Dynamic Duo: Beyonce and Gaga

Okay, so Beyonce and Lady Gaga are such a great combo. Beyonce's signature style of music and Lady Gaga's craziness and amazing creativity come together to create some pretty awesome songs and music videos. Beyonce's Video Phone feat. Lady Gaga is a catchy tune that makes you wanna get up and dance. At first you would think this combination of Gaga and Beyonce wouldn't really work out, but the music video proves otherwise. The song is definitely a hit! Gaga takes on a new, sexy look and leaves behind her crazy look so people see another side of her. The dancing is awesome, and surprisingly Gaga keeps up with Beyonce. For me, this proved that these two together are definitely a dynamic duo. To further prove this, the music video for Telephone was recently released. This is the ultimate display of Gaga's overflow of creativity. The video is like a mini-movie about Beyonce's and Gaga's teamwork that eventually leads to a mass killing. They work so well together and it is seen on screen. They are two artists that people never expect to work together, but gladly they went against the norm (which isn't really new for gaga) and joined forces. Something great has to come out of the collaboration of two outstanding artists! I think its really great that artists work together and share their different ideas. This allows artists to create and be a part of different kinds of music and it also broadens their music ideas and outlooks.

Then and Now

We look back on the past and think "gosh, I'm so glad I didn't live back then." We have this idea that today we live a better and more ordered life than we did in the past. But is this necessarily true? Are political disappointments less common today? Are there less homeless people on the streets? Has crime risen or fallen? Is our society today THAT MUCH different from how it was years ago? Hopefully these questions open your eyes to the fact that times really haven't changed THAT much. Now, I'm not denying the awesome convenience of a cell phone or ipod. I'm leaning towards more of the political spectrum. The 60's was a time period of chaos. From the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War, disappointment and protest were common amongst many citizens. Many songs written during this time can be listened to today and still apply to our political condition. The main aspect that we have in common with 60's is war. Many furious artists wrote songs in protest of the Vietnam war. One example is 'Eve of Destruction' by P.F. Sloan written in 1965. Almost every phrase of this song can be interpreted as a song protesting the war happening today. Music one form of evidence that shows just how much things have changed from the past. I believe it to be disappointing how many songs written during the 60's can apply to today's conditions. Although we have made many advancements technologically, have we really made any progress politically speaking? And if so, is it really that much?

The connection between music and politics

From the National Anthem to Bruce Springsteen's 'Born In the USA' America's political history hides within the lyrics of many songs delivering messages to the audience.Political music aids one of two causes; either serving, or rebelling against an institution of society. Political expression and music has a strong tie that is tightly bound throughout history. History is preserved in music. Music can carry either a positive or negative political message. Our National Anthem delivers a message of extreme patriotism and pride. Raising an attitude of devout allegiance to our Nation, this song carries the political message of America's pride. On the other end of the spectrum, Springsteen's 'Born In the USA' carries a more negative political message. The song speaks out against the unfair treatment and injustices of the land of the free. People speaking out against war, slavery, civil rights, etc. can all be heard through the many political protest songs out there. The impact of politics on the work of musicians is crucial. Many songs are written due to the influence of politics during that time. Music is a major form of political discourse through history. As John Street (1986) puts it, "The politics of music are a mixture of state policies, business practices, artistic choices and audience responses." Music has always been an effective tool in both creating and providing a commentary on social change and crises.