Ah, the world of internet memes. Since the dawn of the World Wide Web, humorous memes, either in video, audio, or image format, have evolved and changed to suit the tastes of the current-day internet user. Back in the late 90s and 00s, internet memes were in their early stages and were quite delightful. I still get a nice jolt of nostalgia whenever I see that “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes meme involving an edit of He-Man. Likewise, many musicians from around that time became internet memes, but I think a choice few deserve so much more respect for their musical talents. Let’s look at just a few examples!
Videos by American Songwriter
Darude
Europeans understand the hold that “Sandstorm” by Darude had on popular culture for the better part of the 20th century. Honestly, this Finnish producer got a lot of love in Europe for the songs “Feel The Beat” and “Out Of Control (Back For More)” in the early aughts.
That being said, Americans mainly know him for “Sandstorm”, and younger people only know “Sandstorm” for its inclusion in a YouTube meme that still makes the rounds today. Though I have to admit, I love the humor behind this one.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley might just be considered the godfather of the musical meme, honestly. His song “Never Gonna Give You Up” was the subject of a viral internet meme for years, in which people would use his song to bait and switch internet users who would click on a link, expecting something other than Astley’s deep, almost jazzy vocals, only to be immediately serenaded by “Never Gonna Give You Up”.
Astley has produced many No. 1 hits through the years, and he’s much more than the mere subject of “Rickrolling.” He’s one of the greatest vocalists of our age.
Imogen Heap
Imogen Heap is one of the most creative electropop artists and entrepreneurs out there. How many artists do you know of have developed their own musical controller gloves? She’s an icon, that’s for sure. And nowadays, with songs like her 2006 hit “Headlock” getting more love in the modern age, Imogen Heap is getting the love she deserves.
But back in the 2000s, she was reduced to a meme spurred on by Saturday Night Live using her song “Hide And Seek” in a 2007 skit. The skit was funny, don’t get me wrong. But Heap is so much more than a meme.
Smash Mouth
When I think of Smash Mouth, I think of how playful the early 2000s were. The band is best known for their contributions to the soundtrack of Shrek as well as their ska punk jams on Astro Lounge and Smash Mouth.
This group of musicians became the subject of Shrek-related memes for years, but they are way more than just “the rock band from Shrek.” They’re up there with No Doubt, in my opinion.
Photo by Mychal Watts/NFL for ON 3 PRODUCTIONS
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