@Cameron49368604 I agree. Nothing can beat listening to the original version of a song; however, watching a live cover band with friends is a different experience. Live cover bands can still be fun to watch because of the social aspect, even if they sound different than the original #S22POPMUS
@QiaoLu59290200 I agree. Some artists are so unique & original that it would be impossible for a cover artist to replicate their music. It might be fun to watch the cover band live and socialize with others, but their music would not do the original justice #S22POPMUS
Listening to a live cover band can be an exciting experience; however, I believe pop fans today would rather listen to the original version of a song. Cover versions can sound much different & can be disappointing to listen to, especially if the original used auto-tune #S22POPMUS
@BlakeZoeFrance1 I agree. "Schlock" music should not be dismissed since it is an important part of music history. Today, society can learn from any mistakes that were made so that we do not repeat the past. #S22POPMUS
@erinjbungay I agree. In order for an artist to create new music, they need inspiration from existing music. It is okay for an artist to cover another artist's music as long as credit is given to the original artist and they do not claim the elements as their own. #S22POPMUS
"Schlock" music is an essential part of music history. It was unfair how teen artists sometimes became more successful than original artists just by copying their music; but, as long as credit was given to the original artist, I feel the music should not be dismissed. #S22POPMUS
@svernb Yes, I agree. The breaking voice in the song "I've got a Woman" adds a sense of realness and emotion to the song that lyrics alone can't express. When listeners hear Charles' breaking voice they can empathize and feel the same way he feels. #S22POPMUS
@BlakeZoeFrance1 I agree. Charles wants to take listeners on an emotional journey every time they listen to his songs. His unique breaking voice takes each story to the next level since it makes his lyrics seem more real and heartfelt. #S22POPMUS
I think Ray Charles uses a breaking voice to signify his raw emotion. The vocal cracks in Charles' vocal timbre display authenticity & vulnerability. By using a breaking voice, Charles differentiates himself as an artist & makes his music more relatable to listeners. #S22POPMUS
@Sydneycpaul I agree. Today's new cars only have Bluetooth players, making it the most popular way of listening to music. Bluetooth players in cars are definitely viewed as a symbol of wealth and status, whereas CD players in cars are viewed as quite the opposite. #S22POPMUS
@HannahS99330463 I agree. Spotify has allowed me to discover new songs and artists by making personalized weekly playlists and recommendations. I wouldn't have found a lot of the music I listen to now without these features, so it definitely changed the way I access & listen to music. #S22POPMUS
Social class/status can be symbolized through listening technology. For example, AirPods can be viewed as a symbol of status & wealth since they are typically more expensive than regular headphones. They offer a new and convenient way to listen to music wirelessly. #S22POPMUS
@erinjbungay I agree. Unattainable lifestyle standards have been set by popular music artists such as Cardi B. Her songs do not have deep meanings but are still enjoyed by many. In contrast, many popular songs today do have meaningful lyrics and do not revolve around false needs. #S22POPMUS
@svernb I agree. I enjoy being able to relate to certain songs and read between the lines of their lyrics. However, sometimes when I just want to have fun I enjoy listening to upbeat songs that do not include thought-provoking lyrics. These songs are not dumbing down society. #S22POPMUS
In my opinion, popular music is not dumbed-down. Although the sound of popular music today is much different from that of the past, many artists can still connect with their listeners through meaningful and relatable lyrics. #S22POPMUS