Another perspective on the 13-year cycle of music
One of the most-read posts in the history of this website deals with a theory that I and other believe about how music has gone in 13-year cycles. (Find the Ongoing History program here and an article here.)
Things were a little more clear cut before the Internet came along (the reasons are legion and worth a long post on its own), but many of the other factors that contribute to the cycle are still valid.
This brings me to an article in Metro that points to pop music reaching a peak in 2009 before drifting into decline.
“See, comparing and contrasting the state of pop now to the state of pop 10 years ago is… well, it’s a little depressing. Of course trends have come and gone, the way success is measured has changed, and plenty of new, completely different artists have emerged. And while there’s plenty of good stuff on offer now, we really didn’t know how good we had it back then.
“So what’s happened? Has pop died a death since, or have those of us looking forlornly backwards just reached a certain age when the newer stuff doesn’t appeal so much? Well, I’d say it’s a little of both.”
