The wider picture
The song ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls, released in 1998 from their album ‘Dizzy Up the Girl’, has become a massive hit and remains a favorite among millennials and Gen Z listeners. Originally featured in the film ‘City of Angels’, the song has captured the hearts of many with its emotional depth and poignant lyrics. Robby Takac, the band’s vocalist, reflects on the song’s enduring appeal, noting its ability to resonate with younger audiences.
Recently, ‘Iris’ has experienced a resurgence as part of a viral nostalgic trend on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Users are sharing celebrity throwbacks and personal videos set to the song, creating a wave of nostalgia that has drawn attention to its timeless message. Takac commented on this phenomenon, stating, “This really has this sort of heart strings sort of thing and I think a lot of the kids are sharing it because it’s hard for you to believe that your parents used to be the people they were.” This connection between generations highlights the song’s lasting impact.
In addition to the resurgence of ‘Iris’, the music scene is also witnessing the rise of new artists like Sombr. The 20-year-old musician has had a breakthrough year, with his hit track ‘back to friends’ going viral on social media. Sombr’s debut album, titled ‘I Barely Know Her’, showcases his ability to capture different feelings and stages of love through his music. His unique sound and relatable lyrics have quickly garnered a following.
Sombr has expressed his aspirations in the music industry, stating, “I have to always act like I’m being watched. Because I am.” This awareness of his public persona reflects the pressures faced by emerging artists in the digital age. Despite his rising fame, Sombr remains grounded, sharing that dating is not a priority for him at the moment. “My big dream is to get a girlfriend. Please. Not right now, but eventually. That’s like my lifetime dream,” he remarked, illustrating his youthful perspective on love and relationships.
The intersection of nostalgia and new music trends is evident as both ‘Iris’ and Sombr’s work capture the complexities of love and connection. As the Eurovision Song Contest Asia prepares to debut in 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, the global music landscape continues to evolve, with new artists and classic hits finding their place in the hearts of listeners.
As the trend of revisiting older songs continues to gain traction, observers are keen to see how it will influence the music industry moving forward. The partnership between the Eurovision Song Contest and Thailand’s Channel 3 is expected to bring fresh talent to the forefront, potentially paving the way for more artists like Sombr to emerge on the international stage.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of these trends, but the combination of nostalgia and new music is reshaping how audiences engage with songs. The Goo Goo Dolls’ ‘Iris’ serves as a reminder of the power of music to evoke memories, while new artists like Sombr illustrate the ongoing evolution of the music scene.