Music has been an integral part of life for centuries upon centuries. It plays everywhere: Baseball games, stores, restaurants, in the car, waiting rooms, and almost any other place one can visit. Due to the introduction of the World Wide Web, millennials have an even stronger love affair with music.

We are constantly searching for the newest, hottest song, artist, and/or album. However, what many fail to realize is that reversing the search can lead to incredible finds.

There is a reason so often the “oldies” are referred to as the “goldies.” From swing to doo-wop, to classic rock, the music of the past few decades is a treasure to behold.

Any modern day genre stems from another genre. The older the music, the more basics it has, which is a good thing. Without the basics, modern music would be nothing.

Think about it like this: If you like EDM, you very well might like disco. The four-on-the-floor beats, popular in electronic dance music, spawned from the disco movement. The same goes for most any other type of music.

So, if you are on the hunt for new music you might want to look backwards. Brush off those cassette tapes your mom loves or even break out the vinyl.

The search can be tiresome and you may not know where to start. If that’s the case follow these tips.

If you like pop, check out doo-wop. You have probably already heard songs like “Sixteen Candles” by The Crests and “Blue Moon” by The Marcels. However, other loved doo-wop groups include The Flamingos, Jive Five, The Capris, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Five Keys, and The Aquatones. Popular individual artists include Barbara Lewis, Tommy Edwards, and Bobby Helms.

If you are into rock, metal, alternative, or anything that stems from rock n’ roll go back to the basics by checking out older rock groups/musicians. For bands listen to Johnny & The Hurricanes, The Everly Brothers, Creedance Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Monkees, The Kinks, and Sonny & Cher. For individuals, listen to the classics like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry but dig into songs you have not already heard.

If country is your scene, listen to older country artists! Obviously people like Hank Williams, George Jones, and Patsy Cline but also Roy Clark, Bill Anderson, Don Gibson, and Skeeter Jones.

If you are into anything, or maybe something not listed here, still check out older music. You will be completely amazed by what you might find hidden on a vinyl or cassette tape. I experienced this when I found a song I had heard and loved, “Our House” on a Crosby, Stills, and Nash record my dad had bought years ago.

If you are not sure where to go and need more suggestions check out the following artists: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Doors, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, The Zombies, Peter Paul & Mary, Cream, and Fleetwood Mac. One good find usually leads to another stellar one. Good luck and happy hunting!