do u think a musician should be confined to playing/singing in only one genre?

Question

i notice that wen some artistes do sumthing different, it creates a big fuss. take nelly fertardo, for example. her new album is more party than indie as she usually does. norah jones' album 'feels like home' ppl criticized for being more country. these ppl r MUSICIANS, not strictly blues or indie performers. i think that its good wen an artist tries sumthing new to see wat they r capable of. yes some of the fans who fell in love with their first albums might be a bit dissapointed, but i think they should embrace the new concept bcuz they still hav the ability to pull it off! but wat do u think?

Answer 1

The old way of making an album was basically to capture the newest material of all the genres that artist could excel at. Kind of like a baseball batting list. Hence the word HIT. You've got your fast runner (the uptempo opener), then the contact hitters (the romantic slow song, or jam and the one with the commercial pop/roc appeal), then the clean up hitter (The one that's gonna make everyone shake their booty, the one they worked on the most and got the record company to single it on the radio), then of course the not so good hitters (the B-Sides or filler like they call it these days). But many artists like to chose a theme for their album, that way it adds continuity to the album and all you have to do is put it in and let the whole thing play. Continuity contributes a big % on who is taking the grammy for Album of the Year. Todays artists stick to one genre because they know there are at least 10 thousand people that will buy their record, or they're proud of their style, or simply because it'll make them money.

Even if you decide to record/sell on only one genre--and that's a big desicion--you should still expand on all of your music ability. That way you become a better songwriter and maybe even solve the mystery of what genre you should work on for your next album.

Answer 2

Well I can agree on both sides (sorta) Like I loved Nsync they were the best band ever but once Justin broke off his style changed from pop to more R&B and I just haven't liked it. While I say I am sad that I don't like listening to it I say he should still sing whatever he wants because a lot of people like it. I'm picky when it comes to music and especially right now I haven't found any good music I enjoy. So if all the singers changed right now maybe I'd like them? Oh yeah and Michelle Branch I hear is now singing country, which is too bad I liked her pop songs. A lot of times I think an artist can't change genres simply because they sing better a certain way. I know Michael buble who sings bandstand jazz tried to sing one of Josh Groban's songs and was told by Groban himself to stick to his own music. It was cool to see him try though.

Answer 3

You know what, I love it when singers do other stuff. Actually, the people who I love the most make a LIVING changing styles. Like Kelly Clarkson, yes, Kelly... I like her because the girl sings Rock, Country, R&B (she sounds like xtina and Mariah when she does that), Punk, Jazz etc. She kills it no matter what she sings... and that's talent! KT Tunstall (Black Horse and The Cherry Tree)...yeah, she does covers of the Flaming Lips, Jackson 5, and Missy Elliott! Yeah the girl broke it down acoustic with "Get U'r freak On"... I love versatility. Great question. Hey, if they can do it... they should do it!

Answer 4

I think it's so amazing when they can pull it off, definitely... but I was so crushed about Nelly Furtado, she turned a little bit too... party girl, in my opinion-- I loved how carefree and in your face she was before!

Answer 5

no i don't look at all the country singers that get there songs on pop charts that play on hip-hop radio stations like shania twain

Answer 6

no I enjoy when they re-invent themselves, there not afraid to take risks