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A Found Soul

A Few Reasons Why The 2010's Is The Best Era of Music!

By J.X. LeivaPublished 4 years ago 6 min read
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A Found Soul
Photo by pawel szvmanski on Unsplash

Just like discovering a new favorite dessert, to the excitement feeling you get when you watch a new anticipated movie; the feeling of discovering something new brings forth an alluring sensation that captivates one's interest and emotions. This feeling is more craved due to an explosion of different genres of music that has made it's presence known in this modern decade, since the 2010's. From goosebumps sprouting in your skin, to chills crawling down your back; this decade probably has the best music for any occasion, emotion, or for any identity.

There are has been a blend of culture differences, expressionism, and nostalgic reminiscence in music, in this past decade than any other. From foreign influences, to feeling sad or happy, to just jamming out to a song for a birthday; music has evolved to fit anyone's needs or favor.

Cultural Bomb

By Siora Photography on Unsplash

Since 2010's, there has been music that contain some form influence from another culture. We have heard music infused with different languages, different types of beliefs and sound; as well as artists collaborating with other famous artist from around the world. One of the most fascinating cultural influence, that has evolved music in the last 10 years happens to be Reggaeton. Reggaeton is a well known type of music in central and southern America that has been infused together with Latin rhythm, rap and hip hop.

Other elements involve artists collaborating with each from all different Latin regions. Good examples are such as, Bad Bunny (Puerto Rican singer and rapper) collaborating with major stars such as Drake and Cardi B(both well known rappers.) J Balvin, (Colombian singer and rapper) collaborating with famous artist such as Beyoncé and David Guetta. We have also the infamous "Despacito" from the Puerto Rican artist known as Luis Fonsi, who happens to break the world record for the most viewed and most liked music video on YouTube, collaborated with the one and only Justin Bieber.

If you are wondering why such things like this is important, considering the social depictions of Latinos, or Hispanics, to be "criminals and rapists" in some social media platforms; it is nice to see this unifications of two different cultures. This allows for many people from different parts of Latin regions to connect with others over the beautiful sounds of the melody, rhythm or language that is considered to be their influence.

Other influences in music has morphed together has been inspired from the middle-east, south America, influences from Asia, Japan, Korea and many more. These influences allow people from all around the world to come together and connect with each other.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

In this decade, we are experiencing a new type of trend that no other decade of music has not come across, well, not as much as the last ten years. This new trend stems from a person's freedom of speech, but turned into something more. Major artists took upon themselves to produce and make music that have a more impactful meaning in their lyrics and type of music genre. Compare to years before, artists do not hold back, now, on how they feel on certain issues and problems the world maybe facing. It's this type of expressionism that allows this decade of music to be more prevalent to everyone.

One example of this began in 2010, when the famous rapper Eminem collaborated with singer Rihanna, making the song Love The Way You Lie. This powerful song involves powerful scenes and lyrics that speak out against domestic abuse and violence. This song brought a serious issue to light, and encouraged many people to speak out against this type of injustice.

". . . I don't even know his name, I laid hands on her .I'll never stoop so low again . . . . You swore you've never hit 'em, never do nothing to hurt 'em . Now you're in each other's face, Spewing venom in your words, when you spit 'em . You push, pull each other's hair, scratch, claw, bit 'em . Throw 'em down . . . . "

This song digs deep into people's feelings by talking about both sides of the story. The lyrics are simple, but the meaning is straight forward.

Another example of expressionism would be a song from the one and only Beyoncé, called Black Parade. This song is beautifully written with historical and cultural references to Black culture from the south. This song was written after multiple injustices occurred involving police with victims George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. This song was a way for Beyoncé to demonstrate her dedication for the Black Lives Matter Movement, and use her platform to voice over her plea for justice and equally for Black lives. To make this more memorable, she released this song on Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a holiday, celebrated by African-Americans, dedicated to the emancipation of slaves since 1965. Black Parade serves as a anthem for the beauty, power, heart, soul and strength for Black lives.

Finding Yourself

This decade has blossomed a vast amount of music genres. From, country to techno, to Pop music to Kpop; what ever genre one is interested in, artists have conveyed different styles of singing and meanings to help connect with certain people. Artists have evolved to creating their own unique sound, style and sing about certain topics that appeal to people that connect with their own identity or emotions.

Lady Gaga displayed discovery of ones identity by her song Born This Way. This song describes how a person should every part of who they are, whether it's gender, race or sexual orientation. This message is straight forward, simple and direct. Their hasn't been a song that relays this type of direct, positive message until this decade.

"No matter gay, straight, or bi .

Lesbian, transgendered life

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to survive

No matter black, white or beige

Chola or orient made

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to be brave"

Not only is this song, is praised by so many, it is considered a stabled anthem, for loving oneself in the LGBTQ+ community. This message will benefit among younger generations, if they are scared to be themselves, this song can boost their self-esteem.

Sir Robert Bryson Hall the II, also known as American rapper Logic appealed to people through a powerful song known as 1-800-273-8255.

Logic's song title happens to be the same number as National Suicide Prevention Hotline. He wrote this to tell a story through someone's perspective, when they receive a phone call from someone who wants to kill themselves.

". . . I don't wanna be alive, I don't wanna be alive

I just wanna die today, I just wanna die

I don't wanna be alive, I don't wanna be alive

I just wanna die

And let me tell you why . . ."

Logic wants people to sure the suicide will never be the answer to anyone's problem, and that no matter what, there will always be help if you needed. When is comes to the boldness of the lyrics, no other time period has demonstrated any type of music that encourages people to get help like in this modern era. More artists have came out with similar music like this, which is positive direction that people needed.

Overall . . .

Many people will disagree with me, but I say this past decade has been the best for music. In this modern era, where there is so much negativity in this world, it's warming to find a song that you can listen to, or relate to even if you don't want to talk. For the past ten years, music has come out for people to find themselves, whether its through, genres, different moods, types of lyrics, or cultural influence. I believe this is the only era, where you can let the music do the talking for you, if you don't want to talk.

People have said to me that "if people have hearts, they have soul." I believe that people listen to music with their hearts. With so many people out there, feeling lost, a song from this decade can help find their soul.

humanity
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About the Creator

J.X. Leiva

Hey Y'all. My name is Jason, is your reading this, your probably wondering what I have to offer. WELP! Let me just tell yah that my life comes with funny situations that offer life lessons and advice I can dispose of. Like a sh*tty sitcom.

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