The discussion surrounding whether modern music is better or worse than music from previous decades is a deeply subjective one that has been ongoing for years. Critics have criticized various genres throughout history, including jazz, rock’n’roll, punk, heavy metal, hip-hop, and pop from different eras. While opinions on this matter vary, a recent study conducted by Queen Mary University of London suggests that melodies in today’s chart-topping songs are less complex than those from the past.
The researchers examined the top five hits on the US Billboard year-end singles chart from 1950 to 2022, analyzing features related to pitch and rhythm using specialized software. The results, published in Scientific Reports, indicate a trend of declining melodic complexity over the years, with significant drops in 1975 and 2000, as well as a smaller decrease in 1996. These declines were linked to the emergence of new music genres like stadium rock, disco, and hip-hop, which have influenced the complexity of melodies in popular music.
It’s worth noting that while melodies may have become less complex, modern music production often involves intricate layering and texture due to advancements in technology. Earlier music was typically created by bands with limited instruments, relying heavily on vocals for complexity, whereas today’s music is more studio-focused and polished.
Despite the simplification of melodies, there has been an increase in the density of notes sung per second, particularly since 2000. This rise in note density can impact the overall complexity of melodies, limiting the musical tones that can be incorporated. Interestingly, studies have shown no decline in the timbre or harmony of music over the past five decades, indicating that other aspects of music complexity remain intact.
In a 2014 study, it was noted that certain music styles experienced fluctuations in instrumentational complexity over the years. For example, genres like ‘new wave’ and ‘disco’ saw periods of increased complexity followed by declines, while ‘folk rock’ maintained a consistent level of complexity. The study suggested that as a music style attracts more artists, its instrumentational variety increases, leading to a unique and complex expression pattern.
Another study by the Spanish National Research Council used AI to analyze pop songs released between 1955 and 2010, revealing a decrease in melodic complexity and an increase in loudness in pop recordings over the years. These findings suggest that while melodies in popular music may have become simpler, other aspects of musical composition and production have evolved.
Overall, the evolution of melodies in popular music reflects broader changes in music production, genre trends, and technological advancements. While some may argue that modern music lacks the complexity of its predecessors, it’s essential to consider the different factors that contribute to these shifts in musical styles and compositions.