How music from the 80’s still affects us, today

Sarah Brown and Cameryn Shoemaker

DR. WILLIAM SEARS’ RESEARCH REGARDING HOW MUSIC CAN PHYSICALLY AFFECT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

MUSIC’S PHYSICAL EFFECT ON THE BRAIN-Accredited pediatrician and philosopher, William Sears, supports a new outlook on differing purposes of

music in his book, “Music: The Therapeutic Edge.”

-Sears highlights important factors about music and other sources around us that were not previously thought

of as therapeutic, but his ideas show for the first time that music and art have a more profound effect on

society than was ever acknowledged before.

-Sears’s research proves that music can affect the way the human brain works, by which parts of the brain are

stimulated when listening to music

HOW THIS RELATES TO OUR RESEARCH TOPIC-William Sears’ research shows that music not only provides entertainment for listeners, but it can stimulate parts of the brain that were not previously believed possible through music.

-Sears’ research shows why music therapy works, which relates to our topic because it shows the profound effect that music can have on humans, which affects society.

-With this knowledge, musical influencers can impact society by putting meaningful messages and frequencies in their music to physically affect their listeners

INFLUENCERS THAT HAVE USED MUSIC TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOCIETYLennon’s release of his song, “Imagine,” in September, 1971, sent a powerful message to his listeners. Lennon’s song explains his desire for world peace and harmony among the human race rather than disagreements and war over material possessions, wealth, and religion. Lennon’s “Imagine” is a key example of the topic of our research assignment because the message behind the lyrics gave people a voice and validation that they were not alone in their protests to violence and war. Additionally, John Lennon is a reliable source to use because he is known for being a powerful and wise musician.

INFLUENCERS THAT HAVE USED MUSIC TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOCIETYNot only were there songs produced to spread meaningful messages, music videos were gaining increasing

popularity in the 1980’s. Videos like Cyndi Lauper’s, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” was groundbreaking in

the style and promiscuity in the message of the song. These production techniques are still relevant today.

Current successful music videos from artists like Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, repeatedly reference Lauper’s

song, and mirror the styles that were used in her video.

INFLUENCERS THAT HAVE USED MUSIC TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOCIETY Miley Cyrus has been and is one of the most popular pop artists of our generation. With many original hit songs she released her own version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Again, proving the influence of 1980s music and its long lasting versatility. As these songs get replayed on the radio decades from when they were first written, newer generations are hearing these songs for the first time by their favorite artist. Making these songs and beats appear new and relevant.

1980s MUSIC AND VIDEO INFLUENCE ON TREND FASHION TODAY A hit song and video that still gains popularity with every generation is “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. This video broke records with its sound, production, and most importantly its edgy and almost futuristic costumes. Many designers now are like Kanye West and sports brands are coming out with new lines resembling these music video outfits. Another vidoes fashion choice that has been perpetuated today is from “Like A Virgin” by Madonna with her chunky stacked jewelry and many crop tops, young adults try and mimic this risque rich woman look.

CONCLUSIONMusic from the 1980’s represents a turning point in American culture. From

research by doctors like Dr. William Sears, we can conclude that music has a

profound effect on the human brain and is an effective way to share ideas and

spark change in a society. Iconic celebrities from the 1980’s used their

platform to release music to send meaningful messages, like John Lennon,

and to empower women and women’s fashion, like Cyndi Lauper. Thanks to

these incredibile influencers, the music industry continues to grow and

develop using the same techniques that musicians from the 1980’s

discovered and used to their advantage.

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY:-Sears, William W. Music: The Therapeutic Edge : Readings from William W. Sears. Gilsum, N.H.: Barcelona, 2007. Web.

Accredited pediatrician and philosopher, William Sears, supports a new outlook on differing purposes of music in his book, “Music: The Therapeutic Edge.” Sears highlights important factors about music and other sources around us that were not previously thought of as therapeutic, but his ideas show for the first time that music and art have a more profound effect on society than was ever acknowledged before. His examples of the profound effects of music support his main idea that music and other art forms are more than simply entertainment. Our main topic for our research project is how music from the 1980’s changed the route of society, and how those music trends are still around today. The research of William Sears supports our claim that music can in fact have an effect on society. By using the accredited doctor’s claims to support our research, we will be able to express our ideas about how music trends have a direct effect on the way that society accepts new ideas.

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Youtube, 25 Oct. 2009, www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A.

Cyndi Lauper is one of the first names that come to mind when you think of 1980’s influencers. Including her music video for her hit song, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” demonstrates the specific fashion styles and message that the 1980’s is known for. Lauper is a reliable source because everyone knows her name an immediately associates her with the 1980’s, so she was a good source to include in our project.

Solt, A., Egan, S., & Ono, Y. (1988). Imagine: John Lennon. New York: Macmillan Pub.John Lennon is one of the most well known musicians of all time. Lennon’s release of his song, “Imagine,” in September, 1971, sent a powerful message to his listeners. Lennon’s song explains his desire for world peace and harmony among the human race rather than disagreements and war over material possessions, wealth, and religion. Lennon’s “Imagine” is a key example of the topic of our research assignment because the message behind the lyrics gave people a voice and validation that they were not alone in their protests to violence and war. Additionally, John Lennon is a reliable source to use because he is known for being a powerful and wise musician.

“Thriller.” Youtube,3 Oct. 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V90AmXnguw.Michael Jackson’s music videos were some of the most well produced and cutting edge videos of his time. They were

almost like a movie with the lightin, actors and costumes. The outfit choices greatly impacted how we look at fashion and trend setting today as designers pull ideas from these well imagined videos.