Intuition doesn’t lie. Over the decades, it seems as though popular music has indeed grown simpler and more repetitive. This observation isn't just anecdotal; a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Germany and Austria recently published an article in Scientific Reports reaching the same conclusion. The study, conducted by experts in music, computer science, and artificial intelligence (AI), analyzed the lyrics of 353,000 songs released in English across the Western world from 1980 to 2020. They aimed for an objective comparison of popular songs based on lyrical complexity to understand their evolution over time.
Utilizing hundreds of thousands of song lyrics extracted from platforms like Genius and Last.FM, the AI evaluated lexical, linguistic, structural, rhyme, emotion, and complexity descriptors. The study focused on the five most popular genres in the consulted databases—rap, country, pop, R&B, and rock.
The Decline of Complexity
When examining the data, the results were clear and somewhat disheartening. Popular music lyrics have become increasingly simpler, with fewer unique words, straightforward structures, and repetitive themes. For those of us who grew up savoring the intricate wordplay of classic rock or the poetic depth of early rap, this trend feels like a significant loss.
Music, at its core, has always been a reflection of cultural and societal changes. In the past, complex lyrics often mirrored the complexity of the times, addressing issues from political unrest to personal struggles with poetic flair. Take, for instance, Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” or Tupac Shakur’s “Changes.” These songs weren't just catchy; they were thought-provoking pieces of art that sparked conversations and inspired movements.
In contrast, today's chart-toppers frequently rely on repetitive hooks and simplistic messages. While there is certainly still quality music being created, the mainstream landscape appears dominated by formulaic compositions designed to be easily digestible and instantly gratifying.
Evolutionary Necessity?
But could this simplicity be more than just a disheartening trend? Could it be an evolutionary necessity? In a world where attention spans are shrinking and content consumption is at an all-time high, artists and producers might be adapting to new listener behaviors. Today's audiences often engage with music through streaming platforms that favor short, catchy songs over lengthy, complex compositions. The quick, repetitive hooks ensure songs get stuck in listeners’ heads, increasing the chances of repeat plays and higher chart positions.
Furthermore, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, where viral challenges and trends can catapult a song to fame overnight, has driven musicians to create tracks that fit these formats. A catchy, repeatable chorus is more likely to be used in a viral dance challenge, after all.
A Call for Balance
While the adaptation to modern consumption habits is understandable, it shouldn't come at the cost of lyrical and musical richness. There needs to be a balance between accessibility and complexity. Music should not only entertain but also challenge, inspire, and reflect the nuanced human experience.
It's crucial for artists, producers, and even listeners to recognize the value in complexity and depth. Supporting diverse musical expressions and pushing against the tide of oversimplification can lead to a richer, more varied musical landscape.
The simplicity in popular music today is a double-edged sword. While it may be an evolutionary adaptation to the changing ways we consume music, it also risks eroding the rich, complex artistry that has historically been a hallmark of great music. As consumers, we have the power to shape trends. By seeking out and supporting musically and lyrically complex works, we can help ensure that future generations experience the full spectrum of what music has to offer.
In the end, it’s not just about longing for the past; it’s about preserving the depth and diversity of musical expression for the future. Let's challenge ourselves to look beyond the surface simplicity and appreciate the profound beauty that complexity brings.