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Mainstream Music Research Paper

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First thing first, the number of times I've had to unwillingly listen to Alan Walker's Faded in the past year is obscene.

What I consider mainstream music is those songs that are overplayed on the radio, with simple (and sometimes cringe worthy) chords and rhythms. Most will be present somewhere in Billboard Hot 100. Just as the category suggest, they're there because they're "hot". Not amazing or intricate or sophisticated, just "hot" matters. This hotness is achieved through either a catchy beat, a simplistic yet universal theme, simple pop lyrics, or all of those three. For example, Sugar by Maroon 5 or Cheerleader by OMI embodies all of these characteristics. However, it's also important to note that not all songs in Billboard 100 could be considered mainstream, though it's often hard to find one that isn't.

Another indicator of mainstream-ness is the number of views on YouTube. Though it's hard to draw the line, …show more content…
Like visual art, music could also be revolutionary and timeless. However, mainstream music is only there to be sold. It lacks meaning, it doesn't question the system, address problems in society, or adds to a genre or culture. It is afraid to offend. It won't live on if another century passes. While I understand that some want their music to be mere entertainment, music is a part of culture, and it could also influence our behaviors.

What I suggest is listening to a wide variety of music. One would certainly find things that they'd enjoy if they listen across many artists and genres. I know very few people whose taste of music only rest within the mainstream, and those who actually do are often low-achieving and passive. If you want to step out of the mainstream world, experiment by setting one or two hours to actively listen to a whole album (remember to focus only on the music, do not make your mind occupied with other matters). It will certainly be an interesting, if not innovative,

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