Resurrecting The Soul Of Music
Written by: Marina Townsend
For those fortunate enough to have been born in the 1980s and early 1990s, we were privileged to experience the soul-stirring music of our parents and grandparents.
Growing up in a Christian household, my exposure to secular music was limited, with Michael Jackson being the exception. However, thanks to my cousin and best friend, I had the opportunity to discover authentic Rhythm and Soul music that resonated with me.
As an 80s baby, a 90's child and 00's Teen, I take immense pride in having grown up with artists like Profyle, 112, Tevin Campbell, Boyz II Men, Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Avant, Calvin Richardson, Jodeci, Total, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Kelly Price, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Xscape, Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, and many more. These were the artists whose music spoke directly to the depths of my soul, and continues to do so to this day.
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As I entered high school, my musical taste evolved, but the 90s and early 2000s still delivered incredible hits, many of which came from the aforementioned artists. Songs like "Candy Rain" (1994), "One in a Million" (1996), "Not Gon' Cry" (1997), "I Get So Lonely" (1998), and "The Boy Is Mine" (1998) hold a special place in my heart. Listing even a fraction of the songs that defined my childhood overwhelms me with emotion. These were the songs that expressed love and heartbreak in the most poignant and expressive ways. They made me shed tears when I needed to, but also brought an irresistible smile to my face when I wanted to sing along to every word and every riff. These melodies effortlessly penetrated my soul, riding the waves of my being. Music, indeed!
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In today's landscape, we are bombarded with a brand of rap that I hesitate to classify as true Hip Hop, as it seems to be a conglomeration of noises and superficial sound effects. Genuine R&B is scarce, aside from a few seasoned artists and the occasional newcomer attempting to revive the genre in their own way.
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I still vividly remember listening to albums like "The Writing's on the Wall" and "Unleash the Dragon" on my compact CD player in the school cafeteria, and those moments breathed life into me. I harboured an intense obsession with Aaliyah during that time, which I won't delve into, as her untimely departure profoundly impacted my final two years of school. However, it was the MUSIC that saved me on numerous occasions. Later, it was artists like Imajin, B2K, Mario, and Chris Brown who created indelible memories for me. Oh, the nostalgia!
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Nowadays, we witness our neighbours attempting to emulate the lavish lifestyles depicted in repetitive music videos, which revolve around promiscuity, materialism, and substance abuse. It's tiresome, devoid of meaning, and it imparts illiteracy while stunting the growth of this generation. (This, of course, is solely my opinion.)
Music, on the other hand, encompasses far more than a mere melody; it serves as a daily inspiration, influencing the version of myself I strive to become. Gospel vibrations make me feel empowered, often translating into a corporate mindset. Jhené Aiko's music tugs at my whimsical and feminine side, while J. Cole's sound demands baggy oversized trousers and a figure-hugging vest, evoking true authenticity.
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The essence I want to convey is that perhaps, by reducing the excessive use of recycled samples mixed with mediocre content and demonic connotations, encouraging artists to steer away from creating disturbing noise to potentially cultivate a society with fewer individuals lacking literacy, troubled mindsets, toxic cycles and a decrease in all round trauma.
In today's music landscape, it seems that originality has taken a backseat, as numerous artists rely heavily on rehashed samples and unremarkable compositions but get away with calling in music because it went viral on TikTok.
This trend not only diminishes the artistry involved but also contributes to a cultural decline, perpetuating a lack of knowledge and understanding among the masses.
Imagine a world where artists focus on crafting unique and authentic compositions, pushing the boundaries of creativity. In this world, the music produced would not only captivate our senses but also inspire intellectual growth and emotional depth. Such music would serve as a catalyst for learning, encouraging listeners to explore new ideas and broaden their horizons.
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Additionally, this shift towards genuine musical expression would have a positive impact on personal aesthetics. When artists pour their passion and creativity into their craft, it translates into a refined sense of style. Music that resonates on a deep level tends to evoke a desire for self-expression, manifesting in well-dressed individuals who take pride in their appearance.
By fostering an environment that encourages artists to create meaningful and original music, we could witness a transformative change in our society. A departure from trivial noise would pave the way for an era of intellectual growth and artistic appreciation.
Let us envision a future where music becomes a powerful tool for both cultural elevation and sartorial refinement.
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