Classic

"Classic" by MKTO is a celebratory song about appreciating a woman for her natural beauty and timeless qualities in a world the artists see as increasingly superficial. The lyrics express a form of modern courtship that idealizes the elegance and romance of past eras. The central theme is a direct contrast between the girl, who is “classic,” and the surrounding world, which has “gone plastic.” Tony Oller of MKTO explained that the song is about natural beauty and serves as a positive message for girls to realize their worth without getting caught up in fleeting trends or feeling the need for excessive products. It’s a feel-good anthem that praises authenticity and a style that is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, as suggested by lines like “Like a movie star from the silver screen.”

The song is a vibrant ode to a woman who possesses a timeless and authentic charm that sets her apart in a world often perceived as superficial and “plastic.” The singer is immediately captivated by her, comparing her radiant presence to a rare and valuable “5th Avenue diamond.” He sees her as effortlessly stylish, someone whose appeal will never fade. This admiration makes him feel as though he's from a different era, one where love felt more genuine and grand gestures were the norm. He expresses a desire to romance her in a way that pays homage to legendary artists, wanting to create the kind of thrill associated with Michael Jackson, the passion of a kiss from Prince, and the soulful connection of Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway. This longing for a “rewound” love story highlights his feeling of being out of place in the modern world, as if he were born in the wrong time.

The chorus reinforces this central theme. The singer feels completely smitten, declaring she's “over my head” and that he’s “out of my mind.” He views her as an embodiment of “old school chic,” comparing her to a glamorous movie star from the silver screen. Her uniqueness in a world filled with artifice is what makes her so special; she is an authentic, one-of-a-kind individual. The repetition of “Baby, you're so classic” serves as the song's ultimate compliment and core message.

A rap verse further elevates this praise by placing her in different iconic eras. She's imagined as a star from the 1940s, a centerfold in the 50s, a captivating figure from the psychedelic 60s, a disco queen of the 70s, and the best of the 80s. This journey through time culminates in a comparison to timeless icons like Audrey Hepburn, Beyoncé, and Marilyn Monroe, solidifying her status as eternally stylish and significant. The song concludes by reiterating the chorus, cementing the idea that her classic nature is what makes her so profoundly attractive and cherished by the singer, a beacon of authenticity in a synthetic world.

MKTO, a duo composed of actors and musicians Malcolm Kelly and Tony Oller, met in 2010 on the set of the Nickelodeon series Gigantic. They formed a musical duo, naming it MKTO, which stands for their initials as well as for “Misfit Kids and Total Outcasts.” After gaining attention for their YouTube covers, they signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 2012. "Classic" was one of the first songs they worked on after signing. It was written by Evan "Kidd" Bogart, Andrew Goldstein, Emanuel Kiriakou, and Lindy Robbins. The track was produced by Kiriakou and Bogart. Released on June 20, 2013, "Classic" was the second single from their self-titled debut album, following their hit "Thank You". The song was recorded in 2013 as part of the sessions for their debut album, which also involved collaborations with notable figures like Ne-Yo and Max Martin.

The song features a consistent and accessible rhyme scheme that contributes to its catchy nature. The verses and pre-chorus often use couplets (AABB) or alternating rhymes. The chorus employs rhymes like "mind/time" and "chic/screen," along with the central rhyme of "plastic/classic." A notable feature is the use of near-rhymes and unexpected pairings like "roses/notice" and "Cadillac/glamour back," which are influenced by modern pop and rap songwriting, giving the lyrics a fresh and fun quality. The rhythm is upbeat and steady, built on a prominent drum beat that drives the song forward, reminiscent of classic Motown tracks like The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." This rhythmic foundation makes the song highly danceable. The lyrical rhythm is conversational in the verses, builds anticipation in the pre-chorus, and becomes highly melodic and singable in the chorus. The rap bridge introduces a more syncopated, spoken-word rhythm, providing a stylistic contrast before returning to the melodic hook.

"Classic" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques to create its catchy, retro-modern feel. Musically, the song is a pop track with strong funk and R&B influences, deliberately evoking the sound of Motown and artists like The Jackson 5. This is achieved through its groove, the rhythm of the electric guitar, and a steady, danceable tempo. The production blends this retro sound with modern techniques, such as recording to a click track for a tight ensemble feel. The structure follows a conventional verse-pre-chorus-chorus form, with a rap bridge that adds a contemporary hip-hop element. Vocally, the song features Tony Oller's smooth, resonant lead vocals and Malcolm Kelly's playful rap verse, creating a dynamic interplay. Lyrically, the song uses fresh, unexpected rhymes influenced by rap, such as "plastic / classic" and "Marvin Gaye / Hathaway," which adds to its modern feel while discussing classic themes.

"Classic" was a significant commercial success for MKTO, solidifying their presence in the pop music scene. The song charted in 16 countries, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 10 in Australia and New Zealand. It was certified 2x Platinum in Australia and Platinum in the U.S., marking it as the duo's first million-selling single in the States. Its popularity led to a nomination for "Catchiest New Song" at the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards. The song's retro-pop sound was noted as part of a larger trend in the early 2010s of blending old-school influences with modern production. MKTO performed the song on their first headlining US tour and even on stage with Taylor Swift during her 1989 World Tour. In recent years, the song has seen a resurgence in popularity, with fans rediscovering it through platforms like TikTok, cementing its status as a memorable pop anthem of its era.

The lyrics of "Classic" are rich with symbolism and direct cultural references to convey its message. The primary metaphor is the title itself, labeling the woman as "classic" to symbolize her timeless, authentic, and high-value qualities in contrast to a disposable, "plastic" modern world. Several similes and allusions are used to build this image:

• "Shining like a 5th Avenue diamond": This simile immediately establishes the woman's perceived value, rarity, and glamour, referencing the prestigious and luxurious reputation of New York City's Fifth Avenue.
• References to Music Icons: The pre-chorus is a string of allusions to legendary musicians. "I wanna thrill you like Michael" refers to Michael Jackson and his iconic, exciting persona, particularly in "Thriller". "I wanna kiss you like Prince" alludes to the artist Prince and his romantic song "Kiss". "Let's get it on like Marvin Gaye" and the mention of "Hathaway" (Donny Hathaway) evoke the soulful, deep, and romantic music of these R&B legends. These references collectively symbolize a desire for a love that is as epic, passionate, and timeless as the art of these icons.
• "Movie star from the silver screen": This simile compares her to iconic Hollywood actresses like Audrey Hepburn, suggesting elegance, grace, and a beauty that transcends time.
• "Cadillac" and "Gentleman bringing glamour back": These images evoke a sense of old-fashioned courtship and style, reinforcing the song's nostalgic theme.

The most significant recurring motif in "Classic" is the word "classic" itself. It appears in the chorus's main hook, "Baby, you're so classic," and serves as the song's central thesis, summarizing the singer's admiration. Its repetition ensures the title and core message are memorable. Another key recurring element is the contrast between the timeless (classic, silver screen, old school) and the modern/superficial ("a world gone plastic"). This dualism is the song's main lyrical engine. The pre-chorus, with its litany of iconic artists ("Michael," "Prince," "Marvin Gaye," "Hathaway"), acts as a recurring musical and lyrical motif that grounds the song's theme of wanting a love affair with a legendary, old-school quality. The phrase "You're over my head, I'm out of my mind" also repeats, emphasizing the singer's infatuation and sense of being overwhelmed by his feelings.