 

2." Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves

The hit classic "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves, is an upbeat pop/rock song that portrays a very happy type of music to it's audience. The background instruments and beat prove the song can be seen as happy through the lyrics as well. This song can also be very fun to get up and dance to whenever you are in the mood!   

3." Hey Soul Sister" by Train (Darren Criss)

"Hey Soul Sister" originally sung by Train and in the video performed by Darren Criss on the hit TV show Glee, displays happy feelings. I enjoy this song so much because the artist Darren Criss puts his own twist to the song, and as well he gives the audience happy feelings through the different ranges and melodies.

4. "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson

"A Moment Like This" sung by Kelly Clarkson was one of her original hits that was recorded in 2002. This song brings back all of her happy and emotional memories while she was on the show American Idol which she was the first to win in Season 1. Selling over one million copies she thoroughly exemplified the song to be "happy" to her audience. 

5. " Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby Mcferrin

"Don't Worry, Be Happy" sung by  Bobby Mcferrin shows one to be optimistic and happy rather than sad because good things will come soon. Bringing joy to his audiences by saying be happy rather than worrying, he says let go of all your troubles. I like this song because of the harmonies and singers voice that can bring joy to my face when I am sad any day.     

Sex/Drug Related Songs

1. "Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles

"Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles was written mainly by John Lennon in 1967 and was inspired by his son who made a painting in school of  "Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds". Shortly after it's release people began to realize the song had a different meaning, because the first letter of each of the title's nouns intentionally spelled LSD. Lennon defended this statement however, looking and analyzing the song there are many other drug related references as well.  

2. "Birthday Sex" by Jeremiah 

Recorded in 2008, "Birthday Sex" by Jeremiah peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Rap. After being named for a one night stand with college student, Olivia Podolsky, Jeremiah wrote and record this song. Although it my have many dirty references, it was a top hit for America.  

3. "Love in this Club" by Usher

"Love in This Club" is sung by American R&B singer Usher was released in February of 2008. Its lyrics are of a lusting desire to have sexual intercourse in a nightclub. The song was originally leaked prior to its release, where it had mixed reviews and was criticized by fans due to it's slow tempo and lack of originality. This is one of the main reasons these types of R&B and Rap songs have little or no interest from the public due to such vulgar lyric meanings.

4. "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse

"Rehab" by Amy Winehouse recorded in 2006 became a success shortly and quickly. The lyrics are autobiographical, and talk about Winehouse's refusal to enter a rehabilitation clinic. Struggling mainly with alcohol and some types of drugs, she refused to listen to her mentors and family to seek help. As she chose to seek help with this struggle later on in 2011, she died due to not consuming the amount of drugs and liquor she usually would on a daily basis. 

5. "Smoke Two Joints" by Sublime

"Smoke Two Joints was originally sang by the Toyes in a Reggae style and was later on recorded in 1992 by Sublime. This was one of the first Sublime songs to be played on the radio and was significantly affected by the listeners feelings the song portrayed. Known as the date rape song later on some listeners began to like this Reggae type of music that had signified drugs and smoking.       

Top 5 Least Favorite Songs

1. "Friday" by Rebecca Black 

"Friday" by Rebecca Black is a fairly new song and has been hated across the United States at the moment of it's emergence. The artists voice I have found is very annoying as well as listening to the lyrics of the song there is simply no meaning. Black's voice is very monotone at some points through out the song as well as high pitch and off tune at other time's. 

2. "The Dora the Explorer"

"The Dora the Explorer" theme song is one of my least favorite songs due to the characters voice and tone. Watching this show when I was younger I never really liked the meaning and purpose of the song or child-like show. Also, babysiting younger children they always enjoyed watching this show made it  one of my least favorite songs due to this. 

3. "I Love you this Big" by Scotty McCreery

"I Love you this Big" by Scotty McCreery is another one of my least favorite songs due to it's genre. I have never loved listening to country music growing up. This song in particular is very slow at the beginning and has meaning, but I can not relate to the song in anyway.    

4. "One" by Metallica

"One" by Metallica is one of my least favorite songs due to it's tones and screetching beats. The genre is heavy metal has never been one of my favorite genere's because it tends to make me anxious and gives me a headache. Some of my family members love this genre and have listened to this particular band with me, but I don't understand why they seem to like such a dark type of music.  

5. " Reqium" by Mozart

" Reqium" by Mozart is another one of my least favorite songs due to it's length and tone. Although some may like classical type music I am certainly not a fan of this genre. This song is very calming, however can be boring at times. 

Top 5 Favorite Songs

1. Lights by Ellie Goulding 

Ellie Goulding's album "Lights" that first premiered in 2010 topped the charts within the first year by selling over 400,000 copies in the UK and she later went on to produce two other brand-new tracks leading to another surge of sales. The new single, "Lights" by Goulding was an indie and electropop genre that flew to the number one spot after being released as a bonus track with the re-release of her album Lights. This is one of my top favorite songs due to it's eclectic personality, sounds, beats, and rhythm. Gouliings voice is very unique from other music artists as well as her perspectives. I thoroughly enjoy listening to her genre of music and will continue to look for other albums she continues to produce. 

2. Uncharted by Sarah Berallies 

Produced in 2010 by Epic records, Sarah Berallies a well known recording artist in the US sold over 90,000 copies of her third solo album " Uncharted" in the first week. Her single " Uncharted" was a billboard top hit within 2010 exemplifying her  devotion to the pop rock and soul genre. One of the main reasons this female song artist and top hit is one of my favorites, is due to her differing voice as compared to other artists I favor. Also, the lyrics and meaning is something that I can definitely relate to throughout my life. 

3. Hey Ya by Obadiah Parker

Obadiah Parkers rendition of the famous song "Hey Ya", first sang by Outcast in 2003, differs from Parker's  folk pop genre as it was originally classified as an alternative hip hop and funk genre. Parker who was a singer and songwriter from Scottsdale, Arizona released his first EP, a live cd that contains a mixture of covers and original material, "Hey Ya". Due to its variation of beats and instruments as compared to other songs of this genre, It has become one of my favorite renditions Parker has sung. This song also displays some features as the original yet a twist to some of the lyrics. 

4. Good Life by One Republic 

"Good Life" by One Republic was released in 2010 by Interscope records featuring a pop rock genre. Upon it's appearance it was used within many commercials, movies, and TV shows as a billboard top hit. This well known group features symbols and this particular song differs from previous singles and albums they have produced. "Good Life" is one of my favorite songs to listen to because it has such a superior beat and meaning. I also love this song because it can relate to my life in various ways. 

5. Rolling in the Deep by Adele 

"Rolling in the Deep" is a song recorded by English singer and songwriter Adele that was released in 2010.  Recorded by Eastcote Studios this soul, blues, and pop genre song sold over 4.93 million copies making it her best selling single outside her home country of London, England. Adele's voice features many ranges and due to it being upbeat and inspirational it is an absolutely amazing song to listen to. This break out hit single has been on the top charts for a series of weeks exemplifying just how astounding it is. This song has also been featured within various movies, TV shows, and commercials since its existence.