"Cruel Summer" by Bananarama is a synth-pop track that was released in 1983 as part of their debut album, "Deep Sea Skiving." Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and their producer, Steve Jolley, the song quickly became one of Bananarama's signature hits.

The song features a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, but its lyrics tell a more melancholic story about the emotional struggles of summer love that’s not reciprocated. The juxtaposition of the cheerful sound with serious themes resonated with many listeners.

"Cruel Summer" had a moderate chart performance initially but gained renewed popularity when it was re-released in 1989, reaching number 8 in the UK charts. The song has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, contributing to its lasting legacy in pop culture.

Its continued relevance was also highlighted when it gained popularity again in the 2019 television series "Stranger Things," which introduced the song to a new generation of fans. Overall, "Cruel Summer" remains a beloved classic from the 1980s and showcases Bananarama's unique style and vocal harmonies.

"War Pigs" by Black Sabbath is a powerful anti-war anthem that criticizes the hypocrisy and brutality of those who orchestrate wars for their own gain. Released in 1970 on their Paranoid album, the song portrays politicians and military leaders as corrupt figures—"generals gathered in their masses"—who treat human lives as expendable while they remain safely distant from the chaos they create. With dark, apocalyptic imagery and a slow, heavy riff, Black Sabbath delivers a grim warning: those responsible for war will one day face judgment for their actions. Through its haunting lyrics and aggressive sound, "War Pigs" became a defining track of early heavy metal and a timeless protest against violence and injustice.

On July 5, 2025, Black Sabbath delivered a historic and emotionally charged final performance of “War Pigs” during their farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park in Birmingham—their hometown and the birthplace of heavy metal. Reunited for one last time, the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—took the stage to thunderous applause. “War Pigs” opened their four-song set with its iconic air-raid sirens and ominous riff, unleashing a wave of nostalgia and reverence among the 45,000 fans in attendance and over 5 million livestream viewers. Ozzy, seated due to advanced Parkinson’s, delivered a fierce and heartfelt vocal performance, visibly moved by the occasion. The moment stood as both a triumphant celebration of their legacy and a solemn farewell, made even more poignant by Ozzy’s passing just weeks later. The performance has since become immortalized as a defining final statement by one of metal’s greatest bands.

“Adam's Song” by blink-182 is a poignant and introspective track from their album Enema of the State released in 1999. The song is known for its dark lyrics, which touch on themes of depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite its somber subject matter, the song has resonated with many listeners and has been praised for its honesty and emotional depth.

"Born in the USA" is a song by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1984 on the album of the same name. The song is a powerful anthem that addresses the experiences of working-class Americans, particularly Vietnam War veterans, and critiques the treatment of these individuals upon their return home.

The lyrics highlight the struggles and disillusionment faced by the protagonist, who grapples with the complexities of national identity and personal hardship. Despite its upbeat rock sound and catchy chorus, "Born in the USA" confronts themes of economic hardship, social inequality, and the disillusionment of the American Dream.

The song's chorus, with its repeated refrain of "Born in the USA," has often been misinterpreted as a straightforward celebration of American patriotism. However, the verses reveal a more nuanced narrative that challenges the listener to reflect on the realities faced by many Americans during the 1980s.

"Born in the USA" became one of Bruce Springsteen's most commercially successful songs, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as a quintessential American rock anthem, known for its blend of energetic music and socially conscious lyrics.