How Much of Music Is the Responsibility of the Listener?
@mythociate (21437)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
January 29, 2013 4:09pm CST
i.e. How much does the listener's personal philosophy weigh-in on the listener's opinion of the music?
I think of Lady Gaga---flawless composition- & performance-skills. Yet people's disagreements with the philosophies she is said to represent and other 'manifestations of her humanity' cause people to hear her diva-esque voice as more of a 'spoiled-brat's whine' and her well-studied orchestration as nothing more than 'recycled pop-tunes.'
And I'm not placing myself above 'being judgmental.' I hate the song "I Can Only Imagine," not because it's an annoying tune, but because the lyrics ... well, I would say they're wrong; but that's mostly because they're another attempt to describe life-after-death as some sort of Candy Land, which IT IS NOT!
And yes, those lyrics are so 'wrong' to me that even the tune starts to get annoying 
So how much should you judge music by its words or -by its performers' philosophies?
So how much should you judge music by its words or -by its performers' philosophies?1 person likes this
2 responses
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
7 Feb 13
Well, I guess this is where everyone is allowed to have their different tastes in music, otherwise there would not be the need for all the different genres that are out there, and new artists appearing all the time. Personally I can't stand Lady Gaga, and think there is only one song of hers I even like. As for the song "I Can Only Imagine." That is actually one of my favorites, and has gotten me thru some really rough times in my life. And even though our music tastes vary that is OK as .we are allowed to like what ones appeal just to us.
@mythociate (21437)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
7 Feb 13
Tastes don't think, true. Heck, even I like that song if you don't let the lyrics mean anything! But the lyrics are just as 'gospel' as the Easter Bunny 
@rockerfellaco (157)
• United States
29 Jan 13
I have nothing against Gaga personally. I just don't think she's that talented and her music is pretty much recycled pop tunes like you said. To me it doesn't matter very much about a performer's philosophy as long as the music is good. The melody and music is what catches my attention first. Most of the time I have no idea what a song is about lyrically or care to know the singer's opinions.
