Modern music is trash
Guest contributor Alize Shahzad shares her opinion on modern music and why it does not live up to the hype.
February 4, 2021
Read with caution. After reading this column, you might either despise me or surprisingly agree with me.
Music may soothe your soul, cause you to dance energetically, or even make you cry. Everyone has their own tastes in music and I completely understand why you might enjoy it whether it’s hip hop, rap, rock, or even country music. There are various genres of music that appeal to almost every single person in this world. I don’t have a specific favorite genre of music, but stuff from the 70’s, 80’s and some 90’s music is what I listen to the most.
Another thing I can tell you is that modern music is trash. Before this rant begins, I want to mention that I am delighted by some modern music because it is catchy and entertaining. However, most of today’s music is also full of autotune. That basically means that singers’ voices are mostly fake and they use autotune to correct the way they actually sound. What happened to the real talent?
Also, a lot of modern music just seems to sound the same. This is probably because singers find a way to appeal to people and they stick with it. There is no substance or emotion in a huge amount of songs; they are empty of meaning and repetitive. A lot of lyrics and videos are inappropriate as well. It’s so bad that my head could explode.
The lyrics and videos of music should inspire and move people, not brainwash them to think or be a certain way or even idolize them. Singers today mainly focus on their social media image rather than their true personality which is shown in older music.
What upsets me the most is that a multitude of young kids and people even my age don’t know about popular older singers and their music. Do you know who Led Zepplin, KISS, and Guns N’ Roses are? Do you know who ABBA, Elton John, and Cyndi Lauper are?
If not, I feel sorry for you. There are countless people and bands I can name, please do yourself a favor and listen to one of them. After listening to these songs, you might recognize them. We all know popular singers and bands like Queen, Micheal Jackson, Backstreet Boys and Whitney Houston, but there is an array of other singers and bands as well.
I can go on and on and on about why modern music is genuinely horrible. Oh well, all good things must come to an end, right?
Abby • Jul 26, 2023 at 8:21 pm
I am 16 and I have been listening to almost every kind of music from Nat King Cole, Tenacious D, Pink Floyd, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, ABBA, Boney M., Mary J. Blige, Sister Hazel, Blues Traveler, etc, literally almost everything. Yet, today’s music puts me in a category of wanting to close my ears. I love pop, but today’s rap is too much and very inappropriate. This reading was completely truthful, and I am glad somebody said something without being scared of what others were gonna say.
Ella • Jun 28, 2023 at 12:42 pm
I grew up on The Beatles, ABBA, The Carpenters, ELO, The Smiths.. Just been searching for an Adam Lambert song because it’s mentioned again and again – because it’s great – because it’s his best song, etc.. – found it and listened to it and heard a snippet of melody drowned in style over substance noise filler that left me feeling empty.
The art of the melody and the composition died when technology gave everyone the ability to reproduce sounds.
Henry • May 4, 2022 at 12:48 am
Without going into an analysis…. I totally agree that today’s music is generally annoying and hyped. It doesn’t feel good at all. As simple as that, for me. 70’s, 80’s and some 90’s… you rock!
Noob • Nov 19, 2021 at 9:50 am
to be honest, he isnt wrong. i mean the music world is slowly crumpling, but the people who can actually sing and play are lost in a sea of fake talent. most of the instruments you hear today in songs are just pre-recorded noises strung together. I mean, do you know max frost? (it depends on who you are, some of his songs are good but you might not like it). I believe things may get better but, i dont expect it anytime soon. im just 14 and i figured out how dark most music is, i mean there are hundreds of songs about death and drugs, its TICKING me off in an indescribable way. i cant sing or dance but, i miss the old heart and soul that was put into music. (sorry for the rant by the way)
Jake Mathis • Aug 16, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Agree wholeheartedly with this article. No experimentation with instruments, everything is the same bland crap. Of course there are a few exceptions, but too few and far between.
Rich Miller • Jul 29, 2021 at 12:41 pm
I don’t agree; beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Music, all music, is for enjoyment and sharing emotion.
Kiefer Datugan • Jun 29, 2021 at 7:20 am
Hi! I’m 14 Years Old I listen to old music rather than listening to today’s music because it’s loud, gross, and hurts my ears. I listen to songs especially from 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s, and early 2010’s those are better rather than today. I accept this opinion
Brian • Apr 23, 2021 at 10:11 pm
You’re absolutely correct. I pray we have a resurgence of a culture that is capable of inspiring. Without music the world can be a bleak place.