Hey, Gen X – Proof That Our Music Is Iconic

Have you noticed that kids suddenly know all the words to a song that came out before they were born? You’re not imagining things.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, Spotify listeners are spending more time than ever listening to older music. Songs that are at least 10 years old now account for roughly a third of all streams, while music that’s 20 years old or older continues to gain ground. In other words, listeners are increasingly turning to the music of Gen X.

And when you think about it, that makes perfect sense.

The 1980s and 1990s delivered one of the greatest runs in music history. From the arena-rock power of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Van Halen to the grunge and alternative explosion of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Green Day, these weren’t just hit songs. They became the soundtrack to an entire generation.

Back then, discovering music took effort. You bought albums, made mixtapes, waited by the radio for your favorite song, and argued with your friends over which cassette ruled the summer. Today, every song ever recorded is sitting in a streaming library waiting to be found. Not to mention, it’s boring, repetitive, and the lyrics are ridiculous.

Our music is iconic.

A new generation is discovering the music that Gen X grew up with and realizing those songs still hit just as hard today as they did decades ago.

Of course, there’s one thing Spotify can’t offer.

It can’t tell you what’s happening in Houston. It can’t get you concert tickets. It can’t give you local personalities, local stories, or that feeling that you’re listening alongside thousands of other rock fans across the city.

So while Spotify is busy proving that Gen X music still matters, there’s an even easier way to hear it.

Just turn on Houston’s Eagle.

The music is free, the DJs are local, and the soundtrack of the ’80s and ’90s is already waiting for you. Houston’s Eagle.

Doug O’Brien