Pop Music: Is It Truly Authentic? - Essay Sample

Introduction

The article read before in this discussion has a clear objective to challenge the authenticity of pop music, any form of music that is considered popular or liked by many. Think songs of artists like; Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Timberlake. Now and then, Music is under study by professionals, e.g., how to make music that makes sense to the listener(s) but at the same time, sweet to the ear. An anonymous person once said Music is food to the soul. He was right. In my opinion. It is such a beautiful thing, so much so that in Greek Mythology, there is a god of Music, Apollo. Imagine that?

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What do you think is the most important thing to remember from the reading? Why? What struck you about it? Be specific

Reading the article posted concerning the assignment has pointed out some essential things that I intend to commit to memory. First of all, is that Music is an indispensable art for humanity. It should be given as much importance as any other art in all its forms( jazz, rock, rhumba, soul, etc.). The reason for this is that I am now more convinced that art is what brings color to life. As someone said, quote on a quote, 'It touches parts of your heart in ways that no other art form can.' If Music plays a role in the health of people, then it should be preserved and improved. The best thing anyone could ever do is what they do the next time a chance shows.

Second, two music icons mentioned gave their opinions on what works and what does not work to create quality music. One David Grohl even gave two contradicting views. I think it is because he is not sure of what he stands for at an intrinsic level. Another, Bruce Springsteen said that music should be approached in no particular fashion but with a 'just do it' attitude. The result is people trying to conform. Artists are going into a genre they were not born to do or artists that can sing, limiting their song to electronic accompaniments. One needs to think for themselves no matter what anyone, even an expert, says. But a balance should be struck between listening to constructive criticism or sound advice and autonomy in decision making.

With which items do you agree in the reading? Why? What struck you about it? Be specific

One agreeable thing is the issue of Auto-tuning in music production. It makes sense to use things that can enhance the quality of Music. It might sound like saying 'fake it till you make' it. However, the truth is that only a select few individuals across the world can sing without dependence on electronic equipment to improve voice quality. Human beings have limited physical ability, so there is no harm relying on auto-tuning to produce better Music. Just like it is not wrong to add nutritional supplements to one's diet.

With which items do you disagree? Why? What struck you about it?

I am in disagreement with the issue of giving all the credit to the artist alone after a song becomes a success. It is a reiteration of an earlier point but elaborated in another way. It is vital to give all the factors of success due recognition, including people, from compensation to appreciation in person. Like in the case Elvis ( Presley), who never met with two of his songwriters, emotional intelligence accredits the importance of gratitude when it comes to success. It is, however, unfortunate that these intangible yet priceless virtues are outranked by money and fame that rules the music industry.

What information from the reading do you find interesting? Why? What struck you about it?

The most interesting thing I would recall is; that many of the music icons of the world, Rihanna have never written any of their songs. It is interesting how they own the songs so well on stage like a mother reads her child. Something else of interest is the mention that Michael Jackson's biggest hit, 'Thriller' was the works of another person. Life is interesting. Success is even more interesting out of the fact that most things that come to increase our fulfillment may often fail to come from within. Contrary to what some philosophers say that all you need is within you.

Which items or information in the reading was confusing? Why?

The most confusing part of what I have gathered from reading the article, apart from some complex words is, it seems there is a specific way of producing Music. At the same time, again, there is no particular way. One music authority figure says that when it comes to Music, you 'just do it.' What of the three most essential aspects of Harmony, Rhythm and Melody, in Music? It is confusing because, if the 'just do it' notion applies, it looks like some rules of good Music will be broken.