Embodying timeless elegance and creating an elegant atmosphere, old money music is a key aspect in the representation of the old money aesthetic.
Old money music plays a vital role not only in the creation of reels that try to represent quiet luxury but also in enhancing the experience of a leisurely car ride in your classic, old-money vehicle. With a carefully curated selection of lyrics, the timeless tunes contribute significantly to embodying the essence of this refined aesthetic.
What is old money music?
Typically, old money music refers to a selction of lyrics and melodies that are associated with an aesthetic that conveys a sense of traditional wealth, sophistication, and timeless elegance. Classic music and songs like “Young and Beautiful” or “Old Money” typically resemble quiet luxury very well.
Typical characteristics that make a song an old money song, are:
- Timelessness: The music typically has been around for several years and stood the test of time.
- Elegance: Elegant melodies, harmonies, and little to none special effects like autotune can be found in those timeless songs.
- Classic Instrumentation: Classic instruments, smooth jazz ensembles, and big band setups are another typical element.
- Famous bands: Famous bands and artists like ABBA, the Beatles, or Lana Del Ray are featured under the topic old money music.
- Lyrics: You will not find insults or other useless lyrics but rather poetic lyrics that recall romantic, nostalgic, the lifestyle of old money or similar topics.
Find my Old Money Playlist here!
Old money music on social media
As the old money aesthetic is trending on Tik Tok, YouTube, and Instagram, many people create videos and shorts featuring various things from old money cars to old money outfits etc.
Typically, they will use music parts that “resemble” the vibe of old money. The following list shows some songs their background music comes from:
- ABBA – Money Money Money
- Lana Del Ray – Summertime Sadness
- Rhianna – Love on the Brain
- Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
- Lady Gaga – Poker Face
- Lana Del Ray – Diet Mountain Dew
- Asaf Avidan, The Mojos – One Day
15 Old money music hits for you to hear
Now, let’s take a look at actual songs that resemble old money. As we cannot name every song that resembles quiet luxury in this list, so we’ve created a Playlist on Spotify so you can have the full-on experience.
1. Frank Sinatra – Fly Me to the Moon
‘Fly Me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra exudes old-money elegance through its smooth vocals, refined orchestration, and timeless lyrics, capturing the classic charm of a bygone era.
2. Lana Del Ray – Old money
It might seem obvious that this song is classified as old money due to its title. Also, Lana Del Ray embodies an elegant vibe that fits quiet luxury perfectly and will be seen throughout this list quiet often.
3. Ella Fitzgerald – Summertime
‘Summertime’ by Ella Fitzgerald carries a touch of sophistication with her smooth vocals, timeless jazz style, and a classic charm that embodies the refined elegance of a bygone era.
4. Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World
With his soulful voice and a classic touch, Louis Armstrong sings these optimistic lyrics with an elegant touch that resembles quiet luxury very well.
5. Dean Martin – Ain’t That a Kick in the Head
Dean Martin’s 1960 classic ‘Ain’t That a Kick in the Head’ exudes old-money charm with its lively swing, suave vocals, and playful lyrics about the thrilling excitement of falling in love, encapsulating the carefree elegance of the Rat Pack era.
6. Manny Blu – Old money
Old money by Manny Blue does not particularly embody the aesthetic of the same name with his melody and overall vibe. Rather, he talks about the life of those with old money.
7. Frank Ocean – Super rich Kids
Frank Ocean’s song “Super Rich Kids” also does not match quiet luxury entirely but rather describes the life of the children of old money and their difficulties.
8. Madonna – Material world
Madonna’s 1984 hit ‘Material Girl’ captures the 1980s vibe with its catchy pop sound and satirical take on materialism, reflecting the era’s opulent and indulgent lifestyle.
9. The Beatles – Can’t buy me love
Well, you have to include this iconic band in the list of old money music. Also, this song represents the overall old money aesthetic very well.
10. The Chords – Sh-Boom
The Chords exude a joyful vibe elegant through their upbeat doo-wop style, harmonious vocals, and timeless feel, encapsulating the carefree and lively spirit associated with classic mid-20th-century music.
11. Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful
Again, Lana Del Ray is the artist of an old money song. There is not much to say, just listen to this masterpiece.
12. Lady Gaga – Money Money
Lady Gaga’s ‘Money Honey’ brings a modern twist to the old-money vibe with its lively pop beats and catchy lyrics. In a personal note, Gaga emphasizes the song’s celebration of financial independence and empowerment.
13. Lana Del Ray – Summertime Sadness
This song, most of us know it, is not only an outstanding piece of art but also is used in various shorts and videos featuring the aesthetic of old money.
14. Nat King Cole – Autumn Leaves
Nat King Cole’s ‘Autumn Leaves,’ a classic ballad, paints a nostalgic picture with its velvety vocals and timeless melody, evoking a sense of reflection and romance reminiscent of the golden era of music.
15. ABBA – Money Money Money
This song, just as Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Ray is a common playback for various videos, Tik-Toks, and Shorts about old money. Also, it embodies quiet luxury perfectly.
Old money classic music
After those rather contemporary old money hits, let’s now dive deeper into the music you will find not in everyday’s radio but rather in a more exquisite establishment. As attending the opera and generally hearing to classic music is a hobby of old money, the list of the following compositions will meet quiet luxury very well:
- Ludwig Van Beethoven – Für Elise
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Toccata i Fugue in D Minor
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Symphony No. 5 in C Minor
- Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Requiem in D Minor
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – A Little Night Music
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – The Magic Flute
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake
- Sergei Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet
Final thoughts on old money music
As you can see, old money music is not just what it is portrayed like on social media but rather a careful selection of various styles of music from jazz to classic.
With the featured playlist and the songs we’ve provided you, you can go ahead and recreate your old money aesthetic.
FAQ
Who embodies old money music the best?
Lana Del Ray embodies old money music unlike any other artist. With songs like “Old Money”, “Summertime Sadness”, or “Young and Beautiful”, she really sets the bar high for others.
What time period does old money music typically come from?
Between the 1920s and 1960s, most old money songs have been published.
Which taste in music does old money have
Old money typically likes Jazz, classic, but also some parts of modern pop music that resemble elegance.