One of the major reasons for the moribund nature of popular music these days is the fact that the major providers of content are primarily concerned with producing music that appeals to as broad a cross section of the population as possible. The result is a product that's as bland as it is lacking in personality.
Sometimes it seems that the majority of the acts are interchangeable; any of them could perform the songs produced in their genre and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Gone are the days of the distinct voice or style that allowed listeners to distinguish among the different groups and individuals whose songs played on the radio. If you want to get signed by one of the major labels today, you had better not only sound like everybody else, but look like them as well.
Some genres are worse then others, and by far the worst offender is what passes for Dance music these days. Part of the problem is that the majority of the music is performed by machines and has little or no human emotions or spirit involved in the process. Watching people dance to this "music" is like watching a computer respond to the commands of a program, repeating the same actions endlessly. Occasional glitches in the software can cause confusion, but there is always something else standing by to replace it.
It used to be that Dance music was performed by live musicians, even in the Disco era no one would presume to use all electronics to create something that was supposed to inspire movement in people. In fact, before Disco, there wasn't even a separate category for dance music. Some music might have been more conducive to dancing because of its rhythm, but that didn't stop you from also sitting and enjoying listening to it.
One of the most consistently strong performers of Funk, Rhythm & Blues, Blues, and Soul music from the early '70s onwards has been the great woman vocalist Chaka Khan. When she was younger, she was known for her small frame and huge Afros almost as much as her amazing voice. If you can remember back to the early 1970's, you'll remember songs like "Tell Me Something Good" which she performed as a member of the band Rufus.
Article comments
1 - Tyromeo
I Can Dig It! or as they say "Word" The truth was spoken today.
2 - Osvaldo E.
Being a longtime fan of the incredible Miss Khan (we're known as Chakaholics) I really appreciate the positive review that Mr Marcus gave "FUNK THIS" but I feel that I have to correct a factual error. "FUNK THIS" is NOT her first solo studio project in ten years! "CLASSIKHAN" a collection of jazz standards and movie song covers(Goldfinger) was released in 2004 on her own Earth Song label. A great album that should not be overlooked just because it's not a "Pop" album. This is also further proof of her versatility as she excels in the Jazz genre as well. Miss Khan can and DOES sing anything and does it very well I might add.
So "FUNK THIS" is actually her first "POP" solo studio project since 1998's "COME TO MY HOUSE".
3 - Richard Marcus
Osvaldo E.
I have to admit that I was starting to have doubts about the veracity of the claim first in ten years that was being made by her label but I went against my better judgement and included it. Thank you for the correction and reminding me to know better.
cheers
Richard Marcus
4 - Michele
I, being a fan of Chaka's since the 70's, know that she CAN sing ANYTHING!!! I have every recorded song that she has ever made and am counting down the days until the release of "Funk This." She has been true to form and to her fans for never letting us down with a single note. One would have to be buried under a rock not to appreciate what Chaka has given this world to listen to. What a wonderful world it is!
5 - Matthew Alexander
What an incredible article!!! I am a devoted Chakaholic, and I love her dearly!! She is the truth and an artist that reigns supreme, in an age of souless music. Thank you for uplifting her and really highlighting her magic.
6 - Clifton Earl Hill
Yes!!! Chaka is still amazing. I just saw her in New York City's City Hall Park on Thursday 23 August 2007. She was amazing! Her voice has not diminished at all. In fact, it has become even more amazing. I think she was incredible in her twenties as well when I listen to her old stuff. For example, what 20-something year old now-a-days can tackle "A Night in Tunisis" and "Bebop Medley". Chaka was in her 20's when she recorded these masterpieces. For all the naysayer, please crawl under a rock where you belong, especially the crazy folks on YouTube.