Considering the fact that we’re living in an era full of all sorts of sociological phenomena and “modern issues”, there’s clearly no doubt about the big role that music play in discussing and conducting such stories through their lyrics. While music is actually originated in Europe for the purpose of serving the people of highbrow culture, as well as being a handy tool for their producers (artists) and consumers (listeners) to express their suppressed love and affection, it has noticeably broadened to wider horizons.
Nowadays, music is played everywhere and in almost every sort of occasion. It’s not necessarily meant to be for special groups of people to enjoy it by attending elite or rock music concerts. Music now is played in weddings, birthday parties, restaurants, shops, and sometimes in public restrooms too! We even listen to music when we are turning on the radio while driving, as well as the background music in TV shows. But if we would consider the question of what role does music serve in the modern sociology of culture, the answers are pretty inspiring.
For instance, the best example would be presented by the King of Pop Michael Jackson with his major hit “Earth Song”, in which he expressed his sympathy toward the destruction that our planet is going through. Another valid example about socially conscious material in songs would be in the remade version of Michael Jackson’s song as well “We Are the World.” The remake version is a charity song that was sung by famous 21st century artists, in which the song was dedicated to the people of Haiti who suffered the horrible catastrophe. And finally the song “Just Stand Up” by famous pop and R&B artists, a charity song too to stand up against cancer disease. The collaborations of famous artists in these songs have certainly kept the messages they delivered persistent and more considerable due to the fact that they’re famous and their fans are always following their achievements (efficiency of secondary markets and product placements).
Furthermore, let’s not forget about inspirational songs that have jobs of spirit-lifting and changing one’s negative perceptions about life. Some of these songs are “Firework” by Katy Perry, “We Are Who We Are” by Ke$ha, “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk, “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, and “Fly” by Hilary Duff. Most of these songs discuss a variety of the relevant sociological and psychological issues that people encounter at least once in their lifetimes, such as breaking down, feeling worthless, hating life, being stereotyped or looked down at, and the feeling of not being a productive member in a society. Some of these songs also talk about people who feel shy or ashamed to admit their sexuality, and these songs are the ones by Ke$ha and Lady Gaga.
