The Classics 

Carissa Argumedo 

Music Journalist 

Nothing lights my soul on fire quite like the genre I lovingly call “The Classics.” It’s a category my brain conjured up long ago, made up of legends like Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and so many more. This genre is a rich blend of soul, R&B, jazz, blues, and just a dash of rock—an emotional, timeless sound that shaped the very roots of my music taste. Artists that fit into this niche didn’t just sing; they felt every word. Their lyricism, raw emotion, and unforgettable performances are impossible to replicate. There’s a reason today’s hits still sample many of these artists’ work—because their influence is woven into the DNA of modern music. As summer settles in, a season of reflection, I find myself drawn back to these icons. This is my way of celebrating the legends who taught us what it truly means to feel music. 

A song I absolutely adore and am so appreciative of the minds that shared this with the world is “Blue Bayou” by Linda Ronstadt. This song is a poignant and emotionally rich ballad that showcases her powerful vocal range and deep connection to the lyrics. With its dreamy steel guitar, slow-burning tempo, and Ronstadt’s velvet-rich voice, “Blue Bayou” paints a vivid picture of longing for a simpler, sun-drenched paradise—where “the fishing boats with their sails afloat” await a weary soul looking for peace. Her delivery is pure magic: a little country, a little pop, and a whole lot of soul. Whether you’re heartbroken, homesick, or just need a good cry, “Blue Bayou” hits that sweet, tear-jerking spot. More than four decades later it’s still a go-to anthem for anyone dreaming of escaping something.

“Soul Kitchen,” one of the standout tracks from The Doors’ 1967 debut album, is a gritty, hypnotic ode to late night freedom, spiritual hunger, and the comfort of the familiar. Jim Morrison channels both chaos and calm as he pleads, “let me sleep all night in your soul kitchen.” The song’s blend of bluesy swagger, Ray Manzarek’s swirling organ lines, and Robby Krieger’s punchy guitar riffs make it a heady, immersive experience. It’s part poetry, part rebellion—a slow-burning groove that simmers with Morrison’s restless energy and sensual mysticism. “Soul Kitchen” isn’t just a song, it’s a place: steamy, dimly lit, pulsing with life and possibility. For fans of psychedelic rock with teeth and soul, it remains a quintessential Doors experience—raw, electrifying, and eternally cool. 

Doing some Spring cleaning? Moving out of your dorm? Doing anything that makes you need a little extra umph? I suggest playing Anita Ward’s 1979 disco smash “Ring My Bell.” More than just a funky, glitter-drenched dance track—it’s a time capsule of pure, euphoric groove. With its infectious synth hook, shimmering hi-hats, and Ward’s sweet yet sultry vocals, the song became an instant party anthem that lit up dance floors around the world. “Ring My Bell” is delightfully cheeky, playful, and soaked in late ‘70s disco charm. Its subtle innuendo and undeniable beat make it one of those songs you can’t help but shimmy to. Decades later, the bell still rings loud and clear—because some songs don’t fade, they glow. And this one? It’s still spinning under the disco ball of iconic music artistry.  

I was honestly shocked and a little saddened when my Airbuds- a social music app that allows your friends to see your listening activity and vice versa- told me I was the only one the entire platform to stream Sylvester And The Hot Band. I recently discovered this absolute legend since I’ve been in this little throwback mood, and “Southern Man” has caused me to fall in love with this artist. I actually found that Sylvester And The Hot Band’s rendition of “Southern Man” is a fiery, soulful reimagining of Neil Young’s protest anthem. Released in 1973, their version infuses the song with funk-driven grooves, searing guitar riffs, and Sylvester’s powerhouse vocals that radiate both urgency and defiance. While Young’s original was raw and stark, Sylvester adds a theatrical, gospel-like energy that turns the track into a bold declaration of resistance. His vocal delivery brings a new emotional dimension to the song’s message, spotlighting racial injustice with fearless passion. It’s a standout cover that showcases the band’s genre-blending brilliance and Sylvester’s unmatched expressive power. I urge everyone reading this to stream the band, their discography is unfortunately small, but music this good deserves to be cherished and listened to.  

There are countless artists and songs I could recommend—Etta James’ “Watch Dog,” Madeline Bell’s “Help Yourself,” Mitty Collier’s soulful catalog, or Lotti Golden’s gritty “Motor-Cycle.” The rabbit hole runs deep, but trust me, it’s a journey well worth taking. Let go of the world’s pressure and let the rhythms of “The Classics” move you. Whether you’re studying, unwinding, or just need a vibe shift, these tracks are practically guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you feeling unstoppable. Happy Summer everyone!