Has Music Really Deteriorated Since the 1980s? A Critical Analysis

Every era in music history right from the roaring twenties to the swinging sixties and the golden eighties, has had its share of both monumental hits and lesser-known tunes. Over time, the general public tends to forget the less impactful tracks while remembering the iconic hits of each period. However, the question of whether music has truly degenerated since the 80s is a complex one that spans varied aspects of music from artistic integrity to technological advancements.

The Wheat and the Chaff: A Musical Analogy

It's easy to be swept up in nostalgia and to lament the passing of a perceived golden age in music. Many cite nostalgic tales of classic hits from the 60s and 70s, forgetting that every era has had its share of "wheat" (good stuff) and "chaff" (subpar offerings).

Take the Archies' "Sugar, Sugar," one of the best-selling singles of 1969 in the United States, which spent four weeks at the top of the charts. This case highlights how subjective and sometimes flawed our judgments can be when it comes to music's perceived value. It also challenges the notion that only the most celebrated artists create hit songs.

Iterations of Greatness: Legendary Artists of Each Decade

The notion that the most celebrated artists of a decade are necessarily the most popular is misleading. Bob Dylan, a true icon of the 1960s, never achieved the number one single or album status during that era. Similarly, Elvis Presley, despite his immense popularity, was criticized for not writing his own songs—a complaint that modern pop singers sometimes face.

Taste and Technology: The Fragmentation of Music

The evolution of musical tastes has significantly fragmented over the decades. Where classic rock, country, and pop giants like Elvis, the Beatles, and Michael Jackson once defined an entire decade, today's music landscape is more fragmented. Streaming services allow us to curate playlists according to our tastes, creating an entirely personalized experience.

This shift to individualized listening began in the 90s, influenced by declining radio station diversity, the rise of portable music players, and affordable record ownership. The internet only accelerated this trend.

However, it's important to note that all this fragmentation doesn't necessarily imply a decrease in music quality. The problem today may not lie solely in the artists. The absence of groundbreaking new technology since the turn of the millennium poses a challenge. From the 1930s to the 1990s, technological advancements like electric guitars, synthesizers, sampling, and computer production facilitated the creation of new musical genres. Modern pop music often sounds 'retro' due to a lack of innovative technology.

The Industry’s Response: Safe and Predictable Music

The music industry has faced significant pressures as the internet disrupted traditional revenue streams. This has prompted the industry to play it safe. A study showed that in the 1980s, the average pop hit had one or two songwriters, but by 2017, the average was four. This trend, coupled with the homogenization of music and a decline in memorability, raises pertinent questions about the future of the industry.

The Future of Pop Music

While modern pop music might be less memorable and more homogeneous, it may be that the golden eras of the past were an exception. For instance, albums like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Pet Sounds were revolutionary in their time and set high standards that were rare to match.

Ultimately, the evolution of music is a constant balancing act between tradition and innovation. As technology continues to evolve, we can hope for a future where both familiarity and progress coexist harmoniously. The golden eras of the past might be romanticized, but the contemporary musical landscape still offers plenty of opportunities for listeners and creators alike.