Over the decades our tastes in music have changed drastically. There wasn't the typical pop songs now in the 1960's it was much more Soul and Rock inspired music that caught people's attention. Now, in the music industry, it isn't made the same way that it used to be. Now its more technical than just instrumental, more auto tuned then a singer's raw talent. Most popular songs now tend to lean towards sex, alcohol, or drugs, but why would Millennials want to portray themselves this way? And why would artists want to create music that people feel uncomfortable? Maybe its just for money, or maybe its because its catchy and its fun to dance to, or it could be a label company making up the lyrics for the artists.
How could music go from classical to songs about such the negative things in life. Now, we should have music that shines light on social issues, but it should be done in a tasteful way that gets the point across without using simplistic words.
After recently losing Prince, I was floored with how music is so different from how it used to be. These artists wrote and produced their own music and knew how to play just about every instrument. Prince even recorded every instrument on his tracks, do you see Drake doing that? Not that musicians now don't have as much talent, I think its the fact that society doesn't let them. Record companies want things done certain ways just to get a song sold and so that performers can have a specific image. When music was in its prime in the 80's-90's, those musicians didn't care what labels wanted, they did what they wanted to do to make their fans happy. They didn't make meet and greets a thousand dollars. Prince even rode a bike to his record store!
If you went to a live pop or hip hop concert and turned off the music, all A-Capella, what would you hear? Their is so much auto tune in music and in concerts that people can't hear it. Sometimes, but not always, the singer doesn't sing all or certain notes, they just hit the most popular ones. Now, its understandable that they are tired, but why put the extra noise or words in if they can't even sing them live? Isn't that what its all about, to perform an outstanding show for your fans? Why then are back-up voices needed?
Music, or any written work, should be to strengthen yourself and others that listen. Some musicians now tend not write things the way they should be sung. There could be a much stronger message than just "blah blah blah" thrown in a song just to add a beat. Writers should be able to express their opinion in a way that moves emotions, not just body parts.
Since history repeats itself hopefully we'll get some good old Soul, R&B, and Rock music back onto the top hits. But for now, try to throw in some oldies into your playlist, you won't regret it, I promise.