How Do You Define GOOD Music?

[THUNDER HANDS]

Ever wonder why you like the music you do? And why others don't share your feelings about a particular artist?

It's because we all have different tastes and we all define what GOOD music is, differently.

I define good music depending on the genre.

If it's rock and roll, I like something with a strong drum beat and wicked lead guitar. If there's a harmonic solo placed in there somewhere it's an 'A' in my book. The lyrics aren't that important because not everyone can be Bob Dylan.

If it's rap/ hip-hop, I like a song that samples swing music - specifically big horns and slide guitars. And I have to be able to want to dance to it. I know I can't dance to save myself, but I still love to shake my booty. :)

If I'm listening to slow balads, they have to be well written lyrically and must have a piano. No exceptions.

So what's your definition of good music?

[Alenne]

1. I think all music is good music

I don't personally like it all but everything is good to someone.

[pnb]

2. No definition because music is too subjective

IOW, its good if I like it and sucks if I don't like it.

Nuff said.

[slackdude]

12. Exactly

Though it's funny how a few years time can completely change that. I find myself enjoying music that I hated 10 years ago, and hating music that I liked 10 years ago. I suppose the music that stands the test of time is the really good music, at least in my opinion.

[MrSoundAndVision]

3. Music that has

depth, dynamics, boldness, genius, etc. Just so long as it's not made in a factory (like the state of popular music now) it's good. And I guess that even that music speaks to someone. I guess I agree, all music is good, it's just that there are different levels of appreciation, and the deeper the level the better the music.

[Speck Tater]

4. If it "works," it's good.

And in order to work it has to have something interesting going on. Preferably something we haven't heard 10,000 different versions of already, so originality is important.

It should strike a delicate balance between the expected and the unexpected. You should be able to tap your feet and anticipate the next melodic note or chord change. That being said, however, it should surprise you now and then by doing something you didn't anticipate. And it should surpirse you often enough to hold your interest, but not so often as to become annoying by disrupting your ability to anticiapte what is coming next most of the time.

[Droopy]

5. There's lots of good music, imo, but

GOOOOOD music gives you the chills when you listen to it. You know, the goose bumps up and down your arms.

[Loonman]

6. Well, Dick,

It's got a good beat and I can dance to it.

/bandstand

[NightTrain]

7. "If you like it, it's good." - Duke Ellington

n/t

[bif]

17. I'd say, If you like it, it's good music,

and if you don't like it, it's good for someone else.

[OneBlueSky]

28. a wise, wise man, the Duke . . .

not to mention an incredible composer, pianist, and all-around great musician . . . that's my definition of good music, too . . .

[section321]

8. Good music is like pornography....

I can't define it, but I know it when I hear (see) it.

[redqueen]

9. I heard a program on NPR recently that got me thinking about this.

She discussed composers that challenged the very idea of what music is -- using sounds not normally considered musical, desigining systems to produce music, etc. It was very interesting.

But personally, I define 'good' music as anything that gets your spirits going. Up or down, even sideways. If it makes you feel, it's good music! :D

[Drifter]

10. Predictability ...

When I hear a song for the first time, If I can predict the direction that the song is going to go in ... then I probably won't like it.

I do not like country music because of its predictability.

On the other hand, I am a huge Zappa fan. Expect the unexpected.

Cheers
Drifter

[TrogL]

11. I'll listen to anything that's well-performed

• there is something resembling a melody/chord progression
  
• there is some effort put into the performance (eg. practice)
  
• it is in tune, at least with itself
  
• it is in tempo
  
• there is a meaningful attempt at stagecraft
  

So I guess that pretty much eliminates:

• Country and Western - "we got both kinds"
  
• rap
  
• Elvis
  
• The Grateful Dead
  

Note, this does not eliminate modern orchestral/electronic music eg. Ligeti. I said I wanted a chord progression/melody. I didn't necessarily say it needed to be comprehensible.

[BlueJazz]

23. As a Jazz (former) Musician, you got it right , Brother!

You nailed it.

[NightTrain]

31. Nothing personal against TrogL, but this is why I'm glad...

...I never studied music. I'd just as soon listen to a song on its own terms and decide for myself whether I like it or not, as opposed to whether it conforms to established conventions of what "good music" must contain (or leave out).

[izzie]

13. Guess it is who hears it, and what sticks around.

Just a guess it is like paintings. Hard to say.

[ulysses]

14. for my own purposes

I'm largely a musical omnivore. I tend to hate twangy country, but I like a lot of bluegrass and most everything else is fair game. Generally it needs to be interesting, have some sense of ability, and be pleasant to listen to. Eye of the beholder and all that - I can enjoy Nirvana and Palestrina in the same half hour.

I know I can't dance to save myself, but I still love to shake my booty.

:D Same here.

[VermontDem2004]

15. Easy

If I like the lyrics and I like the sound.

[Faygo Kid]

16. Sinatra: Yes. Bolton: No

I like singers who know HOW to sing a song - Sinatra, Ella, etc. I DON'T like the types who think a song is just a vehicle to show off the strength of their pipes (Whitney Houston and many others - you know the type).

[commander bunnypants]

18. I need to feel it inside of me

that is how I know it is good

DDQM

[mac56]

19. I echo many of the sentiments already posted -

and add one of my own -

The best songs are those that make me pull my car off the road and phone the radio station to ask, "What's that song? Who's that artist?"

Like Paul Westerberg sang: "I'm in love with that song."

Has anyone else ever done that?

[redqueen]

22. Yep.

And I've pestered many a DJ after getting to a phone and trying to sing / hum the tune trying to find out the info. :)

[dwckabal]

20. Anything that immediately makes me

want to listen to it over and over again in a row at least 10 times.

[GOPisEvil]

21. Good music makes you feel some emotion.

[a_random_joel]

24. I have a really eclectic taste in music, but...

generally I like anything with synthesizers (especially analog), stuff with a good beat (funky, breakbeats, tribal, etc.)
anything atmospheric or ethereal/moody,
"haunting" type melodies, Jazzy chords
arpeggiation of the chords (either with synths or acoustic guitar)
Pretty burnt out on distorted guitar now...

so my list of top music includes:
techno/house/drum n bass
old shool hip hop
funk
80's new wave
Post-goth experimental stuff a la 4AD (Cocteau Twins, etc.)
Pink Floyd
Bob Marley

But I still love Classic Rock, good Jazz, and classical.

I hate Country, and big-hair 80's cheese-metal. Other than that I'm fairly open.

[Endangered Specie]

25. Almost all the music I like

is non-lyrical, and if there are sung words, its in a foreign language, except for those which sing about revolutionary ideas (like the Internationale).

Pretty much mostly classical, jazz.


I despise most electric insturments

[a_random_joel]

27. Electronic instruments

Are like any other instrument - just more versatile and a way bigger palette.

And this coming from a former woodwind player!

[helmeuth]

26. grateful dead... end of story

[bbernardini]

29. Anything I listen to that my wife hates.

:)

[Parche]

30. GOOD MUSIC

Good music is something that is not Country or Rap