Quote Originally Posted by overgrowthegovt
But doesn't mass appeal reflect the tastes of people whose tastes are not as cultivated, who are largely indifferent to music and just want something their friends think is cool?

I suppose you're right in that if millions of people like something there's SOME value to it, but in a different sense---I'm honestly convinced you can't possibly believe your own argument, that the lyrics of Bob Dylan and the lyrics of Soulja Boy are tied.
To compare the lyrics of Bob Dylan and Soulja Boy is absurd. However what you can compare is the emotion each songwriter produces for it's listeners. Bob maybe critically great, some of his songs very enjoyable, but to some, perhaps they want less complexity, just want something chill, to dance to, to move to. In that sense, I don't think of any less of Soulja Boy than Bob Dylan. It's all has to do with taste.

Music is for enjoyment regardless of your purpose and whos better is all subjective. There are so many variables when it comes to music, whether it's technical skills, song-writing skills, the production, the context, how conventional, the emotions. Music is not different than enjoying a painting. Some images may not appeal to all of us. Different people, different strokes. But if you take the time to really listen to it, you can find appreciation in everything.
thcbongman Reviewed by thcbongman on . How subjective is music, really? People always say everything's a matter of taste, and that's true for what people should listen to/read, etc....as far as actual quality, though, you can't really say it doesn't matter if you prefer Shakespeare or Danielle Steele. Same as music, I think...can everyone's tastes really be respected if some prefer MTV trash to the works of, say, Hendrix or Bob Dylan? Just a thought. Rating: 5