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Week 8 [02.12 – 08.12.2019] No, not all popular music sounds the same.

A very common opinion is that all pop music sounds the same. I think it's worth taking a closer look and see how this genre has changed over the years, even if you don't listen to this type of music on a daily basis. I invite you to view the analysis prepared by misteramazing.

Questions:
1. What do you think about the analysis?
2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?

Comments

August Micota said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
August Micota said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
It's interesting, i've already seen it in the past so i knew the outcome but it is intriguing.

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
It's impossible. If in the history of the world even if everyone in the planet played an instrument for a million years, even then we wouldn't play an promil of every possibility, so i don't agree with that.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
Of course otherwise it would be boring.
Yubin said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
I like to comment about music, this question depends on whether you are academic on music or not, for the normal people, we enjoy pop music, we only care if it sounds beautiful. For the academic ones, technically every pop music is formed the same way, the difference is music arrangement, you don't need to learn tons of music theory which is also like a math subject to compose pop music, most pop music's chord progression are the same, you can even compose music without chord progression, you just need fresh idea and interesting music video, beacuase the new generation like it this way, for example Billie Eilish's music. To talk about this much clearer, usually Pop musician can not compose Jazz music, but Jazz musician can compose Pop music, because Jazz is just combination of huge music theory and improvisation which Pop music doesn't have. If you are interested, you could google "Jazz standards" and try to listen to any of them to feel the difference between Jazz and Pop, I recommend "Autumn Leaves" or "How insensitive"

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I totally not agree, it is impossible, music is a language, in other word, what you meant is that "Every sentence has already been said". An ordinary Pop music is usually composed with less than 10 chords, it is already impossible about this opinion, and as a metal music player, there is 6 kinds of metal I used to play, they never sounds the same, and there is history, culture, religion and so on behind each of them, when it comes to classical and jazz music, it is more impossible.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
I believe that music is emotional mathematics, mathematics is rational music, since mathematics evolves and changes over time, so it is also good that music evolves and changes over time, what I only hope is that we don't evolve music into commercialization.
Yubin said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Yubin said…
Or try to find out the difference between jazz and pop/rock version of the same song.
example:Dream theatre-wither
origin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-boKk8uhmcY
jazz version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5UfqW4Bcx0
1. What do you think about the analysis?
Interesting.
2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
No I do not think so. It is based on same beat or sequence but composing music is so complex that in whole human history we still haven't played everything we knew.
3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
Yes, as we can see it has a big impact on society as music changes like trends and outfits, we had jazz decade, later rock and metal, then pop started to being more popular and right now electro music.
1. The analysis is very interesting and the production is of high quality, so I might check this channel for more movies.

2. In theory there is a finite amount of sounds that we can produce and invent, however even if two songs are composed from the very same sounds, they can sound differently because of the voice or musician's performance.

3. Yes, I think it is good, because everyone is able to find something for themselves.
I wasn't interesting in evolution of music. But this video gave me some knowledge, so it was useful. Before I've watched this video time to time I thought like this. But now I've changed my mind. Seems like out there not everything has already been played. Some times I bump into something new for me even if it's old enough. And this new song doesn't sound like other one. And then I hear new hit and it's an amazing and certainly trap, XD. The conclusion is this is great that music evolves and changes. We all like new and fresh staff.
Jakub Kisiała said…
1. It is interesting, but at the same time strange. I think rather normal people don't care about such statements. The fact that different songs sound similar doesn't interest them. They just listen to what they like.
2. I think not because every now and then new sounds are created. They are somewhat similar to existing ones, but so what?
3. I think so. Music is entertainment, and entertainment is for people. Who change, if they want different music, it must evolve.
S20108
Maciej Sadoś said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
I think the analysis is good and interesting but I feel like the author took the word "pop" too literally. I mean, we colloquially say that pop songs sound the same but people just call it pop while they mean every other genre like dance and so on.. Or maybe it's just in my area where we don't distinguish genres.. (:

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I don't agree with that, I believe the posibilities are endless and that people will always produce something new. I often feel like wow some song is so perfect that it will be hard to make a new masterpiece like that in a futute, but it always end the same - the new songs are made and they are fresh, better and not the same.
Nowadays it is also popular to make songs based on samples from some old songs. But I believe it's not because there's no more chords and sounds, but because nostalgia is something that sells well and that brings good memories and vibes. And when packed with fresh beat it ends in a nice new creations.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
It's definitely good, how would the world look like if we only played the same sounding songs over and over again.
Kyrylo said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
In my opinion, it would be better if everybody just listened to what they like, without the concern of the others.
2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I partially agree with that -- mostly from what You hear is a mix of different approaches in different (or sometimes, in between) genres.
3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
It is merely a result of natural course of things, which is, well, good.
Yurii Gevtsi said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
I think it was quite interesting, although I'd never attach any importance to this before.

