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Is today’s contemporary music lacking?

I listen to various genres of music, and I am a big fan of rock/pop from the 1950s to today.

When I turn in the radio to hear new pop/rock songs, I often hear “monotonous” verses with minimal melody repeated again and again (4x) then the chorus not quite matching the music of the verses. The artist seems to try using a good voice trying to make the song sound good but these songs seem to lack a good “melody”. Anybody else notice this?

Also, because pop/rock music is well established, is it more difficult nowadays to create new good melodies - are artists running out of creative ideas?  This thought has often crossed my mind whenever I hear another song remake.
kennyc
stuartk
3,510 posts
 
"That music you think classic was the unimaginative racket made by untalented, lazy people etc. your parents struggled with."

I recall my parents bringing home a newly-released, early Beatles record
and after lowering the needle, declared that the record must be defective!

Needless to say, there was nothing wrong with the record. They simply weren't able to conect with the music.

I had a similar experience in a workplace where most of my co-workers were considerable younger. They'd praise bands like Primus and Sonic Youth.  I was mostly listening to Jazz at the time, which included some fairly outside stuff, but still, I couldn't hang with what they enjoyed.    
stuartk
3,510 posts
 
   "The artist seems to try using a good voice trying to make the song sound good but these songs seem to lack a good “melody."

Rick Beato's recently-posted interview with Pat Metheny includes a very  interesting discussion of melody. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEgalcH_-b4


bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,277 posts
 
@stuartk:  Beato's videos are fantastic! I watch at least one a day, often learning a lot.
stuartk
3,510 posts
 
Yeah. I was first drawn to the channel because I play guitar but quickly realized his channel had as much to offer me as a music-lover.  I haven't come across anyone who's doing what he does. 
stuartk
3,510 posts
 
"...if one diligently seeks out lesser known artists, there is a wealth of good musicians/songwriters to be found".

So true.  And in fact, this was the case in the 60's and 70's as well !  

This opinion probably won't be welcomed but I believe my fellow Boomers who never look beyond radio play and then complain that "there's no good music" are just being lazy.

Especially given that now there are so many more resources for seeking out music. Way back when, you had to actually know somebody who knew about the good stuff that wasn't on the radio and was willing to teach you.

At this point, there's no excuse. 

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