Drums of War Give Way to Ballads in Desert

War has had a profound effect on soldiers’ musical tastes.

In the heady days of the pre-war buildup, songs were loud and up-tempo, a sort of musical companion to the macho blustering of the times.

But workers at the U.S. military’s Desert Shield Radio say one of the most requested songs nowadays is Bette Midler’s “From a Distance,” a tune that deplores all wars.

Since the start of Operation Desert Storm, soldiers also have been asking for slower, more sentimental or reflective tunes.

“Prior to the war, (when) so many young soldiers didn’t know what was going to happen, overall volume and tempo were increasing,” said Army Sgt. Major Bob Nelson, the program director for Desert Shield Network.

Occasionally something will prompt the soldiers to demand music that struts. Each time a U.S. Patriot missile takes out an Iraqi Scud over Saudi Arabia, the switchboard at Desert Shield radio lights up with requests.

The tunes in greatest demand? Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” and Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”