The Static Page

Pop Music Can Hold Surprises

Discussions about what constitutes good music can and does produce many diverse opinions. And disagreements. Popular music - the Top 40, if you will - is often derided for being full of manufactured sounds and "artists" who are little more than a pretty face. But the production skills employed are very polished and sometimes that's all someone needs.

Those who know my taste in music will know I like well produced music - this is one of the attractions Pop Music has for me. Of course, I do also appreciate good song writing. This is, naturally, part of the production process to some extent, though a lot of people seem to overlook this. In the industry of manufactured music, a particular sound and attitude tends to be what is sought and aspiring performers with their own songs must sometimes fit this mold.

Fortunately, is is possible to get around this. If you've been following the charts you may have noticed a young singer by the name of Avril Lavigne who had a hit of a sorts with a song called "Complicated", followed soon after by the rather more raucous "Sk8er Boi". What caught my attention was that these songs had some hidden depths in the lyrics. Sure, the music videos show Avril and her band performing and generally having lots of fun - but the words of both songs spoke of more things.

I bought her album yesterday. This was a bit of a risk for me; Avril's style is fairly hard rock and that by itself doesn't usually appeal. What I did discover was that she is a strong singer and her voice matches the musical style. I also discovered that she'd snuck a few deep things past the music industry. All of the songs were written by Avril - many of them appear to have a part of her in them. One song in particular speaks of the wonders of being individual and of doing anything but fitting in. "Is it enough to die/Somebody save my life/I'd rather be Anything but Ordinary/Please"

Actually, I rather doubt 17 year old Avril is so fully beset with teenage angst. What I was endeavouring to point out that here is a rather gifted song writer who has taken advantage of a golden opportunity to be out there without being "remanufactured" in the music industry's vision. More power to her. I'm really enjoying "Let Go" and I'll probably buy her second album. Pop music can indeed hold surprises.

Wade Bowmer, aka Static.

discussion

Comments? Email me at static dash page at yceran dot org.