Music through the generations

By: Olivia Morris, Contributing Writer

​Music has evolved through generations, making each era easily identifiable and influencing trends around the world.

 The music that students blast through their headphones and the tunes teachers play behind their desks are drastically different, or are they? At Centralia High School (CHS) , students and teachers share their favorite artists and genres, revealing surprising overlaps and distinct differences in their music tastes. 

Today's teenagers are influenced by artists like Gracie Abrams, Kendrick Lemar and Harry Styles. While pop, rap and indie music take over student’s playlist, classic rock and country still have an influence on the younger generation. Senior Caris Finlay shares the love for both modern and older artists. “Some of my favorite artists are Taylor Swift, SZA, Billie Eilish and Benson Boone, but I also like some oldies like Fleetwood Mac, The Cranberries and Billy Joel,” Finlay states.

Meanwhile, CHS teachers bring their own generational tastes into the mix. Special education teacher, Mrs. Audrey Smith, shares the artists who shaped her youth while wishing that the high school students could experience these artists as well. “If I could introduce one artist to the younger generation it would be Cher. She is iconic. Cher has an unmistakable voice and her music was liked by all ages. I would also introduce Whitney Houston. She was a powerhouse and her voice alone was all you needed. She was incredible,” Smith shares. 

The musical crossover between generations shows that while the music industry is constantly changing, certain themes and sounds remain iconic. Whether it is the storytelling of country, the innovation of pop or the energy of rock, music connects people no matter their age.