The Music Industry's Best & "Worst" Talents

The more I think about it, the more I realize just how broken the music industry continues to be, but the last thing we should be blaming are the singers/musicians themselves. I can remember when the radio was festered with music that was either annoying or extremely catchy, but of course, I don't even care to listen to it anymore these days. I don't even know who half of these new artists are when these newer generations mention names like Cardi B or whatever, but I digress. Here are a list of names I remember listening to when the mainstream bug took over my life. I would list more, but that would take a long time and a lot of space on this one particular entry, so here's just what I would call the "highlights":  

Demi Lovato- Truth be told, I feel like Demi's been one of those few musicians who has always been a good influence despite any problems she's had that the media has highlighted. Just like any other musician who got their start on a TV network, there's a lot of pressure that's put on that person's shoulders to maintain a certain image, but from where I'm standing at least, I'd say that Demi did the best she could to deal with that pressure. It seems as if she's come out stronger and more humbled by the experiences she's been through.

Ed Sheeran- I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the British musicians that seems more pure and genuine, but of course, I'm sure that life probably isn't easy for Ed either. However, I will say though that his music has always been a gem to listen to. In particular, I've come to fall in love with his song "Castle on the Hill" among a few others. 

Taylor Swift- In some ways, I feel like Taylor becomes more misunderstood as time goes on. She's very smart and still has great song-writing skills despite any problems she's had in her "personal life". People give her a lot of misjudgment and hate, and a lot of that is based on a reputation that she's played along with. I just hope that wherever life takes her, that Taylor will continue to learn from whatever mistakes she's made over time. 

Adele- I never really got too deeply into the rest of her music, but if anything, I do have a lot of respect for Adele as a singer and songwriter. You can tell that she puts of feeling and emotion into her music, so for that, I'm glad that she's gained a lot of recognition here in the US and doesn't let that effect her personally. 

Selena Gomez- As a singer, Selena was okay. Her sound definitely became a lot more mature once she stepped out of Disney Channel's shadow and I did kind of like it, but then I just became bored with it as per usual. However, when it comes to her "personal life", I will say that I kind of had mixed feelings for what she was doing, especially with her ex. Part of me actually wonders if the two of them still think about each other on occasion because they were really cute together. 

Justin Bieber- What can I say about Justin that isn't overly judgmental or critical? Well, I did enjoy his music despite how annoying it was to the rest of the public. I honestly didn't have any problems with his sound before or after he hit puberty. He is who he is and when it comes to his music; I just don't have any complaints simply because it was fun and catchy. 

Miley Cyrus- I still really miss those days of her being Hannah Montana, but I guess I can understand how being in that kind of double life messed up Miley some. That's all I have to say on the matter.

Ariana Grande- I honestly wouldn't hold her to Mariah Carey's standard when it comes to vocal talent, but Ariana definitely has a lot of natural talent. That's all I have to say about her personally.  

Kesha- Call me a nitpicker or whatever for saying this, but I just feel like Kesha's new song and image is a bit too cliche for my taste personally. Now don't get me wrong, I don't hold her spirituality against her or anything, but maybe it's just the nostalgia that holding me back like usual.

One Direction- Dare I say this, but I feel like 1D was debatably the biggest boy band to come out of the music business since The Beatles. Literally thousands of young girls would gather around stadiums and concert halls just to see 5 guys sing and dance on stage. I'll admit that for a brief period of time, I was a fan of the band, but that phase didn't last as long as it did with other boy bands. 

Paramore- Despite me knowing the lead singer's mother, I honestly never used that as an obligation for me to keep up with their music. I know that Hayley has changed up the band's style and that it sounds a lot different from what they used to put out, but maybe nostalgia is what's holding me back from giving their new sound a chance. I just love their more grittier, alternative style better than what they're doing now. 

Fifth Harmony- This US based girl group may not have lasted long, but I guess it was inevitable how it made a star out of Camila Cabello in some ways. Their music was catchy and for the most part, I did enjoy their music... I guess it just paralleled too much to One Direction in some ways, and we all know how massive they were. 

Imagine Dragons- When this band first made its way into the mainstream, I didn't quite understand why so many people were talking about them until I listened to their music myself. I'll admit that they've left a couple memorable hits, but I've heard better, plus I'm not sure what genre their music is supposed to fall under.