There is nothing like a good romantic ballad. Some of the best were recorded in the forties and fifties, but the frantic sixties had their own brand. For the sixties, I'm thiking...surprise...the Beatles. Their classic "Yesterday" is alive and well after all of these years.A few of the vocalists I particularly liked were Tony Bennett (still going strong), Don Cornell, Don Cherry (a professional golfer, too), Bobby Darin, and a host more. On the female side, Doris Day, Patti Paige, Edith Piaf, and her 21st Century doppleganger, Madeleine Peyroux, a young vocalist from George who hit her stride as a street and cafe singer in Paris.
Once upon a time (a terrific ballad), music spoke of gentleness and enduring love, the total opposite of today's frenetic music with but one theme--instant sex. Sure, the old music had its sexual undertones, but it wasd indirect, soothing, calming, anticipatory.
Today, anticipation is an ancient trait, as our 30-minute sitcom generation moves through life on a record-breaking dash to the bedroom, or the nearest booth in a bar.
In spite of modern freneticism, I am convinced that most women today (and men, too, if they were honest) actually think about enduring love but are bound by the glue of modern mores and peer pressure.
Personally, I'll take a little old-fashioned music anytime. At least I can hear the lyrics over the din.
