Nothing drops a viewer into a time and place better than music. Songs are like instant time machines, and as such, are indispensable parts of a period piece. Filmmakers know the importance of dated needle drops. Find four songs below that Hollywood can’t stop using to signal the ’60s.
“Fortunate Son” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Though it came at the tail end of the decade, arguably no song has been used as a cinematic shorthand as many times as Creedence Clearwater Revival‘s “Fortunate Son.” The ’60s had many significant historical moments, but the ongoing Vietnam War was paramount among them. Though there were many protest songs released in this decade, this CCR anthem seems to have passed the test of time. When this song comes on in the middle of a movie, you know you’re about to be dropped into the jungle, reliving one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history.
“Nights in White Satin” (The Moody Blues)
If you want to denote the seedy, drug-fueled counterculture in the ’60s, look no further than The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin.” At least, that seems to be the consensus among filmmakers. Countless movies have used this song as an era-defining needle drop. It might be a tad conventional, but it sets the scene every time.
“Time of the Season” (The Zombies)
Psychedelics tend to come up in movies about the ’60s. In modernity, we can’t help but be fascinated by that aspect of the decade. Naturally, many filmmakers have used it as a plot device in their period pieces. Moreover, many have used The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” to help drive those scenes home. This slightly spooky track is the perfect pair for a scene centered on psychedelics.
“California Dreamin’” (The Mamas & the Papas)
Though The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” is regionally specific, that fact hasn’t hurt its prolific use in movies. If a film takes place in the ’60s in Los Angeles (which just so happens to be the setting of many films about this era), this song will undoubtedly play. It’s not hard to figure why, either. This mid-tempo track is the very essence of ’60s art culture. Many artists were making the trek out to California, following their ambitions of making it big. This track was an ode to all of those dreamers.
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