Pop music, the concept, hasn't changed. As several people in this thread have already stated, and rightly so, it's catchy and light and appeals to the masses. Hence the name, Popular Music.
Pop music, the product, is vastly different now. In it's inception pop music was based on music. Pop music now, for the most part, is image and industry driven. If a person 'looks' like they can sell records, if their voice is passable, (and sometimes even not), they're marketed on a massive scale.
The whole idea of good looks/borderline talent isn't anything new. This has been going on all the way back to the 50's. Ricky Nelson, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, etc, were all good looking guys, with voices that were okay, but they certainly weren't in the same league as Elvis, and before him, Frank Sinatra.
I will say this...it does seem that the talent level is at an all time low when it comes to pop music. I'm no authority because I rarely listen to it. It seems if anyone gains a bit of notariety these days, for whatever reason, people want to put a microphone in their hand and see if they can sell records. But, from what I hear, it all sound like one long song to me.
Of course, my 11 year old daughter would say the same about my music, as well.
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Be strong then, and enter into your own body;
there you have a solid place for your feet. ~ Kabir
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