THE HIT HAMMER: Frankie Avalon's "Why"

Frankie Avalon's "Why"

Frankie Avalon - "Why"

Hit Number 1: December 28, 1959

Stay at Number 1: 1 Week

The 1950s have this stereotype to them that they were the most simple times in recent history, and a time where you could probably go out into the streets in the middle of the night in a dark alley and not have to worry about getting shot. Okay, I might have just made that last part up, but that's what people think of when the topic of the 1950s comes up. Everyone got along, the only thing to worry about was if your car wasn't as fast as your buddies', and Coca-Cola was pretty much the nectar of the Gods. In other words, there wasn't much to worry about. And in any other scenario, Frankie Avalon's song "Why" is a corny as hell song about puppy love and sincerity. But the fact that the song was the last #1 song of the golden decade that was the 50s, it almost seems rather fitting. And that makes me like the song more.

Avalon had already hit #1 with "Venus", which was also a very corny song about praying to the goddess of love in search for a love. (You've got to be pretty desperate to do that) But I don't like that song quite as much as "Why". There really isn't a whole lot to "Why", as Avalon just meanders along through the song gloating about his love. But here's why it works: It captures the sorts of feelings that anyone would have about someone they think they are in love with at such a young age almost perfectly. The song doesn't need to be some huge masterpiece, or a power ballad that is going to make you cry so much you could fill your own bath tub with your tears. All it is, is a song from the point of view from a guy who is obviously very young, and is in love with a girl and he can't wait to spend many years with her. There is nothing wrong with that at all. The song also has a small part from an unidentified female singer who for some reason was never credited on the song.

You can't shy away from the fact that "Why" is kind of a silly song when it comes to romance, but I think it is a very fitting ending for the 1950s. In the 1960s, we will see plenty of more amazing music, but the times would be changing. Stuff was about to get heated, politics would become insane, and the most famous band (or act for that matter) will appear in this blog in 1964. But that's a different story for a different time. For now, let's just acknowledge the fact that "Why" is a good way to say goodbye to the 1950s.

GRADE: 6/10