Music Mania

Is modern music losing its originality?

Photo by Kristina Colburn

photo illustration

Story by Blaise Larry-Cox, Staff Writer

Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a means of expression, emotional release and cultural identity. With the advent of technology, the music industry has undergone rapid change and growth, leading to an explosion of new genres and subcultures. However, despite this growth and diversity, it can be argued that modern music is “overrated.”

One of the main criticisms of modern music is that it lacks originality and creativity. Many songs today are produced using computer-generated sounds and pre-written templates, leading to a generalization of the music landscape. There is the idea that music has become monotonous, with artists relying on tried-and-true formulas to create hits, rather than taking risks and exploring new musical avenues. This leads to a lack of individuality in the music, with many songs sounding similar and lacking the unique qualities that made earlier musical genres so appealing and engaging.

Another criticism of modern music is that it places too much emphasis on style over substance. Many artists today focus more on their image, fashion and personal brand, rather than the quality of their music. This has led to a saturation of the market with shallow, manufactured, “industry plants,” who are more concerned with maintaining their fame and fortune than producing meaningful, impactful music.

Furthermore, some argue that the music industry itself is overrated. The commercialization of music has led to a focus on profit over artistic expression. Record labels and streaming services prioritize popular, mainstream artists, while independent and underground artists struggle to gain recognition and praise. This has led to a limited selection of artists dominating the charts, and a limited range of musical genres receiving airplay and exposure.

However, despite these criticisms, it is important to remember that modern music is not a singular entity. There are still many talented and innovative musicians creating unique and thought-provoking music today. In particular, the rise of independent artists and online streaming services has made it easier for these musicians to reach a wider audience and gain recognition for their work. With the ease of getting exposure with social media, more artists are being heard now than ever before.

In conclusion, while it is true that modern music has its shortcomings, it is also true that there are still many talented and innovative musicians creating music that is worthy of recognition and appreciation. The overrating of modern music is opinionated, and ultimately, the value of music is in the ear of the listener. What may seem overrated to one person may hold great value and meaning to another. Ultimately, music is a matter of personal taste and preference, and it is up to each individual to determine what is and is not worth their time and attention.