Songs are integral to human culture, transcending geographical, linguistic, and social boundaries.
They serve various purposes, from entertainment to emotional expression, and their significance varies widely depending on individual preferences and the intended audience.
Artists often write songs to express personal feelings- joy, sadness, love, or anger. For instance, Adele’s ballads resonate with listeners who have experienced heartbreak, while Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” uplifts those seeking joy.
The emotional connection to a song leads to catharsis, allowing listeners to process their own experiences.
Many songs serve as a medium for storytelling, encapsulating narratives that reflect life experiences, historical events, or fictional tales. Through storytelling, songs educate, provoke thought, and inspire action.
At its core, music is a form of entertainment. Dance tracks, pop anthems, and catchy jingles are designed to engage listeners and encourage participation.
Music therapy has gained recognition for its ability to aid in mental health treatment. Songs evoke memories, facilitate communication, and provide comfort.
Many people find solace in music during difficult times, using it as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
However, Minister OJ, born Michael Oware Sakyi, has stated that music is made with different intentions and there is a place and purpose for all of it.
The star singer-songwriter and composer asserted language was not a barrier to music.
“We use music to access the soul structure. We use music to access the realm of sound. Once it can penetrate the realm of sound, language does not matter so much. The beauty of a song has nothing to do with whether you understand the language or not.”
Minister OJ
OJ cited how popular Angelique Kidjo’s ‘Agolo’ is in Ghana. “You don’t understand ‘Agolo’ but when you hear it, you enjoy it. Music simply penetrates the soul of the listener,” he added.
Songs often reflect the culture and values of the time in which they were created. They serve as a mirror to societal norms, struggles, and triumphs. For example, hip-hop emerged as a voice for marginalized communities, addressing racism, poverty, and violence.
Similarly, folk music often captures the essence of local traditions and histories, preserving cultural heritage.
Subjectivity of Musical Taste
While songs serve various purposes, the perception of music is inherently subjective. What one person finds uplifting, another perceives as trivial or annoying.
A person’s cultural upbringing significantly impacts their musical preferences. Genres that are popular in one region are less appreciated in another.
Songs often evoke memories and emotions tied to personal experiences. A song played during a significant life event, such as a wedding or graduation, holds special meaning for an individual, while others don’t share that connection.
Musical preferences also vary by age group. Younger generations gravitate toward current pop hits and emerging genres, while older generations might have a fondness for classic rock or jazz.
This generational divide leads to differing opinions on what constitutes “good” or “bad” music.
Peer influence plays a crucial role in shaping musical tastes. Friends, family, and social groups introduce individuals to new genres and artists, creating shared experiences that enhance appreciation for certain songs.
The serial hitmaker enumerated various forms of music such as entertainment, dancing, and mourning among others, adding that it’s not always about deep lyrics.
“Remember, it’s not everyone who has the privilege to write deep words but everyone has a target audience. When it comes to artistry, nobody is wrong. In art and music, it’s not about good or bad. It’s simply an issue of preference. You may simply not like it and that’s fine. Someone else likes it.”
Minister OJ
He pointed out how some singers are ridiculed for their songs but end up achieving hit status with the very songs they are mocked for.
As artists create music with specific audiences in mind, the interplay between purpose, preference, and target audience continues to evolve.
Ultimately, the beauty of music lies in its diversity, allowing each listener to find their meaning and connection within the vast landscape of sound.
Whether a song resonates deeply or fails to strike a chord, it is essential to recognize that there is no definitive measure of good or bad music—only the rich tapestry of human experience that it reflects.
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