Crank up the disco ball and dust off your Walkman — retro is back, but with a 2025 twist. From funk-inspired grooves to Britpop daydreams and indie rock throwbacks, these tracks prove that the golden eras of music never really left us. Instead, they’ve been reimagined and reborn for a new generation ready to twist, shout, and vibe all over again.
Cassette Tape — 'Dance'
The perfect song to dance to when you’re feeling like Carrie at the prom (minus all the nasty pig’s blood of course). The vintage groove and funk shine bright with this track, with the bouncy bassline and chimes of a synth giving the track the signature 80s touch while infusing the modern elements of 2025 into it.
The lyrics stay true to the vintage vibes as they say, “And the disco ball turns yellow we're gonna dance all night we go And I sing la la la, and you go na na na” adding another iconic element of the era of funk into the song.
IV OF SPADES — 'Not My Energy'
'Not My Energy' uses fierce guitar lines that blend with the synths to create a sound that is inspired by the mod movement as it has an air of rebellion to it. The wavy guitar line gives the track that trademark retro vibe. The shredding guitar solo follows an eerie energy that has a twist of fun to it, making the whole track have a deviously fun undertone.
The lyrics stay true to this sentiment as they say, “No I’m not holding on to the darkness, cause you’re already in my mind.” The idea that the track talks about someone sinister being stuck in their mind against their will — talking about a clock ticking backwards — sounds like the plot points of an old horror movie. This track is the perfect one to play while escaping into the sunset in triumph after defeating the terrible antagonist.
Bita and The Botflies — 'Annie and Ricky'
‘Annie and Ricky’ sounds like the perfect theme song for a show inspired by the most notorious couple of this century, the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. The track details the mischief and crimes that the pair commit as they’re blinded by love, as their parents warn them against it until one of them meets an unfortunate end.
But Annie and Ricky never listen, continuing their antics. One of the rebellious adventures detailed in the lyrics is, “Annie and Ricky could have done something better but they're both addicted to the temporary death, Annie steals from her folks, grabs anything that's worth something.” The duo are addicted to the thrill of the chase until Ricky meets their untimely demise.
Balming Tiger — 'Wash Away'
‘Wash Away’ is a track that definitely makes you want to twist and shout. The unapologetic indie rock beats pay homage to a time of Walkmans and colourful eyeshadow as the groove of the guitar gets a hold of the listener, making them feel the need to get up and dance.
The lyrics represent the angst of the era of never living up to expectations as they say, “Why you figure out lonely night time, I never satisfied, look around everybody struggles, Some people chasing money 많이, I never satisfied” while juxtaposing the heavy theme with such an effervescent and lighthearted beat.
The Pinholes — 'Bring Back The Vibe'
Staying true to the name, ‘Bring Back the Vibe’ is perfect for the list as it has a clear agenda to revive the funkiest generation of music. It's perfect for a road trip where your hair is blowing in the wind while you’re screaming along with the lyrics without a care in the world — transporting listeners back to an easier era before the chaos of the 21st century hit.
The track captures the curiosity to understand people that you share an intimate connection with as a way to get closer to them, as the lyrics constantly repeat the question “What is on your mind?” The track is ultimately about craving the presence of someone, something, or an era of life where everything just seemed perfect and less complicated.
Suchmos — 'Stay Tune'
Totally tubular dude! Is the phrase that comes to mind when listening to the infectious tune of this track that takes you straight to a disco dance floor as you feel the fluorescent neon lights on you while twirling under a disco ball. The layered vocals give the song even more of that nostalgic atmosphere as it pays homage to the vocal style of music made in the past with the overlapping harmonies.
The song is perfect to talk about the thrill of the chase as they detail the youthful impatience and desire to fall in love as they say, “Somebody to love I can't find it even if I clear it, good girl, no footsteps, I’m tired of hearing famous quotes, I’m tired of it, let your sexy mouth smile, tell me a peaceful story, look at me with a cool gaze, try me just once.”
CHAI — 'Donuts Mind If I Do'
Fluttery synths and slowed down beats, this track mixes things up slightly by being a heavily modern interpretation of the 70s and 80s music movement as it borrows the instrumental elements from the era while injecting a small amount of 21st-century vibes into it to give the track the perfect balance of classic and modern.
This playful, whimsical track celebrates simple joys and the sweetness of life — both literally and metaphorically. The lyrics say, “Hello, hello, would you like… any donuts?” and “Donuts mind if I do, honey,” — emphasizing the importance of indulging in the delight of small everyday pleasures.
The Adams — 'Pelantur'
‘Pelantur’ mixes things up, being one of the only rock tracks to be featured on the list. So gnarly dude! The song feels like it was inspired by music from The Kinks, with the punk-esque sound of the distressed guitar and the chaotic drums that pair well with the track to give it a raw and unapologetic sound that signifies the celebration of youthfulness taking place in the 60s and 70s.
The lyrics symbolise a metaphorical wake-up call as they critique empty conversation, superficial theorizing, and self-importance, while urging awareness and mindfulness with lines like “Look around you, open your eyes.”
Mocca — 'Swing It, Bob!'
Being one of the oldest tracks on this list, this 2004 classic tips its hat to the charm of the 1950s era with its swing music influences. This lively, feel-good track invites listeners to step onto the dance floor and let the music take over. Whether it’s swinging, tango, cha-cha, or a slow waltz, the song celebrates joy, freedom, and carefree nights under the moonlight, encouraging everyone to let go, move with the rhythm, and glow with the moment.
The Bloomfields — ‘Pink Skies’
‘Pink Skies’ offers a nostalgic journey through the sonic landscapes from the '60s to '90s. Drawing inspiration from Britpop and indie rock, the track weaves shimmering melodies and lush guitar work into an ethereal anthem that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Drawing on the giddiness of love and the feeling that nothing else matters when you’re with that one person, the track takes on the ethereal tune that replicates the light and fluttery feelings of romance. The lyrics back this up as they say, “Pink skies and bright eyes and summertime All I see is you babe. You you babe.”
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