An app to listen to old music is one of those things I always look for when I feel like going back in time.
Do you know when you want to relive a good phase in your life?
A special moment, a childhood memory or even a time you didn't even live through but feel you would have loved? Well, yes.
That's exactly why I started exploring apps that focus on retro, classic, and historical music.
And so, in this post, I want to share the apps that I use the most to relive my old music memories. Let's go!
Why do old songs still touch us so much?
Before talking about apps, I need to say: old music has a power that, honestly, few other things have.
Maybe because many of them were made with more emotion, more melody, more soulful lyrics, you know?
Or maybe because they are linked to emotional memories that stay in our minds forever.
Furthermore, older songs often have that touch of simplicity and at the same time a depth that is missing in many current songs.
In other words, it’s not just nostalgia, it’s real connection.
Radio Garden – To listen to radio stations from all over the world (including the oldest ones)
First of all, this one is almost a time portal.
Radio Garden lets you navigate a virtual globe and tune into live radio stations from many different countries, including those that only play oldies and classics.
Plus, it's completely free and works both in the browser and on your phone.
I've spent hours switching between radio stations in the United States, Italy and even Japan, listening to old ballads, classic rock and even romantic songs from the 60s.
Why it's worth it:
- Fun and interactive interface;
- Thousands of radios in real time;
- Ideal for discovering musical relics from other countries.
Retro Music Player – An app made for nostalgic people
Secondly, the name gives it away, right? Retro Music Player is one of my favorites when I want to organize my own library of old music.
It's not exactly a streaming app, but rather a player with a retro look that enhances the experience of listening to music calmly, like in the old days.
In other words, you can import your downloaded songs and listen to everything with a look that even resembles old-school MP3 players.
Plus, there are no ads, no distractions, just you and your music.
Highlights:
- Super charming retro look;
- Light, without braking;
- Ideal for those who have their favorite songs saved on their cell phone.
TuneIn – Retro Radios and Themed Stations
Thirdly, TuneIn is another app that I use a lot to listen to old music, especially when I want that 80s or 90s radio vibe.
It has several themed stations with a total focus on specific decades, such as “Classic Hits 80s”, “90s Pop Radio”, “Oldies but Goldies” and so on.
In addition, you can listen to interviews, podcasts and even local AM/FM radio stations. In other words, it's almost like time travel in the form of sound.
Reasons to love TuneIn:
- Wide variety of retro stations;
- Works super well in the background;
- Free, with premium option.
Deezer – Yes, it has ready-made playlists with only classics!
Next, Deezer is one of the music platforms I use the most.
I recently discovered several ready-made playlists with classics ranging from Elvis Presley to Sandy & Junior (yes, that's nostalgic for me too).
Additionally, Deezer has a feature called “Flow” that creates a personalized soundtrack based on what you listen to.
Advantages:
- Ready-made retro playlists;
- Good audio quality;
- Free version with ads and premium without interruptions.
Spotify – The obvious that also works super well
Finally, Spotify can’t be left out. Although it’s known for its current trends, the platform also has a lot of old music.
In fact, there are several playlists created by users and even artists, with very specific selections such as “Amor dos Anos 80”, “Sertanejo Raiz”, and more.
What I like:
- Algorithm that recommends classics based on what you listen to;
- Easy to use interface;
- Compatible with all devices.
Bonus Tip: YouTube Music – A Hidden Retro Catalog
If you have Google, you might already have access to YouTube Music, and honestly, what surprised me the most there were the albums by singers from the 60s to the 2000s.
Plus, you can find rare recordings, live versions and even tracks that only existed on vinyl!
What matters is the emotion that the music brings you
In the end, it doesn't matter so much which app you choose, but what you feel when you listen to that song that marked your life.
Whether it's an international classic by the Beatles, a pagode from the 90s, an old samba from your childhood or a national rock song from the 80s... the right song has the power to transport you to another time.
And now, with so many apps available, you can experience it all again, straight from your cell phone. android, or iOS.
If you also love old songs, tell me: what was the last one you listened to that took you straight to a good memory? I want to know!