50 Songs For 50 States
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The article highlights iconic songs tied to specific U.S. states, showcasing how musicians capture the spirit, culture, and history of their home regions through music.
- Notable examples include Patterson Hood’s "Muscle Shoals" anthem from Alabama, Maggie Rogers’ "Alaska" inspired by natural beauty, Tupac and Dr. Dre’s pan-Californian hit "California Love," and Joe Walsh’s Colorado-inspired "Rocky Mountain Way."
- Other highlighted artists and songs include Johnny Cash’s ode to Arkansas, Tom Petty’s Florida references, OutKast’s Southern pride in Georgia, and Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s Hawaiian medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World."
- The article also covers songs representing less typical states or regions, such as Built to Spill’s Idaho, Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois, and John Darnielle’s escapist "Going to Maine," emphasizing the diversity of American musical storytelling.
- Overall, the piece serves as a musical tour of the United States, illustrating how place and personal experience intertwine in songwriting across genres and decades.
