How Can You Tell a Music Critic’s Dislike of Someone’s Music is More Personal than a Normal Critique?

Have you ever noticed a stark contrast between a music critic's review and the song's intended message or emotional depth? Sometimes, a critic's disapproval goes beyond a mere lack of professional skill or even a misguided interpretation. It can become so palpable that it raises the question of whether the critique is more personal than it is professional. Let's delve into the nuances of such cases with an illustrative example.

A famous critique that comes to mind is when A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay, released in 2014, was panned for lacking emotion. The sentiment of this critique, however, felt out of alignment with the song itself, which is undeniably a deeply emotional piece. The chorus, 'When you look up to the sky, it's brighter than before, a slight mist in your eyes, this time it's real' – expresses a profound sense of hope, wonder, and possibly even nostalgia or loss. To suggest that such a song is devoid of emotion seems not only inaccurate but also misses the mark on the very essence of the song.

Distinguishing Personal Criticism from Professional Critique

1. Checking Paternal/Patronizing Tone: When a critic uses a tone that comes across as condescending or patronizing, it often signals that their critique is rooted in personal bias rather than an objective assessment. This can be even more pronounced when the reviewer has an exposed personal connection to a particular artist or genre that might cloud their judgment.

For instance, take a review of an indie singer-songwriter by someone who is a die-hard fan of mainstream pop. If the review heavily criticizes the singular style and emotional depth of the indie artist, it may be more reflective of the critic's personal preferences rather than an unbiased evaluation of the music.

2. Contradiction with the Song's Intent: If the critique directly contradicts the core message or emotional tone of the song, there is a strong likelihood that the reviewer's opinion is not grounded in objectivity. As with the case of A Sky Full of Stars, if a song intended to evoke strong emotions is labeled as lacking them, it may indicate a personal bias rather than a professional one.

A similar example can be seen in the review of Thom Yorke's away from the trees (2016). The album is a supreme example of emotional depth and complexity, yet some critics have criticized it for lack of hooks and commercial appeal. Contrary to the musical and emotional implications, this review undeniably leans more towards personal preference.

3. Lack of Constructive Feedback: When a critic provides no constructive or actionable feedback beyond expressing personal dislike, it often signals a more personal opinion than a professional assessment. Constructive criticism aims to help artists refine and improve their craft. If the critique is vague or entirely dismissive, it is likely driven by personal feelings rather than a genuine desire to correct the music.

In the case of a review of Nick Cave’s Murmur (2018), the review offered minimal, unhelpful critiques like 'the sound is too dark' and 'the lyrics are too confessional.' Such a lack of constructive feedback could indicate personal aversion rather than a genuine effort to analyze and critique the album.

Implications and Future Considerations

The line between personal and professional critique is often blurry, especially in subjective fields like music. Understanding the difference can help both musicians and listeners better interpret reviews and make informed judgments. When a review deeply aligns with the artist's concept and message, it is more likely to be a balanced and professional critique. However, when a critique is laced with personal opinions and emotional bias, it may be viewed with a grain of salt.

As a music critic, being mindful of personal biases and providing clear, constructive feedback is paramount. As a listener, recognizing the source of a critique can help you form a more nuanced understanding of the music and the intent behind it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some critics prefer to focus on emotional depth?
Some critics prioritize emotional connection and depth in music, valuing songs that evoke strong feelings and resonate with listeners. This preference can sometimes lead to more personal assessments and less stringent professional critiques. How can an artist navigate contentious critiques?
Artists can respond by focusing on their craft and the emotional resonance of their music. Engaging with well-reasoned critiques can also provide opportunities for dialogue and improvement, while ignoring personal attacks can help maintain a positive public image. Are all emotional critiques necessarily personal?
Not all emotional critiques are personal. Sometimes, artists intentionally create music that challenges or contradicts expectations, leading to passionate, even polarizing critiques. Understanding the context and intention of the music is crucial for interpreting such feedback.

Conclusion: Distinguishing between personal and professional critique is essential for both creators and consumers of music. By recognizing the signs of personal bias and fostering a culture of constructive feedback, we can ensure that music reviews provide valuable insights while respecting the integrity of the artform.

References:

Review of A Sky Full of Stars (2014) Review of Thom Yorke's away from the trees (2016) Review of Nick Cave’s Murmur (2018)