Why does most new music suck?

"What if I didn't have my old 'reference' points for comparison?"

I agree that not holding new music you hear up to comparison with one's existing musical reference points is key to being able to gain an appreciation for new music. Newer artists usually are influenced by older artists, but each is unique. Art is often about creativity and exploration, not fitting some existing mold.

I recall the allmusic.com site lists influence relationships among artists, which can be helpful for finding new acts one might like based on current likes and dislikes.

Maybe part of the problem with learning to like new music is that it involves some work perhaps on the listener's part to break their "mold". That may not appeal to all. That's fine, but I just do not see any value in asserting most new music sucks and then arguing about it. It's obviously a personal opinion that is of little value to others, though one is entitled to express their opinion, whatever it may be.

Todd,
if you had read my previous posts on this thread you'd know that I embrace some current artists and the concept of new music in general.

I do think there was more good stuff proportionally in the 50's, 60's and 70's than since. There was also a lot of bad stuff in those decades.

Hearing crap 'back in the day' and hearing it now brings you to the same conclusions. There's no mystery. We have plenty of examples from way back when too.

One thing for sure about most modern music compared to 60s and 70s classic rock, psychedelic is definitely not "in" these days. Not very groovy, baby.....

The silly part of this question is the absolutism "why does most music suck? is riridiculous. Thousand upon thousands of songs are written arranged and played for some music decision maker. That persom has to decide whether this or that song by th this or that artist will even have a remote chance of reaching our ears. Maybe most music is pretty decent but we just don't get to hear it!