Is music becoming too mainstream and predictable?

Dylan Snyder
Staff Writer     

      Many people claim to not like one type of music or another just because they say it is the same thing or all that artists talks about is the same. Some others like myself  just listen to the music and put that fact aside. Yes, the songs may all be “the same,” but there is always a slight difference. A person could also listen because the tune itself is catchy or sounds good with the words. They often get stuck in your head, and you end up liking the song them afterwards. Still others just listen to all the songs put out by an artist because they have learned to like them from their past songs or have a personal connection. Many people from Cleveland like MGK because he is from there,  people around here like J. cole and others may feel a connection to an artist because they have the same type of life experiences or similar  situations. In any type of music , those artists who are unique or stand out become most popular.

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      Country music is a genre that people either love or totally hate. Often times it is said to be too predictable in the fact that all the songs are all about trucks, tractors, and the South. This can be pretty accurate, but the inspiration and thought for these songs is from life experiences. A country artist does not make stuff up or write a song on what he or she thinks living in the south or country might be like; they have life stories and experiences. The other argument often stated is that country has become more like pop. This is partly true in the way that the songs are arranged .The tune in the background sounds like pop, but most of the singers still have Southern roots and include lyrics about growing up in the South  or on a farm. Some notable artists in this genre include George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Justin Moore. They stand out because their style is much like traditional country and they are good at telling stories, teaching lessons, or getting in touch with someone on a personal level in their songs.
      Rap music is another genre that people talk about being too predictable or the same all the time. Not only do many critics and often times adults dislike the language, but they say it is always about girls, guns, drugs, or partying. It is understandable if they do not want their kid hearing this in most of the songs and think this is an example of how to live an ordinary life.  Kids and younger adults often times enjoy the music just because it is catchy or that it has become really popular. It would be hard not to know a song or get into that type of music if you hear it in movies, TV commercials, or when riding or hanging out with friends.  Yes, the critics are not lying when they say the songs are about the same things, but if you appreciate the artists background, musical style, or just get joy out of listening, this can be a great music genre for you. Some notable artists in this genre include Eminem, Tupac, and J. Cole. They stand out because they often focus on their life struggles and experiences and connect with many people on a personal level.
      There is always critics and examples of how you can chastize a song for being mainstream or the same. Everyone just has to find who they can listen to and find enjoyment in. The other thing to remember is that critics of something usually do not enjoy what they are criticizing. Most likely the people who are critics of the examples in this article are from an older generation. They do not appreciate rap for obvious reasons and have a hard time accepting how country and other genres have changed and evolved. Overall, music is an opinion and something personal. There is no right or wrong or good or bad type. Everyone cannot agree, and nobody has the right to tell you what to like or to  listen to. These people’s opinions do have truth to them, but it is up to you whether you agree with them or not or let it affect your music taste.