I hadn’t listened to ZZ Top since I was a kid, but the other day, out of sheer curiosity, I dove into their This Is ZZ Top playlist on Spotify. My mission? To find out whether the band’s hit songs—you know, those catchy tunes constantly playing on the radio in the ‘80s—are genuinely their best, or simply the ones I’ve learned to love.

As I listened, something immediately became clear: the hits still slapped. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that. I thought I might discover hidden gems, deep cuts clearly superior to their radio singles. But, surprisingly, “Sharp Dressed Man” still dominated with its relentless groove. “La Grange” still had that magical ability to transport me back to carefree days, cruising in a hot car without air conditioning, enjoying a greasy burger under the summer sun.

This led me to a deeper question: Is a song “better” because it’s masterfully crafted, or because I’ve grown accustomed to hearing it associated with good memories? Am I objectively responding to the musical structure and artistry, or simply reacting to the memories and emotions woven into the song?

Things become even trickier when considering that popular songs might become hits precisely because of this positive familiarity. It’s like classical conditioning—we hear a song during happy moments, and our brain registers it as a masterpiece. But does this make the song objectively superior? Or does it simply confirm that our love for certain songs is an endless loop of nostalgia and emotional association?

Fun fact on the side: ZZ Top’s “Tush” was written in just ten minutes but became one of their most enduring hits. Sometimes hits strike like lightning—or perhaps they simply fit perfectly into radio rotations of their time.

In the end, maybe the answer to what makes a song good isn’t tied strictly to sophisticated musical structures or universal objective value. Instead, perhaps the better question is: what song helps me feel most like myself right now? Maybe that’s enough. Because after all, music doesn’t have to be good for everyone—it just needs to be good for you.

If so much knowledge sets the people free Then tell me why I was so happy Before Before you got to my head With every word you say to me You tear my whole world to shreds.

When I was happy you said I was dumb Just a stupid kid sucking his thumb Well tell me What means more to you A happy man or One more desperate man like you

I can learn about the world from a metal chair Or I can pick up my feet and take a walk out there What you want? I'll be a fat lazy man You made me lazy already When I'm not working your plan

Yet every day I sit right down Raise my hand and go to town I'm a fool You told me loud and clear But there's nothing you can do about that Cause I'm a little weird.