In today’s post I would like to discuss mainstream content. Often it is oversimplified, overcompressed, and outright boring musically. Yet, there must still be some quality music in that sea of commercially packaged albums, all designed to sound like one another. I mean that even if one is bound by a big contract to play and sing the same stuff for decades, musicians would still keep a spark of creativity deep in their hearts.
The situation is probably almost the same as with the music of independent artists — mainstream is so vast and uniform that rare gems created by famous artists get lost in the noise of overall uniformity.
And yet, those gems must exist. Below I will give examples of recently created songs by mainstream artists that I find very likable; they are done well, original, and authentic.
News:
Recently I discovered Suno for myself. I must say that I was very impressed with its capabilities. In fact, so much so that I decided to create a mini-album that I called Jammin’ With AI. I think it turned out pretty awesome. Have a listen and decide for yourselves:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1HYwCkXKB8RH1U9NZajZfX
Music Picks:
Swerve by Papa Roach, Fever 333, Sueco:
https://open.spotify.com/track/68g8ct32bqJXl4po9cWeeD
This song was released in 2022 as part of the album Ego Trip. It brings to the forefront a whole new sound for Papa Roach, which is quite different and more modern compared to their most famous hit Last Resort.
Search and Destroy (cover) by Ministry:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1GxlODOZeS7UhYT13k1U7S
This cover of The Stooges’ song from 1973 was released in 2021 as part of the album Moral Hygiene. I must say that it is, perhaps, by far my favorite example of a creative approach by a mainstream band.
Black Cadillac by Hollywood Undead, B-Real; and Ghost Beach by Hollywood Undead:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2uhVLadVUQQgVSZbrgOq9b
https://open.spotify.com/track/3nnQ34MxmltwAJk3DQZxjs
Both tracks were released in 2017 as part of the album Five. Although I think the mixes could be done a lot better, the songs themselves are still very likable and original. Thumbs up!
Shifting gears, let’s remember this hit:
All The Things She Said (cover) by Poppy (2020):
https://open.spotify.com/track/0wH55ChKuoZkmGhbIYtOI4
and the original:
All The Things She Said by t.A.T.u (2002):
https://open.spotify.com/track/4bJygwUKrRgq1stlNXcgMg
Which one do you prefer? I think the original sounds better.
Changing the Genre — let’s mention a few remarkable reggae songs:
Want It Back by L’Entourloop, Guts, Troy Berkley, Patrice (2017):
https://open.spotify.com/track/7k2KCW9gYFfGYHcgpAsvJr
If you check out L’Entourloop, you will be impressed with the consistency of their sound. I love their production.
New Heights by Ky-Mani Marley:
https://open.spotify.com/track/09aLLGz6xaH8C86a6Fs4CO
He is my favorite of Bob Marley’s children.
I must say I had a real hard time finding a good new old‑school sound for mainstream rap. So, here’s one:
Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5A6OHHy73AR5tLxgTc98zz
And to finish strong, making their way from the German underground scene all the way to mainstream — enjoy the sound of the finest industrial metal:
Megalomaniac by KMFDM:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1d3iQh4fTm5D6iRtgrZPZ9
Final Thoughts:
Having received thousands of songs from independent artists and reviewed as many mainstream songs as well, I conclude that it is somewhat a similar picture. It is just that obscure independent bands create more than 90% of all music out there. As a result, there is much more great independent music made every day compared to mainstream hits.
The only way to protect the mainstream music industry is to keep indie artists at bay — too many are too good. Plus, there is too little great mainstream stuff that can be made in between tours. Besides, you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, and whether they want to or not, old bands are going away with their outdated sound. Only a few can adapt and bring something original to the table.
And yet, my examples prove that the industry is not just a musical “fast food” swamp, but that there exist players who still genuinely care for music — albeit they are a small minority. On this note, if you know relevant and original mainstream music, please let me know. Your feedback and participation are always appreciated.