I’ve noticed that the majority of bands I’ve loved since I was younger have entirely abandoned their old style for music that feels far more bland and uninteresting. It breaks my heart to no end when a band I’ve loved releases a new album and by halfway through you’re done with it.
Lately this has been happening too often to me. Anyone else notice this with their music selection of choice?
Sometimes I like their new music, sometimes I don’t. When I don’t, I am bummed that I don’t like the music. But if it is a change the band wanted to make, I am happy they get to make that music. I would hate to be told what kinds of art I should or shouldn’t make, and at the end of the day the artists I love are the same; they’re just people trying to create something that (hopefully) represents something to them. I think because music tends to affect people on a deeply emotional level, it has a particular sting when a band no longer resonates with you and you feel almost like you’ve lost a connection to someone who understood you. It is understandable to be sad that they are no longer making music you enjoy, and it is OK to hope that they someday make music you want again. But at the same time, it should be celebrated when artists try to expand, learn, and grow, IMO.
Look, I’ve seen this reply a couple times now and of course an artist getting to make what they want is important. That goes without saying.
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t disappoint me when I dislike their new sound. It can be crushing when you adore a band and you know you’ll never get more of that art that affected you greatly emotionally.