Once again, I found myself in the unfortunate situation of being subjected to a terrible song at the gym. This time, it was another one of those mind-numbingly over-Auto Tuned mumble rap tracks with no energy or melody. I couldn’t help but wonder, how could anyone actually enjoy this? Is this really what the younger generation listens to? It made me realize that maybe I’m just getting old.
This realization is particularly worrisome for me, as music is not just a personal preference, but also my profession. I spend an average of eight hours a day listening to all kinds of music, critically analyzing and evaluating it. I create programs and write articles about music, and I’m frequently invited to share my insights at various events and conferences. I need to stay up-to-date with everything happening in the music world.
However, despite my ability to maintain a neutral perspective most of the time, I must admit that a lot of contemporary music fails to resonate with me. It just doesn’t meet my standards. But I understand that every generation believes that their era of music is the best. This is a natural part of life, with older individuals disapproving of the music enjoyed by the younger ones.
Interestingly, this cycle of criticism towards new music has been happening for thousands of years. Plato, a philosopher from ancient times, expressed his concerns about how changes in music could negatively impact society. Even as far back as the fifth century, St. Basil wrote about how popular songs could corrupt people’s souls. And in the 19th century, John S. Dwight, a hymn composer, lamented how certain melodies could irritate sensitive individuals.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. As we get older, our engagement with music is often hindered by the responsibilities and demands of adult life. We simply don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to music like we used to. Furthermore, as we become more secure in our identities, we don’t rely on music to discover who we are or project our personalities.
Studies have shown that our musical tastes change as we age. By the time we reach 33, we start viewing new music as noise and begin reconnecting with the songs from our youth. Men tend to criticize modern music earlier than women, with many declaring that the music from their younger days was superior. Around the age of 42, there is a slight inclination to rebel against middle age and try to stay “cool” by embracing new music again. However, this attempt usually doesn’t last long, and we eventually succumb to nostalgia.
Of course, not everyone follows this pattern. Some people remain avid fans of new music throughout their lives, constantly adapting to trends and embracing new sounds. Others may notice similarities between newer music and older styles, leading them to question the originality and progression of culture.
In the end, it’s all part of the cycle of life. We should embrace it, accept it, and listen to the music that brings us joy. And if we feel the urge to complain, maybe we should consider this analysis and remember that music, like everything else, evolves with time.
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