Songs of Change: Culture and Mainstream Music

Songs of Change
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1) Why was Bob Dylan such an important figure in both the folk and rock scenes of the 1960s? How did both his artistic approach and career path influence not only folk music but popular music in general during that period?
Bob Dylan was a very important figure to both the folk and rock scenes of the 1960s because he integrated his music with the hope and dreams of a better future. He was unique, fresh, and trendy for his time as he flaunted his style while also incorporating classic with the contemporary. His voice became a beacon of hope, as it was relatable as well as palatable, and his songs brought messages of change that the youth of that time greatly aspired for. His songs became popular because they supported the narrative of brighter and kinder humanity, while also having the right conditions to boom in popularity because of the social and societal situation of that era. What made his music trend was his amazing voice, which was perfect for folk songs. When Bob Dylan integrated rock and electronic music with his songs, he was able to bring these two elements together, as well as charge his songs with his political and personal beliefs. The lyrics of his songs were relatable to the youth and it encouraged young people to support the counter culture of division and oppression. No longer did the new generation support the old ways of society, but rather, they wanted to enter a new age where the soul of music, love, harmony, and revolution is alive. Dylan’s songs validated these inner feelings that have been lingering in people’s hearts. Dylan’s music disrupted the status quo as he became the harbinger of change. His influence has become a lasting sensation for generations to come. Bob Dylan was not just an ordinary musician, for he sang from his heart and the authentic expression of his soul. He did not support the common world’s narrative of war and domination of other nations, as he repeatedly imbued his songs with messages of peace, romanticism, and love. His wonderful voice was a tool of social change for it connected people to a larger cause. He also continually experimented with his lyrics and the instruments he used for his music. By combing contemporary elements with folk style, and using these to elevate the intensity of his messages, he was able to awaken a collective dream to battle the injustices of their generation.
2) How was the youth "counterculture" of the mid-to-late 1960s reflected in the music of the era? What issues surfaced in rock songs of the era, and how did the music reinforce the messages in these songs? Looking back, what aspects of the counterculture do you feel might still be relevant today?
The 1960s was a collective awakening to the injustices of the established world. It became a phenomenon among the youth to support new age beliefs and dreams of a better tomorrow. The movement gained momentum together with the growth of the US Civil Rights Movement. Aside from these, the youth were the ones who mainly expressed their discontentment with the American Government’s military intervention in other countries. The music of their time became the greatest tool of their revolution. Music connected p...