Explaining the phenomenon of subpar quality in pop music to a significant other can be a delicate task. However, with the following guidelines, the message can be conveyed effectively and objectively.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the definition of “good” music is subjective and varies from person to person. Pop music, by definition, is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s and is characterized by its simple, catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms.
In the realm of pop music, commercial success often takes precedence over musical quality. Pop songs are designed to be highly accessible and appealing to a broad audience, and as a result, they may lack the depth and complexity of other musical genres.
According to a study published in the journal “Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts,” the level of musical sophistication in pop music has decreased over the past few decades. The study found that pop songs have become less musically complex, with simpler chord progressions, fewer chord changes, and a greater emphasis on repetitive hooks and chorus sections.
Additionally, the pop music industry is heavily influenced by music production techniques and technology. With the advent of digital audio workstations and sophisticated production software, it has become easier for musicians to create polished and highly commercial recordings. However, this has also led to a homogenization of sound in the pop genre, with many pop songs sounding similar due to the use of similar production techniques.
It’s also worth noting that the pop music industry is driven by financial incentives, with record labels and radio stations focusing on promoting music that will generate the most revenue. This often results in a saturation of the market with formulaic and unoriginal pop songs, which can dilute the overall quality of the genre.
In conclusion, while the notion that most pop music is not “good” is a matter of personal opinion, it is evident that the pop genre is heavily influenced by commercial success, music production techniques, and financial incentives. As a result, the level of musical sophistication and originality in pop music may be lower compared to other musical genres.
Sources:
- Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts journal, “The Great Simplification: Analysis of Popular Music Suggests a Decrease in Musical Complexity over Time” (2017)
- Oxford Music Online, “Pop Music” definition (2021)
