What Has Happened to “Real Music”?
- Written by Gene-o Singer-Songwriter and Pioneer of Classic Twist
I’d like to start this off acknowledging that it is not my intention in any way to offend the new generation of music and artist of today. As someone coming from a peer group of, let’s just call it, forty and up, I’ve observed drastic changes in the world of music since I began writing nearly 40 years ago. These changes extend to the very feelings that drew me to listen to music….
I can remember times spent with my parents, listening to the likes of the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and Donny Hathaway. Even if some tunes seemed overly sentimental or a bit outdated, they still resonated with a sense of truth and authenticity. I call it “REALNESS”. Back then, my personal playlist included LTD, Luther Vandross, Change, Patti LaBelle, and Phil Perry. And I can't leave out the classic rock staples like Journey, Toto, and Chicago. The lyrics from those days, they spoke to me, echoing emotional and life experiences that felt completely relatable. And the music itself—oh, the music! The genuine strum of the bass guitar, the keyboards, real drummers laying down the beat, even with their off-timing and the occasional missed downbeat. Those slight imperfections? They infused the songs with character, a realness you could feel with every imperfect hit on the snare. That's something I find missing in today's music, at least in my opinion. But remember, I'm looking back from a different era in the music world.
Today's music seems to have lost that 'been there, done that' essence. When I listen to some of the modern love songs, they strike me as mere words lacking the emotion—none of the heartache I poured into my first song after a breakup. I remember how, even when a relationship lasted a mere two weeks, at that moment in time, it felt like eternity. Back then, songs about falling in love or sharing intimate moments seemed to honor the heart's experiences in every lyric, each word reverberating with the sincerity of the emotion, complemented by the gentle breath behind the soft strings.
I remember the profound impact of watching Jamie Foxx portray Ray Charles in the film 'Ray,' observing how Ray infused secular music with a gospel touch, whether it was a standard tune or a dance track. The authenticity added by the sound of a two-inch reel or the crackling from an LP seemed to elevate the realness of the track. It's not that I'm advocating for a return to the LP's crackle; the point is that even if today's music were played on an LP, it wouldn't capture the soulful vocal stylings of icons like Luther Vandross, Steve Perry, Whitney Houston, or the legendary Barbra Streisand. She could make the crackling of an LP feel like magic, like a night under the stars, with every note she sang.
I would relish the chance to hear Frank Sinatra sing 'Fly Me to the Moon' and truly believe I could purchase a ticket to the stars. Or to hear James Taylor strumming his guitar to 'Country Road,' transporting me to the ambiance of a smoke-filled bar on a first date. No, I'm not of that era, but I've savored moments in a dimly lit lounge, listening to his tunes, feeling as though I was on a first date with my wife all over again, despite having been married for over five years at the time. There's something about those naive strings on the guitar, accompanied by a trio, that captures the essence and brings it all to center stage.
I remember watching the “Jackson 5” —yes, that might give away my age—but there was something special about watching them open for the Commodores at the 'Circle Star Theatre' in San Carlos, California. Observing their choreographed steps, performed with such precision, and then Michael stepping forward to dazzle us with his voice, not to mention the iconic dance moves he showcased, was a sight to behold.
It's not that I don't recognize the incredible choreography in today's performances; it's just that, to me, there's a difference. I feel like the shows, the artists, and their performances back then were crafted with a unique audience member in mind. The music seemed to be written for each individual, resonating with different moments in their lives, moments that they could personally relate to. With newer music, I don't often get that nostalgic 'I remember that' moment, or that heartfelt 'Wow, that brings back such good memories for me.' I miss being able to look over at a friend and say, 'Dude, you remember that?' followed by loud laughter from both of us.
Yes, times have changed and they continue to evolve in every facet of music, and I am sure that will persist for the remainder of my time here on the planet. However, I must express this: I believe if more songs truly captured the essence of our world's events, writing music that we can feel—not just perform or record—we'd experience a more enduring quality in music. Adele is a perfect example of what I am hoping to convey. She takes songs that were penned well before she was even conceived and infuses them with such LYRICS, EMOTION, and the right elements of MUSIC, involving REAL MUSICIANS, not just synthesized sounds. This blend of old-school sensibility with today's recording technology conjures the likes of Etta James or Barbra Streisand. She brings us music that allows us to feel the words, reminisce about the past, and truly appreciate what those artists have contributed over the years.
I'm uncertain if today's music will capture the timeless essence that allows it to endure years beyond its creators, like the works of Michael Jackson, Prince, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse, to name just a few. But here's what I believe: if today's artists aim to engage older generations and aspire for their music to be played long after they're gone, they should take a cue from the greats. Observe how those artists took songs and infused them with their hearts, their emotions, the authenticity of the narrative. If modern musicians can embody that in their work, then perhaps our children, and theirs, will cherish these songs just as we do the classics. The secret isn't lost per se; it's simply gotten a little misplaced.
With all of the new technology flooding into most industries today, we must be careful not to forget the human elements that made things what they were. Technology is rich and exciting and has reached heights unimaginable back in my day. And while I hear the AI enthusiasts predict a world dominated by technology, I stand by the conviction that there are things it simply will not be able to do: FEEL THE EMOTION… it can’t remember what it feels like to love. Love at 16 is vastly different from love at 26, and then again at 36, and so on. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a wealth of fantastic music out there today. But as I said at the start, I'm addressing a concept my peers know well. If you grasp what I'm saying, you likely share my era. This is the impetus behind Classic Twist. The music will echo 'Old School' vibes, with elements of Rock, Classic Rock, Country, and the soulful crooning of R&B. Music that emanates from the heart doesn't need a label or genre. It just has to be great music, sharing an authenticity that resonates with the heart. Open your hearts and remember the music that delivered that gift so many times before. It’s not gone, it’s just lost a little of that essence. That’s not saying it can’t come back… the question is will it? Only time will tell…
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