What Attracts You To Certain Music?

[veggiepatch1959]

Quite a few years ago, I had a heated discussion with a bunch a pyschologists about music choice and taste, and elements of music that make it likeable.

Most of the pyschs agreed that it was lyrics that pricked their ears up when hearing a song for the first time. I thought "Whoa...you mean you can pick up on lyrics on the first listen?" Considering the huge majority of songs start with a musical intro, I stated that the beat, rhythm or the sound of certain instruments would attract more attention.
They decided that lyrical content was the primary element of a song so I asked them about instrumentals. All I got was blank looks and a few "Ahhs and umms".

I then argued that if lyrics were the integral element of music, why not read poetry or listen to poetry recitals - forget the music as it is just a carrier for your precious lyrics.

For me, the music makes the song or tune and the lyrical content is secondary. If the lyrics are good, well, that's a bonus. I have listened to many great pieces of music with the most ridiculous lyrics but the music wins out every time.

Taste in music is a very contentious and opinionated subject so please pass on your thoughts on the matter.

 

[azzah72]

I think it is different for everyone.

For example, I am not a big fan of any forms of dance music, whilst I appreciate it's fun loving nature, it bugs me as well. and for a long time I couldn't put my finger on why I disliked it so much, then i dawned on me, dance music is eliminating the song, most dance music is just beats and sound repeating at a fast pace and thats about it.

I don't mind on a hot day with a corona in my hand, I can't be a hypocrite about it but the music I am most drawn to is something that has a message within the song, it could be metal, pop, rock or rap but they mostly have lyricism and most have just a good written song.



Does that make sense?

So in summary, I don't listen to 2day fm

 

[adamkungl]

Definitely not lyrics for me. There are songs I've listened to a hundred times and I wouldn't have a clue what the lyrics are about (metalhead :lol.

Energy, creativity, and a catchy riff are what get me to take notice

 

[Springs]

If it's a song that comes on the radio or a first listen it's always the music.

It's only the lyrics if I'm looking for a song with those kinds of lyrics (usually depressing shit).

And the lyrics could be the key to enlightenment but if it's accompanied by death metal or techno or k-pop or one direction type shit I'll never hear it.

 

[Chicken_Hunter]

When I made the transition from east 17 to korn at the age of about 13 what drew me in was definitely the instrumentals. I loved the beats and sound that metal songs dished out. So for me the music draws me in and the lyrics keep me in.

 

[Mader45]

Luckily everyone in the world learnt Korean before Gangnam came out.

 

[Cliffhanger]

The music, a song has to be able to tell a story without the vocals and worth listening to without vocals or it is worthless imo, the song also has to offer something authentic and genuine. There has to be emotion in everything.

I am not saying vocals aren't important, my favourite bands stand out above all other because of how well the music and the vocals complimented each other to tell this story and add to the emotional journey.

 

[Parra Pride]

The music comes in first, followed by whether or not I like the sound of the artist's voice, the actual lyrics themselves come in last. That is how I was able to enjoy the Japanese stuff I listen too long before I could understand the language.

 

[snoozer]

if it was lyrics we'd all be into poetry.

music hands down.

occasionally there are songs that have great/memorable lyrics.

 

[woodyk2]

The ''structure'' of a song or tune.If that makes any sense.

 

[veggiepatch1959]

Thanks for the replies....loved them!

Just going to give some personal examples.

Music Over Lyrics...

Most of Jimi Hendrix's heavier guitar orientated stuff - vocally he was quite hopeless and Dylan wrote his most famous song (arguably) - All Along The Watchtower.

Tool - heavy with a combo of what you talking about!

Primus - unsurpassed bass playing from Les Claypool who does come out with hilarious lyrics.
Little Birdy - Baby Blue...great song, great girly voice, great guitar but I only know the lyrics when its playing.

Lyrics Over Music...

Nine Inch Nails - Hurt from the Downward Spiral (covered by the great Johnny Cash with watered down lyrics) - Trent Reznor describes me to a tee!

Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch - same as above about me but I love British electronica.

Billy Bragg - Levi Stubb's Tears - nice sparsely made song with a social message about domestic violence.

Concrete Blonde - God Is A Bullet - makes me cry and the offices of the NRA should be made to listen to this 24/7!!!!!!

With over 110,000 pieces of music spread over four external hard drives, I could go on forever.

That's all folks!

 

[woodyk2]

Theres many many bands where I don't like their music or lyrics but they may have one particular tune that grabs me.

 

[redvscotty]

The music mostly. Sometimes the voice of the singer, not so much the words though.

E.g. Love the sound of Florences voice but woundlt have a f**king clue what the lyrics are and or mean.

 

[redvscotty]

As above, TOOL are a great example of the sound of the voice. Compliments the music very well.

Also cannot get enough of Chino from Deftones.

 

[veggiepatch1959]

Just another tangent to my original post.

How much does a music video influence a person's like/dislike of a song/tune?

 

[woodyk2]

It dosn't for me.

 

[Parra Pride]

Just another tangent to my original post.

How much does a music video influence a person's like/dislike of a song/tune?

Don't watch them, so they don't factor in at all.

 

[woodyk2]

Still on the theme of things.I don't like dance music etc,but years ago a group by the name of ''Utah Saints'' brought out a tune with no real lyrics but they overdubbed Kate Bush's voice onto their tune.To me all their stuffs bollocks accept for this one tune.I love it,but i dislike the rest of their stuff and that particular genre of music.

 

[Big Pete]

Generally, music > lyrics but say I really get into a song or artist I like to look into their lyrics. Sometimes it can enhance my appreciation, most times I feel embarrassed for ever enjoying it. :lol:

And yes, sometimes a Music video can really grab my attention. Last example was Foster The People's Houdini.

 

[veggiepatch1959]

Don't watch them, so they don't factor in at all.

I agree with you and woody. Some visually stunning music videos are the crappiest songs/tunes. And vice/versa.

Having watched ABC's Rage since its inception, I've seen just a few music videos (LOL). Nowhere else will you get a smattering of great, good, average, bad and shocking. But the music counts - not the visual aspect.

Rage makes MTV, et al look silly.