Has music declined since the mid 90s?
I’m not sure about the decline of music, because it seems like you are just talking about rock music. But I guess it’s all subjective, because some people actually like emo/screamo/whatever mo, because it expresses their feelings well, much like how Kurt et al did for those back in ’91. I think Nirvana revolutionised song-writing (especially the quiet/loud juxtaposing verse/chorus), but really, not all of their songs are that great. But then again, I’m a fan of melody, so songs like Anuerysm don’t really do anything for me. Nowadays, everything sounds formulaic because nobody seems to be in it for the long run. They want to get their fame and money NOW, so the best way is to use a tried-and-tested, rather than come up with anything vaguely original or influential in any way. Still, it will probably take three albums to see any real change to musical style anyway. Even the Beatles didn’t dramatically really change their formula until Beatles For Sale (album #4), and even then it wasn’t
I agree that there was a decline in the late 90s/early 00s, but I think quality music is on the rise again, especially since indie has become popular. I also think that rap/hip-hop is improving thanks to artists like Kanye West. Also, since the invention of iTunes and other similar music sharing/purchasing sites, more great music has been able to reach the masses, therefore expanding personal tastes and allowing for more emerging artists to become famous. Plus, there are no more boy bands, which we all can be thankful for!
I agree with you; Nirvana, in a way, did change music for the worse. In fact, the entire grunge scene spurred an interest in playing guitars dirty (which could really be achieved in the grunge scene). Nirvana was a good band; probably one of the best, but Nirvana was the main musical influence of Generation X. Not to mention “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, one of the greatest songs influentially, a great song musically, and a totally indecipherable song lyrically, became so popular, that one song literally changed music, turning people to alternative rock. And as good as alternative rock can be, it can also be really bad.
I feel that the 70’s was the best music era of all time, you could walk into Sam the Record man store, which is closed now and know everything on the shelf, now well it’s the quality of music now, everyone is doing it, reality shows and half of those people have no talent….singing should be upfront, then showmanship, dancing and other side shows…..but being 51 maybe im biased. The canadaian boys Stampeders saw them the other day and they were great.
I think so. Music from 00 and above has become more formulaic than in times before to me. Especially if we’re talking about alternative music. If you turn on MTV (when they actually show videos) and watch some of the alternative music videos, it’s all predictable. They all look the same and just by their sound you can trace back exactly who they are trying to sound like. I don’t think Nirvana changed music for the worst, but I think they did spawn this movement of every male rock musician on the radio trying to sound like Kurt and thinking playing two chords over and over again in a song makes it great because Kurt could do it.