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I don't think that this is true, although really a lot of songs are similar. Now very few people come up with a truly new one, often people just borrow something from other songs, combine something from other genres. I know one good expression that will be appropriate not only for music but also as a whole "All new is well forgotten old."

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
Yes, this is definitely good, I often look for something new, because when I listen the same songs all the time, they start to bother me.
Roman Dubovyi said…
1. The research is interesting. But still it’s a bit pointless. The matter of taste is not a subject to be argued upon, I think, especially when it comes to music.

2. There is only 7 notes, still music didn’t end. I hope you see the point I am making.

3. Of course it’s good. However I wouldn’t call it evolution. Evolution means improvement and increase in complexity. Times when music was complex and when you had to dedicate life to it(like Bach, Mozart, Chopin) are long gone.
What came instead is diversity. And that’s good, because everyone can pick something for himself.
1. The topic of the study is interesting, although I'm not sure if compering top songs can lead to an accurate conclusion. Those songs became famous for some reason, they were catchy or fresh, therefore they will vary from each other. However, if we would to compare less popular songs they would sound more similar. To be honest, to me, songs in the video did sound the same, but I'm a metalhead, so I'm not familiar with this kind of music.

2. No. In every moment in history, we thought that nothing more can be done. When Wright Brothers came up with working plane people thought that that's the peak of human technology and yet we are now working towards colonizing mars. The fact that we can't imagine what else can be done, doesn't mean that nothing else will be created. However, it is undoubtedly harder now, as the easiest solutions are already taken.

3. Music, such as any other form of art, constantly evolves. It has to be like this. Artists look for different solutions and ideas to make a unique creation and match current tastes. Although we can still listen to classics if we don't fancy new music.
s15052 said…
1. Check other videos by misteramazing. I really like that one about LofiHiphop or Ressonance song.
2. Hmm kind of impossible, but still in today's music there are a lot of sampled or remixed parts from older songs.
Thank you ;)
s15052 said…
Wow, that's a loooong answer :))
I agree with what you wrote about the pop/jazz musicians. I used to learn music theory. I checked those songs, they are really nice.
Haha 3 or 4 chords are mostly enough for pop music. Im not really into metal music so I dont know what it looks like there.
Hmm there is nothing wrong with commercialization I think, musicians and artists just want to make money from what they love.
Thank you for such an extensive and long comment.
Angelika Dutt said…
I've seen a similar analysis before, and I find it quite interesting. It's nice to analyze these pieces together, because when we listen to them, we can't see the differences.

I don't agree with this statement, if someone says that every music sounds the same, I think they have very bad ears. First of all, every artist has a different tone of voice, which already makes a difference.

On the one hand, it's nice that the music is changing. Unfortunately, personally I prefer older music and I'm sad that currently there are no more such hits.

1.It's interesting research but actually I think it makes no sense to compare music because it is simply pointless. From my point of view the songs that is nominated to become popular nowadays "must have dummy beat and a lot of repeated words". Basically strange dummy music with 0 sence make it popular.

2. I would assume that type of beats and lyrics are becoming trivial and boring. For example those RAP R&B artists, they all have dummy beat with lyrics that is not really easy to follow it's meaning. I think we live in "era" when people just copy their music and just trying to add more vulgar bass beats and words.
3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
Actually it is good, but I'm afraid it is changing in wrong way. People tend to listen strange melodies and music. That "kills" the real art of music and it is really sad.
Roman Batyuk said…
1. The analysis is very precise but I think if you ask to do the same research 100 people the results would be definitely different. And that is what I like in people - diversity. You can always find something new, maybe similar to what you knew already, but still new. The same with the music.

