That's fine, and in truth I can listen to almost any style so long as it is reasonably well performed, well recorded, not trashy, obscene, overly profane, or promoting very poor morals. I'll even compromise a bit for a catchy tune. But... first and foremost, excepting instrumental works (of which I demand a little different sort of creativity), I am a lyrics guy, and I lean toward lyrics that are dramatic or can uplift / inspire, make me think, or maybe tell an interesting or funny story. I can appreciate a song about heartbreak now and then -- it IS a part of life, too often. (Was it David Gerrold who said ALL love (between humans) eventually ends in heartbreak?) Can the lyrics and mood the song sets move me, create empathy, etc.?
The problem I had with "21" (aside from recording issues - see my next post) was not the musical style (fine by me) or Adele's vocal talent, which she obviously has in spades. However, her lyrics, which all seem to be about her relationship problems, and most of which are from, well, an unhealthy angle, comprise the whole album. All of us make mistakes, for God's sake, but isn't there anything else in this girl's life? And where are the parts of REAL love that have to do with sacrifice and guts, extended togetherness, and gentleness, patience, beauty, protectiveness, joy in truth, and kindness. (Geez, I almost sound like 1st Corinthians!)
That's why I wondered if Adele had progressed with time.
Now, don't get me wrong, I had almost exactly the same reaction to the lyrics in the album Steve Perry put out (I don't recall the title) after he broke up with "Sherry". After one side I was like "Ok, enough already! We know you broke up and you feel bad about it. You made a whole album side about it. We feel bad for you too. Now think of something else, for God's sake...!"
Ok, granted, entire albums CAN be about one subject, essentially, but then some other creativity has to come to the fore (for me). "Dark Side of the Moon" is a BRILLIANT example. Or the subject can be itself "unusual" and have a lot of angles to it.
As for "popularity" or page views, those only serve to too often underscore the uselessness and shallowness of 2018's pop culture. Otherwise, this (just the perfect amount of dissonance in with the exceptional talent)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0oX3_wiULo
and this (one of the greatest love stories ever told)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PijEcdhHI2k
should each have about 50 million views each.
Finally, it sounds to me like you ARE listening to a lot of good music, and have an open mind, and likely refine that as you go on. (Try more of those low page views & play them several times over a period of weeks or months to sort of get used to them. I think you will find some of those hidden gems you will like a lot!!!) ;-)
LOL. Here I am having quite the discussion on the important subject of music styles with a guy who is into LYRICS.
Now this seems funny to me since I pay essentially no attention at all to the lyrics. A big reason for this is they are most often not in English. I love the Canadian singers who sing most often in French - Isabelle Boulay for example. I listen to a lot of opera very little of which is in English.
But no offense intended. We are both living examples of tastes that vary and you are obviously deep into your music. As am I. But for me it is quality of music itself and the skill of the performer.
I do agree with you that view count isn’t all it’s cut out to be. Adele is a big exception for me. I doubt seriously if I waste any time listening to others in the Billion View on YouTube Club.
It is fun, at least for me, to find new young talented musicians and watch them develop. A lot of these guys and gals don’t have big view counts. So I understand your point, which I agree with.