Is Music Getting Worse?
- Emma Calder and Will Green
- Feb 13, 2017
- 3 min read
Music isn't what it used to be, or is it?
We've all heard it, someone (maybe a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle) hears a new piece of music and responds with a deadpan: "music isn't what it used to be." For this week's debate, Chooniverse are pitting otherwise best buds against each other.
Will - No it's not!
Music isn’t getting worse. Really good music is just as good as it always was, and really bad music is just as bad as it always was. What has changed significantly over the past few years is the flooding of over simplistic pop music written with the same chord progression in a major key.
There is plenty of great music out there, but you have to put some kind of effort into searching for it. Typically, casual listeners will not seek out music. Instead they tend to just go with what is on the radio or TV. The effect this will have, since ‘what’s on’ now kind of sucks, will make it seem as if all music lacks any real expression.
Those that love music will dig for stuff to listen to, and are also more inclined to challenge themselves to try some things that may be out of their usual comfort zone. We live in a world where we are surrounded by various types of media, both good and bad.
A record label is no longer needed to create music, or have it heard by the public. With the internet more talent is discovered, however more songs are being produced and they can’t all be Bohemian Rhapsody. Stop complaining about a music you don’t like and go out and find some that you do.
Emma - Yes it is!
Let's get one thing clear. I don't think all modern music is trash or even that all music is worse than it used to be.
If you were to give music a score, the worst music knocking around the airwaves today would earn a lower score than the worst tracks fifty years ago. I think we would all agree that Friday by Rebecca Black is 1000 times worse than Video Killed The Radio Star - one of the most annoying songs that not even the 80s could stand.
How can you compare artists like David Bowie, Elvis and Prince to modern chart toppers like Justin Bieber, Little Mix and Ed Sheeran? You can't. While I hold my hands up to the fact I adore those modern pop acts, there's not an ounce of doubt when asked: which set of acts is better? Bowie, Prince and Elvis.
But why do we put them on a permanent pedestal? It's not just a case of their talent, it's what they did for music. They pushed music to limits no one knew existed and they changed the game.
If you still don't believe me just ask yourself: who is our Elvis? What legacy are we leaving? Right at this moment in time, the decade will be remembered for easy chord progression pop songs. And don't even try to tell me modern pop is as good as it was, we all know the Spice Girls set the bar which is yet to be met.
I personally don't think modern artists are bashing down barriers. They're churning out club hits like machines, it's heartless. Music isn't what it used to be.
Think we're wrong? let us know what you think on Twitter @_Chooniverse_
Image: Wix
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