This Old Dog, by Mac DeMarco will always be one of my favorite albums. I remember walking down the aisles of the Princeton Record Exchange three years ago, skimming through vinyl and hiding ones I thought I might come back for later. I searched through the little stand they have near the front until I saw the yellow-and-white album cover in the corner. It Since then, I have considered the album to be a classic–something timeless–but what makes it feel that way?

The simple answer to this is: it really depends on you. Our ideas of what makes a song timeless are different for everyone. Style, production, memories, and quality all play a role in how we view different albums, and our environment and interests shape how we perceive music. Sophomore Aditi Nagarkatte noted, “It’s a really good song, there’s genuinely just no bad part to it. I could listen to it over and over again without it getting old,” about “Shut It Down,” by Drake.

I needed more opinions and ideas, and sophomore Larry Lou had a differing opinion. “I really like ‘Heat Waves’ by Glass Animals, not because the song itself is good, it’s more like it’s my soundtrack. I work out and listen to it while studying, and it has become a part of my routine,” he explained.

Another person, who has chosen to remain anonymous, shared this perspective: “‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis is one of my favorite songs of all time, but it is because I have really deep memories with it. My family used to always listen to this song, and it has held a close place in my heart for me since.”

This perspective highlights an important idea: what actually makes a song timeless? To be completely honest, there is no definitive answer. It is a mix of craft, routine, and emotions, a combination that gives a song meaning and depth. Different people may want different things, whether it be a song that will never get old, a track woven into your daily routine, or an album that is meaningful to you. For me, that balance comes together in This Old Dog. I may not listen to it every day, and it may not represent a deep emotion for me, but the mix of all three makes it such a profound piece of music to listen to.