BY ANNIE JACKSON

Elton John, Madonna, and Queen. The names of these musicians are very well known and have been for quite a while. This is because these are some of the artists that have stood the test of time. With songs like “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” these artists took the world by storm. Both of these songs are still popular anthems that are heard very often today. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John was used in at least five very acknowledged movies. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” was also used in a lot of movies, including their own, and was a turning point in the music industry.  

In order for a singer, songwriter, and/or band to stand the test of time, they not only have to be around for a long time, but they also have to have their music carry on for years to come. A lot of musicians become one hit wonders, but there are a few that have their songs live on for years and years after they retire from  making music. For example, “Bohemian Rhapsody” came out almost 45 years ago, yet there aren’t many people who haven’t memorized this now classic song. 

This generation’s music has been more pop-based with hundreds of rap/ hip-hop hits, more than there has been in the past. Though artists nowadays can not compare to Elton John, Madonna, and Queen, there are still some artists that are likely to stand the test of time. Artists like Taylor Swift and Panic! At The Disco have been around since the early 2000s and are still releasing new and popular songs. This is a sign that these artists will most likely live on. 

The first current musician likely to stand the test of time is Taylor Swift. With ten Grammys and eleven People’s Choice Awards, Swift is still releasing music that everyone will know. Recent songs like, “You Need To Calm Down” and “ME!” featuring Brendon Urie, are at four and eleven on Billboard’s Top 100 chart, as well as 16 of her other songs. Most of Swift’s older songs have also been in that same place on the chart. Swift has also sold out stadiums all across the world. Taylor Swift started her musical career in 2006 when she released her self-titled country album at the age of 16. Receiving a large amount of positive reviews on this album, most of the songs blew up and  made it on Billboard’s Top 100. 

Another artist likely to have their music live on is Panic! At The Disco. From punk-rock to pop, the band has got it all. Right now, Panic! At The Disco’s song “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” is on it’s eleventh week at number one on the Billboard Top Rock Songs Chart. On the same chart, their song “High Hopes” is at number two. The lead vocalist, Brendon Urie, has one of the largest vocal ranges of current musicians, and is known for his unique voice. Panic! At The Disco formed in 2004, and went Platinum with their 2005 album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Then the band had consistent success with their 2013 album Too Young To Live, Too Rare To Die and their 2018 album Pray For The Wicked. Panic! At The Disco is also popular for having such an open community. 

All in all, there are musicians everyday that are releasing music, but not all of them are going to have their music live on to see the future. The ones that do though, will literally be known forever. You think I’m joking? Name one person who doesn’t know Bohemian Rhapsody. Uh huh,  yeah that’s what I thought.