The Bible and Music

In class on Monday, we discussed traditional choral music. When asked our thoughts on the various examples, many of us agreed that we didn’t enjoy the selections. But, why were we so quick to say that we didn’t like them? Has our taste in music evolved to a point where we lack appreciation for these pieces?

When we say we don’t like the examples, the answer as to why we don’t like them is typically “it’s boring.” With words in a language foreign to our own, instruments that are not typical of what we listen to today, and long songs with constant changes in melody, it’s no wonder we say we don’t like them. We have lost touch in this art of music production, one of more precision and intention. Our music now contains repeated melodies, where finding two songs that sound alike (ex: Big Lie by Post Malone and Love Lies by Khalid) isn’t uncommon.

Our instant access to music has also made it difficult for our generation to enjoy the music that was once loved and revered as the best. Streaming apps such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora have made access to music quicker, and easier, than ever. When we are in the mood for music, we could have a song playing seconds after the initial thought came to us. This immediacy, however, has forced artists to create music that catches the attention of the audience quickly, in the hope that their song doesn’t become another lost soul in the graveyard of skips. If artists continue this on further, music will be less creative, less imaginative, and less complex.