By Kejsi Zyka, Opinions Editor
You may have heard Harry Styles’ new album, “Fine Line,” or Selena Gomez’s “Rare” or you’re just dying to hear Justin Bieber’s new album after four whole years of waiting. But you have to admit one thing about these three artists – their music is not what it used to be. Pop culture, and the music that shapes it, is changing.
At the beginning of the decade, it was all about the voice. On almost every song, a singer would try to show what they could do with their voice. They would reach the highest notes, and run the longest runs, just to captivate their listeners — but now artists’ singing styles have become quite the opposite.
Yes, a singer’s voice does matter, but nowadays, it’s all about the sound of the music, all of its elements, and its production. This is one of the main reasons why music is changing.
Artists are now singing more relaxed and softly, while they try to impress their listeners with the sound of an electronic bass in the background or the beat of the drums instead of their voices.
Harry Styles can sing. Before his new album came out, I assumed most of the songs would be powerful and strong. Instead, the album was chill and loose. Songs like “watermelon sugar” and “adore you” made me realize how much that style suits him.
But it’s not just Harry Styles who has come out with the new fresh pop songs. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber have both developed the same sound. Gomez’s album just came out Jan. 10, and it was completely different from her last album, “Revival.”
Her title track, “Rare,” made me feel as though I was lying on a cloud. The gentle melody and her ability to sing softly on her main and backup vocals, made the whole vibe of the album peaceful and free.
Justin Bieber’s album has unfortunately not come out yet, however he has recently released a single from the upcoming album, “Yummy,” which, sadly, was not everyone’s favorite, and definitely not mine.
Another trend artists have been following, is focusing so much on the production to where their lyrics have become meaningless. And hey, meaningful lyrics aren’t for everyone, but personally, I think the songs would be extremely boring if everyone only sang about their “yummy yummy.”
I think songs nowadays are lacking depth. While I do like their vibish sound, I think artists should start putting a little more effort into their lyrics and their voices.
It’s sad to think that meaningful music is slowly starting to become unpopular because of the modernized music we feel like we need to have.
Senior Kejsi Zyka can be reached at zykake0914@daretolearn.org.
