5 Decade-Old Hits That Make You Feel Old

Madonna — “Hung Up” (2005)

[watch the official music video for “Hung Up” HERE]

A ticking clock. Then the line, “time goes by so slowly”. And then an ABBA sample, taken from “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”. Everybody is up on their feet and dancing before the first chorus even kicks in. But when it does, it’s clear that this is a massive banger, a disco masterpiece unrivalled in pop history.

Following the release of Madonna’s musically and lyrically fantastic but commercially unsuccessful record American Life, “Hung Up” was the track that catapulted Her Madgesty back onto the pop music throne. Released in late 2005, the song sold over 9 million copies and topped the charts in 41 countries. The accompanying album Confessions On A Dance Floor also became a hit for the queen of pop.

“Those who run seem to have all the fun.”

In addition to the musical combination of disco-pop sound, ABBA sample, and Stuart Price production, the visual combination of disco hairstyle, pink leotard, and choreography inspired by the disco era made “Hung Up” unforgettable. Even if the follow-up single “Sorry” was, arguably, even better, it’s “Hung Up” that will forever be remembered as one of Madonna’s greatest hits.

Robbie Williams — “Tripping” (2005)

[watch the official music video for “Tripping” HERE]

Even though it was one of Robbie Williams’s most successful songs, “Tripping” is often forgotten. Everyone remembers “Let Me Entertain You”, “Angels”, “Feel”, and “Rock DJ”, but this little funk-pop gangster opera doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

Released in october 2005 as the lead single from Williams’s Intensive Care album, “Tripping” became his first chart topper in Germany and dominated radio for what felt like ages. Driven by a funk and reggae inspired beat, the track starts with an adaptation of a famous Gandhi quote: “First they ignore you, then laugh at you and hate you. Then they fight you, then you win.” Williams goes on to sing about life in the world of gangsters, using a high head voice and thereby evoking memories of typical disco vocals.

“I know it’s coming, there’s gonna be violence. I’ve taken as much as I’m willing to take.”

The accompanying music video features the singer in surreal, seemingly neverending situations. The nightmare-like setting and the visual nods to the 1950s fit the song perfectly, even if they do not depict the plot of its lyrics.

“Tripping” — which was followed by another overlooked Robbie Williams classic, the Elvis-inspired ballad “Advertising Space” — deserves to be remembered for its intriguing chorus and its timeless sound. Indeed, the song wouldn’t sound out of place on today’s charts, despite it being ten years old.

Nelly Furtado — “Maneater” (2006)

[watch the official music video for “Maneater” HERE]

Do you remember how shocked everyone was when “Maneater” was released? Looking back now, the sexually charged image Furtado adopted for her album Loose seems fitting and not surprising at all. Back in early 2006, however, the singer was known for a much more tame approach to both songs and visuals. After all, her last album before Loose had been Folklore, a record playing with alternative pop and folk influences. Then around came “Maneater”, and everything changed.

All of a sudden Nelly Furtado was sexy, and her music was the perfect soundtrack to gloomy nights out in crowded clubs. The man behind that transition was Timbaland, who in 2006 was still at the beginning of his Imperial Phase. In the traditionally more urban-oriented US, “Promiscuous” was chosen as the lead single from Loose, while the electropop sound of “Maneater” was deemed suitable for Europe.

“You either want to be with me, or be me.”

Furtado’s choice of lyrics and music video setting — a nightly party in a rundown place — may lead us to believe she is celebrating her own body and freedom of choice on “Maneater”. That is, in fact, only part of the truth. Indeed, Furtado herself said this about the song and video: “I’m wearing a T-shirt but I’m doing these really sexy moves. […] I’m kind of celebrating the maneater cliché and parodying it at the same time.” Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Take That — “Patience” (2006)

[watch the official music video for “Patience” HERE]

A bomb exploded in the pop music world of Europe in 2006. That bomb was the news that legendary boyband Take That had reunited — albeit without Robbie Williams — for a new album. Then in november 2006 “Patience”, the first Take That single since 1996’s “How Deep Is Your Love” was released. It was the start of one of the most successful reunions ever. The band have released four new albums since that day, all of which became massive hits in Europe. In addition to introducing the world to a more mature Take That, “Patience” also revived Gary Barlow’s career.

“While I’m still healing just try and have a little patience.”

What makes “Patience” such a fantastic song is its simplicity. This is pop music at its finest — straightforward, catchy, and timeless. Besides, the lyrics can be read as a message to a lover, but they can also be interpreted as Take That’s explanation for their long hiatus. “Patience” may not be the best Take That song — “These Days” and “The Garden” are strong contenders here -, but it’s their purest release to date.

“Patience” is also among Take That’s most successful singles, selling over 690,000 copies in the UK alone, making it their third best-selling song in their home country. The accompanying comeback album Beautiful World went on to sell 2.8 million copies in the UK and spawned the feelgood single “Shine”, another highlight in the band’s discography.