Lyrics or no lyrics?
- Thread starter Type 90
- Start date
Recommended Videos
I'm a big "fan" of lyrics. That's not to say that I don't listen to instrumentals or that music doesn't matter just as much or even that bad lyrics make for a bad song. They just matter to me, I enjoy well written lyrics.
For me the important part is not necessarily about the story they tell. It's the way the words are combined, the way smaller parts form something bigger. Be it words forming a sentence or sentences forming a song. What thoughts and emotions the combinations evoke, how what's written relates to what is said and how it works in synergy with the music. Even something as the phonetics of the words matter. The explicit meaning or message of the lyrics matter less to me, I still couldn't explain to you what the meaning of some of my favorite song lyrics are, just that I like how they're written.
For me the important part is not necessarily about the story they tell. It's the way the words are combined, the way smaller parts form something bigger. Be it words forming a sentence or sentences forming a song. What thoughts and emotions the combinations evoke, how what's written relates to what is said and how it works in synergy with the music. Even something as the phonetics of the words matter. The explicit meaning or message of the lyrics matter less to me, I still couldn't explain to you what the meaning of some of my favorite song lyrics are, just that I like how they're written.
There are some songs with lyrics I can't get enough of (looking at you Miracle of Sound) but mostly I like instrumental pieces.
I have no problem with lyrics in a song. I do, however, very rarely actually listen to the lyrics. In very few of my favourite songs do I know the lyrics, and if I do know them it's because I've memorized the words without thinking about the sentences or stories they form.
Basically: I listen to a lot of instrumental music. Particularly jazz, soundtracks and classical, and when I listen to music with lyrics, I tend to just think of the vocals as another instrument. So chanting and scatting is particularly cool.
This probably explains why I really don't like rap.
Basically: I listen to a lot of instrumental music. Particularly jazz, soundtracks and classical, and when I listen to music with lyrics, I tend to just think of the vocals as another instrument. So chanting and scatting is particularly cool.
This probably explains why I really don't like rap.
Lyricless for sure. I love the sound of the human voice in music, but lyrics just kill it for me - that is, I love chanting. Thus for those who have heard of her , Yuki Kajiura being my favourite composer should go without saying... [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF6eNuAvLIE]
I like both, but if a song is great both musically and lyrically, I don't think there is anything better.
Alternatively, he's using a magical thing called hyperbole!SextusMaximus said:
Seriously though, most of the musicians in death metal bands are skilled, but they're putting those skills to waste.
I'm going to illustrate my point with a little story:
Imagine, if you will, an artist whose technique is flawless. Now while nobody can contend this artist's skill, his art is still less than stellar: Y'see, he paints nothing but goatse pictures.
People jump to his defense, pointing out the masterful brushstrokes and the amazing composition of his art, but the fact remains, he's just painting pictures of some guy doing horrible, unspeakable things to his anatomy.
As phenomenal of a painter he may be, his work is still terrible.
Both are great however...
The human voice is by far the most versatile instruments and is no doubt a handy tool of getting your feelings across. Music can be interpreted in a thousand different ways but the voice narrows it down MASSIVELY. If you want to express something specific lyrics help a lot.
The human voice is by far the most versatile instruments and is no doubt a handy tool of getting your feelings across. Music can be interpreted in a thousand different ways but the voice narrows it down MASSIVELY. If you want to express something specific lyrics help a lot.
Though recently I have listened to a lot of soundtrack music. I still prefer songs with lyrics in them.
I have trouble understanding a lot of lyrics but I like singing in general. Some of my favourite music is instrumental and ambient though.
Someone hold me backAngry Juju said:
I generally like songs with lyrics - but I am of the belief that every album should have at least one instrumental in it, just to properly prove how far you can go without your lead singer's voice. Of course, there are plenty of brilliant albums that don't fit this description (Origin of Symmetry, anyone?) but I'll respect a band more if they can pull off a good, atmospheric instrumental.
I like all types of music, but if it has lyrics they have to be good even if the music sounds good, i just can't listen to some asshole singing about his piles of money and new cars or how hard someone is going to party tonight or someone pointing out the fact that its friday.
Depends on things...
While I normaly listen to Metal/Rock that is heavily influensed by a story of some sort while they do tend to have instrumental songs which also are good.
Then again all cool battle music and music from movies/games which are really cool are often without lyrics, so for me it depends on the situation.
While I normaly listen to Metal/Rock that is heavily influensed by a story of some sort while they do tend to have instrumental songs which also are good.
Then again all cool battle music and music from movies/games which are really cool are often without lyrics, so for me it depends on the situation.
I can go eitherway, I like OST's like the LOTR one, and I like lyrical music, like Blind Guardian.
(Hansi's voice is god and I shall smite any who say otherwise!
)
(Hansi's voice is god and I shall smite any who say otherwise!
)
I found out that I like my music without lyrics, so the music will be the most interesting part of the song.
That said, in response to the OP, I think songs should start telling stories. A 5-minute epic told in song would be a nice change from all those songs about love/break-ups, partying, and/or bragging.
That said, in response to the OP, I think songs should start telling stories. A 5-minute epic told in song would be a nice change from all those songs about love/break-ups, partying, and/or bragging.
Oooh, was just about to throw her name into the conversation.Richardplex said:
It totally depends on the vocals. I feel that some women's voices are as good an instrument as any. Doesn't matter what language it is. Kajiura knows this and is thus my favorite composer. I especially like her newest band; Kalafina. Kara no Kyoukai blew my mind.
Sarcasm, Facetiousness and Hyperbole cannot properly be conveyed through text.Gerwich said:
Except there are massive amounts of people who enjoy death metal, and successful artists make massive amounts of money. Don't know that many rich painters who've focused on elderly porn.
EDIT: Regardless of exaggeration, he's still undermining the skill in death metal anyway.
vocals can add a nice texture, but 'lyrics' are too often so painfully stupid that it ruins the accompanying music.
this is especially true in pop/rock in English.
this is especially true in pop/rock in English.