Today's Artists Can't Offer Viable Vocal Record
Lauren Keaton
If I want to make a soundtrack of my life when I am 50, songs which would capture feelings and moments in my journey, I honestly don't think I could make an effective collection - and it makes me envious of previous generations, people living when music meant something.
I love '90s-to-now pop hits; they are fun and entertaining, making me an MTV addict... but amusement is where it stops.
Innovation and a relevant voice are lacking in today's music.
When my parents and grandparents were young, Elvis was the innovator.
His radical hip-shaking, magnetic good-looks and sultry vocals changed the face of music.
I love '90s-to-now pop hits; they are fun and entertaining, making me an MTV addict... but amusement is where it stops.
Innovation and a relevant voice are lacking in today's music.
When my parents and grandparents were young, Elvis was the innovator.
His radical hip-shaking, magnetic good-looks and sultry vocals changed the face of music.
(AP Photo)
GREAT BEAT, WEAK MESSAGE: Pop superstar Justin Timberlake’s songs are catchy, but lack passion, like many of his fellow ’90s-to-now hit singers.
Then in the '80s, Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, took over. Not on the same level as Elvis, of course, but a mover and shaker nonetheless.
Now, it is time for the next pacesetter to revamp pop music as we know it, and where are they?
Nowhere... and Britney Spears doesn't count.
In the '60s and '70s, songs changed the way people thought and changed society; artists sent messages through their lyrics.
Music was timeless.
Songs from Elvis to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Hendrix will never lose their luster.
My father still has his Zeppelin albums and listens to them now, 40 years later.
Looking through my iPod, I don't think I will be listening to any of it in 2047.
The difference lies in meaning of songs back then, maybe not always through lyrics, but at least through passion.
Now, lyrics are unmoving and weak.
Now, it is time for the next pacesetter to revamp pop music as we know it, and where are they?
Nowhere... and Britney Spears doesn't count.
In the '60s and '70s, songs changed the way people thought and changed society; artists sent messages through their lyrics.
Music was timeless.
Songs from Elvis to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Hendrix will never lose their luster.
My father still has his Zeppelin albums and listens to them now, 40 years later.
Looking through my iPod, I don't think I will be listening to any of it in 2047.
The difference lies in meaning of songs back then, maybe not always through lyrics, but at least through passion.
Now, lyrics are unmoving and weak.
FERGIE
Even something as basic as a love song seems flat now.
I listen to John Mayer, who sounds emotional and connected with his music, but it isn't strong enough.
Mayer crooning "your body is a wonderland" does not compare to Bon Jovi singing "when you breathe I want to be the air for you."
So the alternative is Justin Timberlake, Diddy (formerly other names, among them "Puff Daddy"), Fergie and Ludacris... all catchy, yes. But, these "love" songs are mostly about sex, and in a thoughtless way.
Ballads in the '80s and before oozed with so much passion they could speak to anyone.
Fifteen to 20 years ago, I was too young to really understand most songs, but I would always sing along with the radio... causing me to focus on lyrics so I could remember them.
Looking back now, I probably shouldn't have been singing Genesis' "I Can't Dance" as a 5-year-old.
But, on a broader note, my curiosity for understanding musical messages still applies today.
Trust me - this is very unusual for most 20-somethings, which is unfortunate.
A friend once told me her favorite love song was 2006 rock single "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder. I laughed and told her she might want to pay a little closer attention. If she did, she would know it is a song about cheating.
On the other hand, my favorite song is "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers.
Now those were guys who knew how to write a love song- and one that is still so exquisite. Like I said: timeless.
That is not the case with Timberlake's "Sexy Back." I couldn't get enough last summer, now I cringe.
That's why I don't buy CDs anymore.
Why would I spend $15-$20 on something I won't listen to past the weekend?
iTunes is a beautiful thing, just for that reason.
I buy a single for less than a dollar and when I get sick of it, it's moved off the playlist.
But, it just shows how disposable recent hits are.
What we have to remember, though, is that musicians can only be successful if the public enjoys it.
They are not being held accountable by us, so they do what works. And apparently, what they are doing works by our standards (seemingly low as they are).
So, as I put my soundtrack plans on hold, I am hopeful within the next 30 years, some kind of passion will return.
But, in the mean time, you'll find me on iTunes, rotating my playlists.
I listen to John Mayer, who sounds emotional and connected with his music, but it isn't strong enough.
Mayer crooning "your body is a wonderland" does not compare to Bon Jovi singing "when you breathe I want to be the air for you."
So the alternative is Justin Timberlake, Diddy (formerly other names, among them "Puff Daddy"), Fergie and Ludacris... all catchy, yes. But, these "love" songs are mostly about sex, and in a thoughtless way.
Ballads in the '80s and before oozed with so much passion they could speak to anyone.
Fifteen to 20 years ago, I was too young to really understand most songs, but I would always sing along with the radio... causing me to focus on lyrics so I could remember them.
Looking back now, I probably shouldn't have been singing Genesis' "I Can't Dance" as a 5-year-old.
But, on a broader note, my curiosity for understanding musical messages still applies today.
Trust me - this is very unusual for most 20-somethings, which is unfortunate.
A friend once told me her favorite love song was 2006 rock single "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder. I laughed and told her she might want to pay a little closer attention. If she did, she would know it is a song about cheating.
On the other hand, my favorite song is "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers.
Now those were guys who knew how to write a love song- and one that is still so exquisite. Like I said: timeless.
That is not the case with Timberlake's "Sexy Back." I couldn't get enough last summer, now I cringe.
That's why I don't buy CDs anymore.
Why would I spend $15-$20 on something I won't listen to past the weekend?
iTunes is a beautiful thing, just for that reason.
I buy a single for less than a dollar and when I get sick of it, it's moved off the playlist.
But, it just shows how disposable recent hits are.
What we have to remember, though, is that musicians can only be successful if the public enjoys it.
They are not being held accountable by us, so they do what works. And apparently, what they are doing works by our standards (seemingly low as they are).
So, as I put my soundtrack plans on hold, I am hopeful within the next 30 years, some kind of passion will return.
But, in the mean time, you'll find me on iTunes, rotating my playlists.
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