Is Music from the Early 2010s Truly Superior to Modern Hits?
From trap beats to pop anthems, the music of the early 2010s is often praised as the pinnacle of musical innovation. However, is it fair to say that music from this era holds a superior position to contemporary hits? This question has sparked countless debates and surveys, with some fans and critics arguing that the early 2010s were a golden age of music. To explore this topic thoroughly, let's dive into the context and characteristics of the early 2010s' music scene, examine the modern music trends, and evaluate whether the claim of the superiority of early 2010s music stands up.
Context: The Early 2010s Music Scene
The early 2010s were marked by the rise of social media and streaming platforms, which greatly influenced the production and dissemination of music. Artists like Avicii, The Weeknd, and Drake gained massive audiences through viral tracks and social media, changing the way music was consumed and promoted. The period was also characterized by the dominance of pop culture phenomena, such as the rise of K-pop and the global popularity of EDM, leading to a diverse range of musical styles.
Characteristics of the Early 2010s Pop Hits
The early 2010s saw the emergence of many influential and chart-topping hits. For instance, the genre-defying track "Where Are ü Now" by Disclosure featuring Jack ü gained critical acclaim and peaked at number one on the charts. Similarly, artists like LMFAO, LMFAO Matthieu RectTransform and T-Pain incorporated electronic elements into their pop songs, creating a new subgenre known as the "crunk inspired electro-pop" that resonated with a wide audience.
Contemporary Music Trends
While the early 2010s was a vibrant era for music, the landscape has changed significantly in the following years. Today, we see a rising prominence of streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, which have transformed the way artists promote and market their music. Additionally, the rise of TikTok and other short-form video platforms has led to a culture of viral memes and coined songs, creating a fast-paced environment where hits can rise and fall in a matter of weeks.
Key Figures and Their Impact on Music
Several key figures have driven the evolution of music in the late 2010s and beyond. Childish Gambino's album "Awaken, My Love!" marked a significant shift in the genre, with its blend of hip-hop, RB, and electronic sounds. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish's success with her debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" exemplifies the modern era's focus on unique and innovative soundscapes. These artists have set new standards in the industry, influencing younger generations of musicians and reshaping popular culture.
Case Studies: Broke My Dick vs. Modern Hits
The statement that Broke My Dick by Lil Retarded Faggot (an intentionally offensive nickname) was the "best song ever made" in 2021, while anachronistic and problematic, does prompt a discussion on the role of controversy in pop culture. While this track gained significant notoriety for its content and production, it is essential to recognize that such songs often arise from a specific socio-political context, reflecting and sometimes exacerbating societal issues.
Evaluation of Modern Music
One cannot simply argue that the music of the early 2010s is better than modern music without evaluating the quality of contemporary hits. The modern era has produced numerous hit songs that have reached global audiences and broken records. For example, Peaches by Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon, which was a massive crossover hit, blending pop and RB seamlessly. The rise of streaming has also led to the discovery of lesser-known artists and genres, allowing for a more diverse and niche-oriented music scene.
Conclusion
While the early 2010s indeed saw some of the most groundbreaking and influential music in recent history, it is premature to declare this period superior to the modern era. Both eras have their unique strengths and vulnerabilities. The early 2010s saw unprecedented access to global audiences and the rise of new musical genres, whereas the modern era has fostered innovation in distribution and content creation, making the music industry more democratic and diverse than ever before.