How can music be depressing?

[GrapevineFires]

Deserves it's own thread.

I don't udnerstand how a song can be depressing. The only instance surely, is if that particular song kicks off a memory associated with it.

A song in it's own right depressing? Why would music make you feel depressed?

Music is beautiful. Music can be good, bad, indifferent, depending on ones tatse. But why would it invoke a sad or depressed feeling after listening?

Any opinions?

[SGR]

A downtempo song can easily be depressing without invoking memories. How can anyone not be depressed when they hear this?

[GrapevineFires]

Originally Posted by SoundgardenRocks

How can anyone not be depressed when they hear this?

So your saying that everyone who has just clicked on that and listened, now enters a period feeling depressed?

It might be down tempo, but I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would listen to that track and be anything other than inspired, uplifted and full of awe at what an amazing song it is.

Unless you just don't liek that type of music, in which case fair enough.

[Janszoon]

Music, like all art, is a way of expressing feeling. Sometimes that feeling is joyous, sometimes it's angry, sometimes it's excited, sometimes it's depressing. Honestly, if you don't understand this I'm kind of curious why you'd even listen to music at all.

[GrapevineFires]

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Music, like all art, is a way of expressing feeling. Sometimes that feeling is joyous, sometimes it's angry, sometimes it's excited, sometimes it's depressing. Honestly, if you don't understand this I'm kind of curious why you'd even listen to music at all.

I udnerstand the expression. Of course. But if a songwriter writes a song about being depressed, surely the object is not to make the listener depressed? The object is to write a terrific song.

What I'm getting at is that there is so much music that is dismissed as "depressing" just because it's downbeat, slow or whatever. I think the term is overused and inaccurate.

[Janszoon]

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

I udnerstand the expression. Of course. But if a songwriter writes a song about being depressed, surely the object is not to make the listener depressed? The object is to write a terrific song.

I think the object is to create a terrific song that communicates depression. The result is a depressing song, which if it evokes that much emotion, is a powerful piece of art. I think you're confusing subject matter with quality here.

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

What I'm getting at is that there is so much music that is dismissed as "depressing" just because it's downbeat, slow or whatever. I think the term is overused and inaccurate.

I don't think it's a way of dismissing music at all, it's simply a way of describing the mood of the music. There's a lot of music I love which I'd describe as "depressing". That doesn't mean I'm dismissing it, it means I find very emotionally powerful.

[GrapevineFires]

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I think the object is to create a terrific song that communicates depression. The result is a depressing song, which if it evokes that much emotion, is a powerful piece of art. I think you're confusing subject matter with quality here.


I don't think it's a way of dismissing music at all, it's simply a way of describing the mood of the music. There's a lot of music I love which I'd describe as "depressing". That doesn't mean I'm dismissing it, it means I find very emotionally powerful.

But, being depressed is not a positive thing. Therefore the music is having a negative effect. "Depressing" is not good.

I listen to alot of music that people would describe as downbeat and melancholic. That's because I find it the most beautiful. The most inspiring and the most uplifting. This is why I feel there is a misconception over the term "depressing". That term for me, is a negative state of mind. And anything that does that to you should be avoided.

Music is not depressing, in my humble opinion.

[Janszoon]

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

But, being depressed is not a positive thing. Therefore the music is having a negative effect. "Depressing" is not good.

Once again, you're confusing subject matter with quality here. Not all art deals in positive emotions, that doesn't make it bad art.

Let me put it this way: Have you ever seen a movie that was sad? If so, does the fact that it was sad mean that it was a crappy movie?

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

I listen to alot of music that people would describe as downbeat and melancholic. That's because I find it the most beautiful. The most inspiring and the most uplifting. This is why I feel there is a misconception over the term "depressing". That term for me, is a negative state of mind. And anything that does that to you should be avoided.

Music is not depressing, in my humble opinion.

I hate to break it to you, but melancholy is also a negative state of mind.

[14232949]

Because others may be able to relate the song to the feeling of depression.

GrapevineFires; if your mother died it wouldn't mean anything to me. I wouldn't be depressed however the situation would effect you in a different way.

If I hear a particular piece of music and it evokes images of a time, a place and event which is synonymous to me with the feeling of depression, then yes obviously I will feel that emotion.

People react to things in different ways. D'uh.

[GrapevineFires]

Originally Posted by mankycaaant

GrapevineFires; if your mother died it wouldn't mean anything to me. I wouldn't be depressed however the situation would effect you in a different way.

You've clearly not read the opening post.

If I hear a particular piece of music and it evokes images of a time, a place and event which is synonymous to me with the feeling of depression, then yes obviously I will feel that emotion.

People react to things in different ways. D'uh.

erm. see above.