In many ways, I’m far from a music person. That title befalls my older brother, of amongst his incredible lacking skills in interpersonal communications and personal hygiene, who actually knows lyrics and likes old and new music. Still, I was born under the sign of the fish, and, supposedly, we have an ear for music.
I have noticed, from time to time, that my mood for genres of composing varies widely. One day, I may listen to reggae when I’m gaming; another, country twang whilst I’m getting chores completed. Perhaps, this tidbit is the sign that, well, maybe my star-sign has a ring of truth.
So it behooves me to say, I’m not okay with what this award has wrought. Justin Bieber isn’t particularly new. Pop music has keep the music industry humming; it’s grease in many ways for the wheels for the more sophisticated players located at the top of the heap. For every 400 teeniebopper girls buying a Bieber download, there’s 2 buying Miles Davis’ studio sessions uncut.
I’m not criticizing Beiber as much as it may seem. Pop music is important. Elvis? The King? His music sounded like pure fluff, but, deep underneath, you heard the melodies of gospel and southern roots. The Beatles made danceable hits, but their music eventually evolved into a panoramic reflection of the times.
And Beiber might get there yet. What he has done isn’t new. What he has? He does have talent. Even I can’t deny the hummmmmm-ability of his frequent confections. But, well, artist of the year?
How can a 17 year old sing about love with the conviction of an elder? To what does he know of loss, hope, disaster and fear? Art should reflect life. How much more living can he do before we see even more power out of his voicebox?
Of course, I can easily contradict myself here. Michael Jackson? Little Michael? He sang of love as well, but, now that we see his life in retrospect, I begin see, that, indeed, he knew of loss.
But old MJ was a horse of a very different color.
I guess, in the end, this is an illustration that awards aren’t always for the deserving, but for the art in and of itself.
Or some kind of popularity contest. Maybe? Something to think about.
American Music Awards Crown Justin Bieber Artist of the Year | Music News | Rolling Stone
