Jazz and classical music has become simpler over the last 60 years

[hollydolly]

....and is now 'comparable to pop and rock'​

A new study has revealed that classical and jazz music has become simpler and more uniform since the mid–20th century.

Researchers from Tuscia University and Sapienza University of Rome analysed more than 21,000 songs written between 1600 and 2021.

Jazz fans might be unsurprised to learn that jazz reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s with stars like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, and has been declining ever since.

Classical music, meanwhile, has declined in complexity throughout the 20th century.

In fact, the researchers even go so far as to claim that classical and jazz are now closer in complexity to pop and rock.

While the reason for this simplification remains unclear, the researchers suggest music digitisation could be to blame.

'Long–established and traditionally more complex genres such as Classical and Jazz exhibit structural patterns that increasingly resemble those of more recently developed genres, suggesting a process of homogenization and simplification in melodic and harmonic structures,' they said.

analysing the quantitative properties of musical compositions can provide insights into specific aspects of human cultural evolution.'

To get to the bottom of it, the team analysed the melodies and harmonies of 21,480 songs and compositions written between 1600 and 2021.

In terms of classical music, the researchers found that complexity has increased and decreased at various points prior to 1900.

However, it 'notably declined' throughout the 20th century.

Meanwhile, jazz reached peak complexity in the 1950s and 1960s, before declining.

The team analysed the melodies and harmonies of 21,480 songs and compositions written between 1600 and 2021
In the meantime...
They really don't make music like they used to, say scientists - as song lyrics have become simpler and more repetitive over the last 40 years.

Researchers analysed 12,000 rap, country, pop, R&B and rock songs released since 1980 and found musicians have largely abandoned the lyrical poetry of Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, the Beatles and other all-time greats.

Instead, today's stars aim for clear, catchy tunes that will grab people's attention on streaming services like Spotify.

They really don't make music like they used to, say scientists - as song lyrics have become simpler and more repetitive over the last 40 years
Lyrics have also become more negative and more personal.'

The number of different words used in songs has decreased, particularly among rap and rock songs.

However, the number of 'angry' words has increased since 1980,

On streaming services, a song is only considered 'consumed' if it is played for at least 30 seconds.

The researchers believe this has led to simpler melodies and lyrics that can be identified as soon as a song starts.

They say the rise of portable music players and wireless headphones means more people listen to music in the background - for example, during their commute or at the gym - so there is greater demand for songs that can be easily understood.

Song lyrics have become simpler and more repetitive over last 40 years