Most people consider old music like “Forever Young” by Alphaville superior to new music like “Taste”, from Sabrina Carpenter. But in reality, music is a matter of opinion. While there are people on both sides, here is the reason why we need to reframe this discussion.
People usually prefer old music because of the melodies and harmonies that are considered to have decreased in quality. One example of a melodically complex tune might be “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, in terms of chords and melodies the song has a higher score on complexity than the average.
A factor that makes people prefer old music is their affection for it. Those people heard the music in their childhood, and when they hear it again they have a sense of nostalgia. The authenticity and the history that the music is telling. Listeners also associate their memories with this music; for instance, when an old man listens to “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers, he remembers his wife. Another might remember his father when he listens to “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles.
On the other hand, people prefer new music because of the internet connectivity, that allows the exchange of information and melodies through social media, making songs more globalized and popular. People also like pop music, with catchy rhythms and melodies like “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift.
Another factor is that bad music from the past stays in the past, like it was thrown away, and good music from the past ‘does not die’ throughout generations. We will also delete some songs from our memory, like “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, which is a feat in 2024, could be forgotten throughout the years.
Two researchers from Columbia and Rutgers also determined that our favorite songs are released mostly when we are 17 years old, and after that age people start to hate what comes after. This shows us that perhaps music taste is just a chance of when we’re born.
Music is more a matter of opinion, it can’t be considered better or worse than others, because at the end of the day music is totally subjective and interpretative. Every generation had problems accepting the innovations of new music. Maybe in the future our generation will be the old people yearning for the days of rap and Reaggaeton.
