Evolving Musical Tastes

As a child of the late 80s and 90s, I grew up with the pop boybands. New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, 98 Degrees, O-Town, the list goes on and on...

At the time, I absolutely adored these all-male groups. Cute guys who could sing and dance at the same time? Can we say talented?

Now, as a twenty-something with "more grown up" and expansive musical interests, I've come to appreciate bands and singers that not only sing live, but that play their own instruments as well. Yes, dancing is wonderful and those that do it well are talented, but there is a fine line between a musical performer and a musical artist.

Britney Spears

Would I consider Britney Spears an artist? No.

Chris Brown? No.

David Cook? Yes.

Adele? Yes.



There's just something about playing an instrument and/or singing live that gives an artist more credibility as a true entertainer. There are some artists who have amazing vocal abilities and who do not necessarily need to play musical instruments, as long as their voices remain solid and brilliant on stage. For some select artists, their voice alone may be their musical instrument. Other artists benefit from playing guitars or pianos as they interpret the music and engage the audience to "feel" the performance. When they are passionate about the music, we are too.

In today's day and age, musical artisty is severely underappreciated. We tend to applaud the glamorous performances or jaw-dropping choreography more than we do the vocal and instrumental talent. We need to recognize what true musical talent entails and which celebrities have it.

Allison Iraheta



Kris Allen