The 50s

If we talk about the 1950s, things change a lot depending on the country we’re discussing. For example, in Spain, we were still suffering from the consequences of the civil war and Francoist autarky in Spain, while the prosperity associated with the post-World War II period in other countries led precisely to the emergence of both rock & roll and the teenage culture itself. Meanwhile, in Latin America, folk music stood out.

Seen in this way, it is very difficult to focus on one place without neglecting the rest. But precisely for that reason, under this tag, you will find all the articles we have dedicated to the best songs of the ’50s, as well as the most successful and recommendable groups. In these lists, we can see that there are certain musical commonalities, closely related to summer love and the growing social importance of pop music.

Although everyone seeks inspiration from the latest decades, it was the ’50s that led to some of the most memorable musical styles and fashion trends. The key moment occurred in 1947 when Christian Dior’s famous New Look collection made its debut. Something that, over time, has been seen as the beginning of the history of modern fashion as we know it. With body-fitting clothing, feminine accessories, and opulent details at the forefront, the 1950s gave rise to a new approach to glamour, with big hairdos in both women and men. This also defined new beauty standards, where women’s body types seemed to lean toward silhouettes that defined shape, accentuated with wavy skirts and tighter trousers.

If you look back at the music of that time, it is clear that women began to take on a more prominent role in culture, although still insufficient. Songs began to take on a more minimalist approach, accentuated by fast rhythms and catchy choruses. For all these reasons, regardless of your personal taste, this is a good decade for drawing inspirations.

Below is a selection of articles from the 1950s that showcase the ostentatious style of the time, as well as the simple.