DO YOU THINK THAT THE EVOLUTION OF MUSIC HAS GONE BACKWARDS?

This week your hosts sit down and reflect on our personal preferences in music. Specifically this week we want to know DO YOU THINK THAT THE EVOLUTION OF MUSIC HAS GONE BACKWARDS? What makes a difference between an artist and an entertainer? What is your idea of good music today? What is the difference between a musical legend and a corporate puppet? These are the questions that we considered this week while responding to our blog.

Don't forget to tune into our live show on Thursday April 18, 2013 @ 9:30 pm on www.blogtalkradio.com. 

  Luis

The music culture in this country, I believe, has gone backwards. The United States has produced legendary artists like Jimmy Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, among many many others, as well as launched international careers like Bob Marley, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and many many other artists that came out in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 90s. For example Nirvana in the 90s. It seems as soon as we hit the millennium music suffered a tremendous blow. Pop is terrible rock. Even worse hip hop is in the toilet. Young kids don't know what the difference is between a corporate puppet and a legend that fights for the right to send out a positive message. 

This week we will explore lyrics, accomplishments and the mark that legends have left in comparison to these clowns that poison our children's minds. 

Michele

Music exists to entertain. I do not agree that the evolution of music has gone backwards. During hard times such as the great depression, times of war and similar events music is an outlet and a way for people to forget the hard times. So there may not be great meaning in the hits but they are meant to have fun. Our country has been faced with hard times for the last 10+ years I think if you reflect on the music it shows. The difference between an artist and an entertainer, is someone who not only sings, they play instruments and write music. That's what makes them an artist. An entertainer may perform someone else's songs and makes their live show more of a spectacle. The difference between a legend and a corporate puppet is along the same lines of artist and entertainer. The legend makes a name for themselves based on their musical talents and the corporate puppet could crossover to legend territory but they would need to overcome the chains of management which may be hard to do. My idea of good music are songs that tell a story. I love lyrics and if I can connect with the song I'm more inclined to play it again and actually buy it.

Leilani

I personally think that music has gone completely backwards especially in my favorite genre R&B. Let me preface this discussion by saying I am not a music connoisseur, and I don’t claim to be, but I do know what I like.

I am typically fond of 90’s R&B. I absolutely loved Avant, Joe, Case, Lauryn Hill, and of course, some Maxwell! Can I get a woot woot? You can still find me bumping some Ex-Factor by Ms. Hill, or This Woman’s Work by Maxwell. To this day I have yet to hear an artist that makes me have an emotional experience with their music. I do like Miguel’s Let My Love Adorn You, but it could just be the style.

I am also very fond of some Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam, UB40, Bob Marley, Teena Marie, and Michael Jackson. My taste in music differs. I can rock to some alternative, groove to some soul, pretend to roll on some dubs with my West Coast gangster rap, and honkey tonk to some country. Music is very therapeutic, and the right song makes all the difference.

There is definitely a difference between an artist and an entertainer, and rarely are we graced with a musician that has both. One of my personal favorites is Michael Jackson. How talented was that man!?!? Regardless of his personal life, which I don’t care to discuss, that man made some incredible music and was always entertaining. Another artist that is controversial, but I think is incredibly talented, is Lady Gaga. Yes, she is over the top. But that lady can sing, write, and entertain like no ones business. Sorry about it, she may have copied her fashion style, but that woman is a genius!!!

So the question is about the evolution of music. I know I’m about to get some haters, but let’s go there. No, I do not want to “superman that hoe” or “lean like a cholo”, but you can catch me trying to “drop it low” or even making failed attempts at “getting my eagle on”! Lol! Sometimes “ratchet” music just sounds fun, and is incredibly entertaining. Yes, I said ratchet, you darn kids with the slang. Lol!

Is it art in my opinion? No. Is it good music? Perhaps. Is it something that I would put my name behind? Probably not. Music changes with the generations. I’m assuming this new music that I’ve heard cares more about a catchy hook than a meaningful song. I think that music today lacks depth, and doesn’t tell a story. This is definitely just my opinion though. Cheers!