Hi everyone! This post is relating to a class discussion about how in the 1960’s and 1970’s music evolved in many ways in terms of evolving (in terms of how I and I am sure many others think of it) from the simplicity and lighthearted lyrics of rock and roll,  to more complex musical styles and meaning. I feel and know much of this is a result of others (music artists in this case, such as the Beatles for example) finding their voice and using it, and to use one’s “voice” ( the true voice) to speak up for important issues and profound issues, and for others. This is some significant evolution from the point of songs of any era creating for the sake of simply entertainment. It is where music becomes a profound art form. In class and by way of this post, it is discussing the fact that music developed into a more fully defined art form aimed more toward young adults, and conveying many times, very profound meanings/thoughts.

There is a true powerful (in a very good way) element of this (complexity and depth in music) and I have notable points to make in terms of music complexity, whether it be the development of the music itself, as well as inherent in the lyrics and the message the music conveys. First,  rock and roll for example and its “carefree” fun lyrics geared toward teen audiences has its place of course and still does today. It was commercial and is highly commercial in terms of those who listen to music for its simplicity or entertainment (young teens and even many adults). When in the 60’s and 70’s, the Beatles and many others  wrote lyrics with more depth and meaning, and in terms of the complexity of the music itself to me this is pure genius and important. Music is and can be an important type of advocacy for others or to discuss social issues many face, the joys as well as hardships one can experience in life (and there are many, MANY layers to this). What is powerful and the main point I am getting to is this: when meaningful and complex music especially when it is discussing various issues of the human experience or relevant issues of the time, becomes highly commercial THAT is immensely powerful in the best of ways. Artists can evoke positive change, have the power to heal and mend hearts or simply give a voice to many who can very much relate or share the same sentiment. The only ones who would be against complex and meaningful music would be those who do not want others to have a voice or those who do not value the freedom of human expression as it should be valued, immensely valued.

Here is an example relating this to today’s music: comparing Taylor Swift’s music, which is more carefree and a bit more on the surface (singing about boys and shaking it off when girls can be catty for example), still these are issues many can relate to and not diminishing those issues at all quite the contrary. Taylor Swift way she is using her voice and in recent years is about empowering other girls which is great and important. But then looking at an artist such as Alicia Keys who truly can heal  hearts on a universal basis, call for important widespread social change or improvement, on a much more profound level that all many can relate to, that is more complex/profound with universal appeal. Comparing Taylor Swift’s “shake it off” (highly commercial and a fun way to empower girls or anyone bullied which IS a huge issue) to Alicia Keys singing “Holy War”, to advocate for peace, love, for all, Keys takes empowerment to another level, to heal the hearts of many and advocate for widespread positive social change for the good, a return to love for all. One is more lighthearted, Swift’s of course able to help empower girls, which is still immensely important; and Key’s more complex advocacy for the greater good through much of her music. Music artists have the ability to heal hearts and change the world for the better. Carefree/simple music would be some of Katy Perry’s simply for teenage girls, and I think her music is evolving and becoming more complex. India Arie, a healer in her own right, spreading love, unity just as Alicia Key’s does  through shining her light too, simple in some ways  yet profound and so important. There are many levels of this.

A song which is genius to me, and it IS simple on first glance (many wouldnt see the genius but I do) without digging more deeply, is the Beatles song “When I’m 64”. The brilliance in that song, it is simple, and fun in ways and even humorous BUT it also has depth and conveys profound thoughts everyone has/will have as they get older. It is also healing in a way, as it puts a fun take on aging by way of the lyrics such as “if you ask I will stay with you” “you’ll be older too”. I don’t have the lyrics in front of me right now but there are many good ones, even discussing “grandchildren on your knee” in part of the lyrics. That song has depth too if one knows where to look which isn’t far. 😉 Its not the simple carefree song by the sound which would be how it could be immediately interpreted, but there is also immense brilliance in mixing commercial appeal and simplicity COUPLED with mixing depth and being profound, and healing in some ways in that songs case. The immense commercial appeal is there by the song sounding fun and carefree, it is fun and carefree but its also profound and so much more than simple.

So that is where the genius lies to me, creating music that makes a positive difference in the world, involves different levels of musical complexity, have a profound positive impact or to give a voice and when all of this can be achieved with immense commercial/ far reaching appeal. Commercial appeal can be achieved by conveying meaning, musical genius (Prince is a great example), creating issues of relevance to many, discussing human experiences, and complexity, “commercial” appeal doesn’t have to be simple, when its not and actually achieves good, it is brilliant.