11 Classic Rock/Pop Titles Added to the National Recording Registry in 2023
The National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress has unveiled its new additions for 2023. This year’s selection is filled with some of the most popular classic rock/pop titles…
The National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress has unveiled its new additions for 2023. This year's selection is filled with some of the most popular classic rock/pop titles of all time.
Among the artists being recognized with having music added to the National Recording Registry are Madonna, The Police, Eurythmics, John Lennon and more. The National Recording Registry has existed since 2002. Each year, 25 new recordings are added. Recordings that are added to the registry must be at least ten years old and are "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."
In a statement on the newly added recordings, Librian of Congress Carla Hayden said, "The National Recording Registry preserves our history through recorded sound and reflects our nation’s diverse culture. The national library is proud to help ensure these recordings are preserved for generations to come, and we welcome the public’s input on what songs, speeches, podcasts or recorded sounds we should preserve next. We received more than 1,100 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry."
To see which classic rock/pop titles were added this year, keep scrolling.
For a complete listing of the 2023 National Recording Registry titles and to learn more about the registry, head over to LOC.gov.
“Sherry” — The Four Seasons (1962)
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThe National Recording Registry notes this classic track was originally named "Jackie Baby" and was inspired by then first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
“What the World Needs Now is Love” — Jackie DeShannon (1965) (single)
Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesWritten by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, "What the World Needs Now is Love" was first offered to Dionne Warwick to record, but the singer turned it down. The track was then offered to Jackie DeShannon. Her recording earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance.
“Déjà Vu” — Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (1970) (album)
Handout/Getty ImagesThe first album release from CSNY, “Déjà Vu” features the classic songs "Woodstock," "Teach Your Children" and "Our House." The National Recording Registry notes, "'Déjà Vu' found its audience immediately, and remains the highest-selling album of each member’s career to date, with over 8 million copies sold."
“Imagine” — John Lennon (1971) (single)
Central Press/Getty Images"Imagine" is John Lennon's best-selling single in his solo career. Its message of hope and peace is as powerful today as it was when it was first released in 1971.
“Stairway to Heaven” — Led Zeppelin (1971) (single)
Evening Standard/Getty ImagesFew rock songs are as iconic to the genre's history as "Stairway to Heaven." Frankly, it's surprising it took this long for it to be added to the National Recording Registry.
“Margaritaville” — Jimmy Buffett (1977) (single)
Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesIt's perhaps Buffett's most iconic song in his catalog, which also became the namesake to nearly his entire brand. Like "Imagine," it's hard to believe "Margaritaville" wasn't added to the National Recording Registry sooner.
“Flashdance…What a Feeling” — Irene Cara (1983) (single)
United Artists/Archive Photos/Getty ImagesOne of the most iconic film songs of the 1980s, "Flashdance...What a Feeling" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1984.
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” — Eurythmics (1983) (single)
Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesSimply put, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" made Eurythmics stars. The National Recording Registry notes Annie Lennox recorded her iconic vocals in just one take.
“Synchronicity” — The Police (1983) (album)
Showtime/Courtesy of Getty Images'Snnchronicity' was the final studio album from The Police before their breakup, but what a way to go out. The album won three Grammy Awards and featured the classic hits "Every Breath You Take," King of Pain" and "Wrapped Around Your Finger."
“Like a Virgin” — Madonna (1984) (album)
Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesMadonna's second studio album 'Like a Virgin' helped make her a global superstar. The album was stacked with hits including the title track, "Material Girl," "Into the Groove" and "Dress You Up."
“All I Want for Christmas is You” — Mariah Carey (1994) (single)
Michael Loccisano/Getty ImagesSimply put: It's just not the holidays without this Mariah track. It's been certified 12 times platinum and has charted on the Billboard Hot 100 every year since 2000.
