Project two: Music in modern contexts

Pop versus Classical

The online Macmillan Dictionary (2009) describes pop music as:

“a type of music, usually played on electronic instruments, that is popular with many people because it consists of short songs with a strong beat and simple tunes that are easy to remember. Pop music is often simply called pop.”

Although I would agree with this definition on the whole, I disagree with the statement about electronic instruments.   I feel as though true ‘pop’ music is an evolving entity and therefore cannot be necessarily attributed to a particular group of instruments.  For example the current trends seem to lean toward the acoustic guitar with a lone singer, whilst during the 80’s pop was linked to electronica and synthesizers.  I would therefore argue that pop music itself is more about the vocal contributions than the actual instruments used. 

Classical music however, is described by the Oxford Dictionaries [online] as:

“serious music following long-established principles rather than a folk, jazz, or popular tradition.” 

In my experience of classical music I have found a great many depths within this genre.  Whilst some pieces do strictly follow traditional principles of music, composers such as Bartok attempted to defy these conventions in order to create a new sound.    It would be impossible to try and classify classical music into one concise definition as it contains so many variations and styles. 

Although there are a great many differences between ‘pop’ and ‘classical’ music, I return to my early point about pop music being an ‘evolving entity’, and would suggest that ‘classical’ music was actually the ‘pop’ of its era. 

Research Point: Pop vs. Classical

In my opinion, what constitutes a good classical piece and pop song is the feeling that it evokes within the listener.  These pieces of music come in many shapes and sizes from the ‘cheesy’ pop of Taylor Swift’s Trouble (2013) to Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14: Moonlight Sonata (1801), but no matter what the genre or date of publication, all of these pieces arouse strong emotions.

It is tempting to say that today most music is focused around the affairs of the heart; namely the heartache or joy of love.  However, when looking into the origins of pieces throughout time, it is clear that this theme is nothing new.  Many classical pieces were written and dedicated to lost and newly found lovers. 

However, I believe the commercial success of ‘pop’ music is an entirely different thing to what constitutes a good song.  Today’s 'pop’ audiences seem to favour heavy bass lines, synthesizers and very basic vocal patterns.  It seems that creating an ‘easy-to-remember’ tune and ‘singable’ lyrics is the key to success in the current climate.  However, just 5 years ago ‘pop’ music was focused around a more minimal style of pianos or acoustic guitars.  Previous to the ‘Brit pop’ era and ‘90’s rave crazes’, these ‘phases’ date right back to the 50’s and 60’s.

It could be argued that the Beatles were amongst the first ‘pop acts’ as they provided relatable music for the masses.  It seems that, when listening to the early Beatles works, they had a passion to create something different following the huge success of ‘rock and roll’, whilst breaking the conventions of more classical styles.

Whether ‘classical’ or ‘pop’ music (or any other genre), my opinion of a piece of music is subjective to my mood.  If I am feeling elated, I want to hear a piece of joyous and rhythmic music. However if I wish to be more contemplative, I might choose to listen to a piece with a more melodic and intricate nature. 

Exercise: The qualities of pop music

Adele – Rolling in the Deep (2010)

The soulful lyrics of this song are, in my opinion, what makes this such a great song.  The listener is instantly transported into the same mindset as Adele, feeling the pain and frustration of love.  The instrumentals in this song are very minimalistic, but provide strong rhythmic patterns and, like many pop songs, is based on a 4-chord progression, repeating throughout.  I feel that the simplicity of the music works well with this style of song as the lyrics play ‘the main role’. 

Bruno Mars – Grenade (2010)

In contrast to Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, Bruno Mars' Grenade carries a lighter and more optimistic view of love.  This song is also based on a very simple chord pattern and follows the verse-bridge-chorus pattern.  What I noticed about this song was that the pitch of the instruments was much higher than that of Adele, featuring instruments such as the glockenspiel, which adds to the ‘mood’ of the song, helping to create the bright and happy feel intended.  

Taylor Swift – I Knew You Were Trouble (2013)

Although extremely simple, this song has proved to be a huge hit with pop fans. I would suggest that its popularity is due to the catchy repeating bass line and drumming patterns teamed with the easy to remember lyrics.  Although this song is about heartbreak, it actually reflects this is quite an upbeat way, which contrasts to some of Adele’s works.  

Rihanna – Diamonds (2012)

Personally, I find it difficult to listen to this song the whole way through.  Although the actual instrumental section provides quite nice harmony to the lyrics, the shrill tones and badly written lyrics provide a joke-like quality to the song.

Tinie Tempah – Pass Out (2010)

I would consider this piece of music to be ‘suburban rap for the masses’.  To me this song lacks any form of melodic value in either the vocals or the backing music.  Instead, the listener is subjected to a low-pitched drone for 4 minutes with a performer talking out lyrics about girls and parties behind a baseball cap and plastic sunglasses.  This suggests that image could play a more pivotal role in the popularity of such 'music'.

Despite my opinions of the songs listed above, they have all been hugely popular with recent audiences.  Whilst looking at each song I was able to notice a number of similarities, which I believe are the reasons for their success.  These are:

·       Each song contains a very simple chord progression patterns that repeats throughout.

·       The rhythm of the song is very clear throughout.

·       The lyrics (at least the chorus) are very clear, relatable and easy to remember.