Great Songs from My Favorite Year in Music: 1985, Part 52

Paul Hardcastle - "19"



(Single Release: February 1985)
Michael Stipe once claimed, "I don't think music and politics mix" (Segal, 2003). I guess that depends on how you define politics, as R.E.M. is arguably one of the most politically bent bands out there. I don't agree with his sentiments. I think art and politics have been inextricably intertwined for millennia and it's not likely to stop, nor would I want it to. Paul Hardcastle's anti-war song, "19," is just such an example, combining energetic dance music with samples of Vietnam documentaries and news footage / audio. The premise behind the song is simple, displaying the horrors of war, all the while pointing out that, as the song says, "In World War II, the average age of the combat soldier was 26, in Vietnam he was 19." I remember hearing this song for the first time and being amazed on three successive fronts: one, how infectious the music was, two, how shocked I was at that statistic, and three, how a pop song could be so informative. Of course, it was more than just informative, it was rebellious. By juxtaposing the horrors of the Vietnam War, and thus all modern wars, with popular music, Hardcastle provided an anti-war message for the masses that would resonate. It certainly did with me. Because Hardcastle is mostly known as a synth composer, usually found in classical sections of music stores, for this to be his one breakout hit is extraordinary and meaningful. This is not a novelty song. This is serious business. Of course, not everything that resulted from this song's popularity was good. Hardcastle's manager was Simon Fuller who, because of the success of this song, was able to start his own company and later go on to create American Idol. Who says music and politics don't mix?

Segal, D. (2003). "Count Me Out: Why Rock and Politics Don't Mix." bnet: The CBS Interactive Business Network. Retrieved from http://www.findarticles.com