Just so you know, this is very biased and opinionated.

Something I’ve noticed, or that many people like myself have noticed, is that today’s general taste in music is awful. It has gotten to the point where I can’t even listen to the radio in my car.

Nearly every song played on the “popular stations” (such as 98.9, 99.7, etc. which are also stations my friends force me to listen to every once in a while) are rarely songs that mean something (which is one of my criteria for good music).

For example, artist Nicki Minaj, has a song called, “Stupid H**” in which she repeatedly talks about how she is better than another girl, and literally calls her a “stupid h**.” The fact that people enjoy listening to this kind of music makes me think of the state of my generation, which is bad. Very bad. By that, I mean that young people like me think that is appropriate to call others names like this, (as well as do things in other songs, like drink and smoke, and breaking laws, not that I think any of this is okay, because it’s not). It’s a bad influence and pretty much gives the okay for people to be disrespectful toward others.

In my opinion, good music makes the world go round. Think of how many people bands like The Beatles, and artists like Bob Dylan moved many others. These people are known around the world for the messages and inspiration they gave us through their talent.

Most of today’s artists cannot leave this world, or their career, and say that they left a decent impression. It’s one thing to have talent, but another to use it in a respectable manner.

I understand that things like sex, drugs and other bad things that could influence have always made their way into songs, but the thing is though, in the past the message left behind from a song just what you interpreted. Lyrics can mean many things, but sometimes it’s just what you think. In a lot of today’s music, these subtle hints are ruined due to the fact that artists are very blunt and straight forward about what they are telling us.

Now, I’m going to state some artists who fit into this category, as well as ones that give other reasons for disapproval (from me).

I’ll start with someone like Lil’ Wayne. Lil’ Wayne, a rapper who has been around for over a decade has had quite the career. Personally, I think that Lil’ Wayne’s music is just as bad as that of Nicki Minaj. I am quite aware that these people have very, very great talents but the music they make and the words they share are full of disgust. I, in no way shape or form can say that a single Lil Wayne song that I have ever heard is good.

(Note: I know that several people reading this will come back with something like “Well, you’ve just never heard any of their good songs” about whatever artist I dis, but just know that I listen to tons of music every day of my life. If someone I know likes someone, I will give them a try, but once I hear degrading noise I don’t think is worth my time, I won’t give a second chance.)

Another musical act I dislike is Nickelback. Nickelback is probably one of the only dislikes for me that other people make a fuss over. The thing is though, they are simply generic and do not stand out. The music they make and the sound of the lead singer’s voice (Chad Kroeger) just does not do it for me, and actually gets quite annoying. His voice sounds so strained and it sounds like he’s on the verge of dying or possibly having the bowel movement of his life. The band 3 Doors Down is also on the same path as Nickelback, only I can stand them a wee bit more than Nickelback.

There are others that I do not like, but I won’t waste your time. I’ll move on to some positive influences I think anyone should give a try.

I’d like to start with the fact that the concept of “rock” has changes so much over the years, and bands that call themselves rock bands don’t reflect what rock once was.

One band that I feel truly brings out a real feel of rock music is the Foo Fighters. Lead singer Dave Grohl has been through so much in his career, and his skills have not changed or degraded one bit. Every album released by Foo Fighters is a good one and there are always songs that reach everyone that listens to them. They are one of the very few great bands of this decade, and their music isn’t going away, so I encourage anyone to become a fan.

Another artist that I feel people should listen to is Adele. I know what most everyone knows her songs like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone like you” but she has other great songs as well. Adele’s talent goes beyond her lyrics and music, and opened a door that makes me realize how fantastic peoples’ voices can be. The fact that she doesn’t directly disrespect people in a immature way, she pours her heart and soul into what she does, and I think that is an important part of great music, too.

Now, I’d like to end this here before I get carried away. I would like to say that I am aware that everyone is different, and while I may sound very opinionated, I realize that music and why people like music is different. This is just my thoughts on the subject. I’m not trying to change your mind or say you have a horrible taste in music. I just simply disagree with some.

Blog by Samantha Patton