In Defence of Popular Music

In a recent post I talked about my pathological contrarianism and my need to dislike things people like to fuel some narcisstic superiority complex. It is, obviously, a negative quality to possess and one I would duly like to correct. So today, I'd like to briefly admit that I actually quite like some pop music.

Having watched this video with pop musician and producer Grimes, I was struck by something she said in one of the clips. For her, it was an obvious choice to pursue pop, despite any criticisms that it's a vapid or unfulfilling genre, because it's primary focus is the listeners happiness, or in her words:

It's music that just seeks to hit the pleasure centre.

And really, if I was critical of something with such pure intentions (let's pretend capitalism isn't a thing), I would be the asshole. My central criticism of pop is usually that it is not as interesting and emotionally engaging as other genres, and its over-commercialisation. If I were to start decrying everything I thought was unnecessarily commercialised, there wouldn't be a whole lot left. And just because something isn't emotionally engaging to me, especially given my melancholy disposition, doesn't mean it's not a valid art form.

Besides, I do actually like some pop songs and artists, I'm just too proud to admit it. The new Dua Lipa feat Blackpink song is awesome - admittedly I unashamedly loved Blackpink before hearing it. I adored Alice Merton's No Roots which was all over the radio last year. Billie Eilish is as much my Sad Queen as anyone else's. I am a big fan of Marina and the Diamonds, Kimbra, Lorde, and the aforementioned Grimes.

Maybe if I got over myself and listened to more of it, I'd be happier. Everyone else must like it for a reason.