2. There are a lot of 'copy and paste' songs but as I said there is a lot of similar music and it is wonderful.

3. Of course, it is good. Everyone can find what he likes. But my personal first place goes to Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Jimi Hendrix.

1. What do you think about the analysis?
I think he did a good job and the analysis itself is very deep. I like the way he categorized music and that he took to consideration great amount of songs.

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I don't agree with that. We still can experience new subgenres being created, for example mainstream hip hop nowadays is completely different than that was created about 5 years ago. And it's just one genre, which is a narrow scope of music. When we take to consideration genres like experimental rock, or general experimental music we often can experience something completely different than we are familiar with.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
I think it's a good thing. Sometimes it evolves in a way that I really don't like, but when that happens I just avoid this kind of music. I believe evolution in music is a completely natural process and fighting with it makes no sense.
1. This analysis is pretty interesting, considering that the guy making this went deep into the topic of analysing song thoughout the time.

2. I totally agree with that. Most common example is the whole rock genre which is considered to be "done". Most of the people can't figure out nowadays where to go with the music, often times doing weird experiments like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard's success.

3. I do like that music evolves, because it doesn't get monotone. But for some cases music stays in place like rock and rap.
Iryna Lehusha said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
It's a pretty interesting research. But I think it's a more entertaining video and doesn't carry accurate information. But it is just my opinion.

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
Well, I don't agree with this opinion, I think we still can come up with new genres, experiment with music and style. Now mostly music is from the category "copy and paste the most popular song". I'm sure there's gonna be a lot of new and interesting music in the near future.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
Of course, it is a natural process. Everything in our world is changing. Music also has evolution, but even if you do not like some changes, you can still listen to music that you like. It can be music from the 80s or music from last month. 
Mateusz Szych said…
1. It's interesting. Sometimes I listen to the comparison of how music has changed over the years.

2. We're still seeing something new, so I can't agree with this statement. Everything is always changing, so music too.

3. Stagnation is bad. Changes are needed, so the music should change. Music would be boring if it didn't develop.
Bartosz Warda said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?

Let's say I like some pop songs. When it comes to creating music, the scientist had a completely different approach and another ordinary person. Sometimes good hearing is enough and great songs are created. After graduation, it will be a completely different story.

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?

I do not agree with that. There are so many countless music combinations that I don't think it will ever run out. For so many centuries it was created and did not repeat itself, so for many centuries I think that it will not happen again. Especially when we are dealing with an increasingly new technique.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?

It is fantastic, that music evolves and changes over the time. Probably everyone would like to know how it will sound in 1000 years.
dominik.samsel said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?

1. It really amazes me how people can technical and still be very interesting to listen, watch. It was great material and if you're interested in subject I also recommend video about deconstructing the best hip hop tracks of all time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWveXdj6oZU

2. Counterargument for this would just that there are plenty of great tracks, pieces of music that is being created everyday. If you're not satisfied with genres today, you're bored of rock, don't like pop maybe you should try indie, experiment with electronic music. What is simply the best in music that there is never an end in discovering new pearls.

3. I think it's good, but I would definitely bring back some popular genres back then. What I would give away if only some David Bowie v2 existed or I found new Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Personally I'm not fan of popular music nowadays and I'm waiting for new wave. Hope it's close.
Paweł Hadacz said…
1. What do you think about the analysis?
I think the analysis is very interesting.
2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I think this is a wrong opinion because new songs are constantly being made and although they may not be revealing, each is different in its own way.

3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
I think it's very good that music is developing because it allows us to experience something new. Of course, this does not mean that new music is better but thanks to the diversity in music everyone is able to find something for themselves.
Kacper Jarzynka said…
1. Its very well put together visually and technically in my opinion. Also and interesting narration.

2. I think there is many yet to discover in music field.

3. I think its grate it makes music so interesting.

1. What do you think about the analysis?
I didnt like it. I think that the title and the analysis are not the same thing. I excepted more music analysis that analysis of the generes and categorizing them.

2. Another very common opinion is that "Everything has already been played." (not only in pop music, but among all genres of music). Do you agree with that? Why? or Why not?
I think there is a lot more to discovere in music. New instruments, new voices, new ways of creating the sounds. Maybe forgotten music will be recreated in completly new way. So i dont agree that everything has already been played.
3. Is it good that music evolves and changes over time?
3. Yes. Everything needs to change. If nothing would change it would become boring.

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