What's more important, the Lyrics, or the music?

What's more important, the Lyrics, or the music? - Printable Version

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- clarke - 07-12-2004

i dont think you can seperate the lyrics from the music, it is all one...thats my favourite thing about the hip, the lyrics, melody, and music all blend so perfectly...i play and listen to alot of art (classical) music and the symphony is thought of the ultimate creation in music, and most do not contain lyrics...i think it is most difficult to create something that emotes without using words...but at the same time this music doesnt make me want to get up and dance and sing along like the hip does...

- MattPower - 07-12-2004

My whole point for starting this thread was simply because I was amazed that lyrics in songs determined what some peoples favorites were. I just found it strange.

I mean, I think the lyrics on Gords Coke Machine Glow are all amazing, but I don't like most of it very much because the music is so medeocre. I guess it's just a matter of opinion.

- april_wino1 - 07-13-2004

To me, I usually don't pay attention to lyrics - with a few exceptions. Usually I just like a nice rocking tune and don't really care what the song is about. However, with some songs that I do like because of the lyrics - those are songs that I can identify with. I don't really know what 'musical depth' or 'lyrical depth' is - I just enjoy a song if I happen to like the music.

[Image: canada.gif]

- tigerthelion - 07-13-2004

MattPower Wrote:My whole point for starting this thread was simply because I was amazed that lyrics in songs determined what some peoples favorites were. I just found it strange.

I mean, I think the lyrics on Gords Coke Machine Glow are all amazing, but I don't like most of it very much because the music is so medeocre. I guess it's just a matter of opinion.

It's a very complex question you are posing. I definitely think that Gord and his lyrics separate the Hip from the majority of rock music out there. The music is what catches and attracts most people but to be honest, if I listened to the music of a Hip song with the lyrics of Avril, Chad Kroeger, Blink 182, Simple Plan, Fefe Dobson, etc. I don't think I'd like the song. I like songs where the lines aren't predictable. That's why the EP is by far the worst Hip cd. Other than the fact that they weren't great musicians and were still young, the lyrics leave a lot to be desired- "eat you up like a big porkchop" Confused

cratch:

Let's be honest- the Hip are good musicians now but they aren't groundbreaking musicians. There's no Hendrix or Bonham or Entwistle in the group. They have very good music and EXCEPTIONAL lyrics. My respect factor is ten fold because of the time and intelligence that goes into the lyrics. There aren't too many songwriter out there who are as metaphorically (sp?) gifted as Mr Downie.

Now, like other have said, I do like bands more for the music than lyrics, but with the Hip the lyrics put them over and above other music for me.

I don't think I'd call the music on CMG mediocore, save for the atrocious Atom Egoyan classical guitar. Sometimes less is more musically. "Chancellor" is about as good as any Hip song to me even though it is very basic music. Batte of the Nudes is definitely more mainstream musically but still has very good lyrics.

- sfissel - 07-13-2004

tigerthelion Wrote:Let's be honest- the Hip are good musicians now but they aren't groundbreaking musicians. There's no Hendrix or Bonham or Entwistle in the group. They have very good music and EXCEPTIONAL lyrics.

I agree with this, but I think that their musicianship level suits them perfectly. I wouldn't want some virtuoso guitar player constantly throwing insane licks into the song, or god forbid, drum solos.

The overall product sounds like a really talented band, not Jimi Hendrix and whoever is backing him up.

- dirtyepic - 07-13-2004

i've loved a lot of bad songs that had great lyrics, but rarely any good songs that had bad lyrics. it just kills it for me.

- april_wino1 - 07-13-2004

Oh, I can't stand drum solos. As far as guitar solos go, if they're catchy I might like them - but not if they're ponderous and seem to linger on. The only time that lyrics ever really bug me, is when they're obscene - it's due to my moral upbringing. With that said, though, there are songs that I do like where lyrics do add to the appeal - and are even some songs that I might not like as much if it wasn't for the lyrics - but if a song has a catchy beat, then I'm content with just enjoying the music and not really thinking about the lyrics.

[Image: canada.gif]

- Beat - 07-13-2004

I would listen to a song that sounds great with lousy lyrics, but I wouldn't listen to for example a rapsong with great lyrics. Therefore I think the music is more important.

- tigerthelion - 07-13-2004

Beat Wrote:I would listen to a song that sounds great with lousy lyrics, but I wouldn't listen to for example a rapsong with great lyrics. Therefore I think the music is more important.

There are great lyrics in rap? Smile

- Beat - 07-13-2004

tigerthelion Wrote:
Beat Wrote:I would listen to a song that sounds great with lousy lyrics, but I wouldn't listen to for example a rapsong with great lyrics. Therefore I think the music is more important.

There are great lyrics in rap?

I live to survive my paradoxes Wink

- MikeS - 07-13-2004

kari Wrote:You could have the best lyrics or a poem in the world...but if it's backdrop is crapped-out music, I won't listen to it. It's as simple as that.

Kari

Couldn't have said it better myself... :thumb:

M.

- intothenight - 07-13-2004

u need a mix. . look at rush..insane music...for the most part crap lyrics

coldplay. . simple music, amazine lyrics..

out of the two i personally enjoy coldplay much more. .

anyways to the point. . the music can be very simple and still be an amazing song. . ie Bob dylan, coldplay, beatles

but if it is very complicated musically and has crap lyrics. . what's the point?

- lilbones - 07-13-2004

I think music is definitely foremost; the lyrics can be as mindblowing as anything, but if theres not some decent music behind it, it is somewhat lessened...
On the other hand, when you have great music and great lyrics, the lyrics just further the music. What comes to mind is Cordelia. Awesome music backed by such vivid lyrics, the lyrics take to music to a different level.

But that's just me :wink:
-eric

- BulletRiddled - 07-14-2004

Normally I'd say lyrics, but after spending the last four days speeding through Idaho and Montana with "Road Apples", "Honkin' on Bobo" and "For Those About to Rock" cranked, I'm gonna have to go with the music.

Lyrics are fun to figure out, but a killer guitar solo wins every time.

- intothenight - 07-14-2004

People without good lyrics a song is nothing

Obviously the music has to be decent. . but the music can be extremely simple. . and decent...but as long as the lyrics are good the song is good.

Look at knockin on heavens door by Bob Dylan. G D Am. . .that's the music..

And it's probably one of the most covered songs of all time.