With the announcement of Justin Timberlake's new album on Monday, his first album in six years, the topic of releasing quality over quantity was the first topic that seemed to arise (or at least for me). While debating and arguing music is all semantics, there is still something to be said for an artist that can return from their musical hiatus and release high quality material that lives up to their fans expectations, even after so many years. In general, most artists release a new album every two to three years at most, which has worked in the frameworks of the music industry of the past. Build hype, release album, tour said album and then eventually start writing and head back into the studio to begin the process all over again. But in the age of constant gratification, piracy and the ever changing face of music, it seems that artists are pressured into releasing as much material as possible to stay relevant and keep their fan base interested before going the way of the dodo. The conversation of how the internet has changed the way music is made, distributed and presented to the world is one that could be debated for ages with no real solution.
Now this isn't to say that it isn't possible to constantly release high quality material at a frequent and alarming pace, many do it all the time. Kanye West, Portugal. The Man, Olafur Arnolds and more have a steady stream of top notch music, some of the best in their respective genres, that they turn out at what seems to be at a yearly rate. So obviously the notion doesn't stand true for everyone, but for the most part it stands. Which brings up the question - "What makes a long awaited release that much more fulfilling than what you expect on getting every couple years?"
Ultimately, I believe the whole conversation can be summed up to a simple word: passion. When it comes to any form of artistic expression, there needs to be passion, just like anything in life. And with the current state of the music industry, it's understandable and reasonable for people to burn out trying to become the next big thing. Because lets be honest, if you aren't making art because you love it, you're doing it for all the wrong reasons and it shows. This is why the internet was buzzing for days at Timberlake's announcement, because even as busy as the man is, he could have released multiple albums since FutureSex/LoveSounds and done well, I mean he is Justin Timberlake. Difference is, he wasn't going to release music that he didn't believe in, which can't be said for everyone. In that spirit, I've compiled a list of artists (JT included) that live up to that moral standard.
But this type of artistry doesn't work for everyone and it's apparent (especially on AP.net and social media). So I ask - "What do you prefer, constant music that may or may not be an artists best for the sake of staying relevant and pleasing fans, or waiting years for something they truly believe is their best work?"
You can check out my list of some of the best, then head to the replies to discuss.
Ursa Major? If you're going to mention at one point good bands with douchebag lead singers who kicked everyone else out and then released a mediocrely crappy album several years later while keeping up the farce that it was somehow still the same band, why not include Chinese Democracy as well?
Ursa Major? If you're going to mention at one point good bands with douchebag lead singers who kicked everyone else out and then released a mediocrely crappy album several years later while keeping up the farce that it was somehow still the same band, why not include Chinese Democracy as well?
Ursa Major is infinitely better than Chinese Democracy, and didn't take 20 years to release.
Ursa Major? If you're going to mention at one point good bands with douchebag lead singers who kicked everyone else out and then released a mediocrely crappy album several years later while keeping up the farce that it was somehow still the same band, why not include Chinese Democracy as well?
Ursa Major is infinitely better than Chinese Democracy, and didn't take 20 years to release.
Jenkins is still a douche for what he did to Kevin Cadogan though and it still pales in comparison to the self titled or Blue. Not really "Quality" if you ask me.
Tool spring to my mind when I think about this topic, Ænima was 96, Lateralus 2001 & 10,000 Days was 2006. Strong possibilty of their next being this year or next. I'd say they definitley qualify as far as metal goes everyone of those albums are classed as great bodies of work.
Also I had no idea Daft Punk had an album due this year add that to my ever growing highly anticipated album list.
Tool spring to my mind when I think about this topic, Ænima was 96, Lateralus 2001 & 10,000 Days was 2006. Strong possibilty of their next being this year or next. I'd say they definitley qualify as far as metal goes everyone of those albums are classed as great bodies of work.
Also I had no idea Daft Punk had an album due this year add that to my ever growing highly anticipated album list.
That's a band I totally forgot about but should have easily made the list.
Understatement in the Brand New part. The Shone thread was THE biggest thread in the website's history. Jason can correct me if that's wrong but I'm pretty sure.
Understatement in the Brand New part. The Shone thread was THE biggest thread in the website's history. Jason can correct me if that's wrong but I'm pretty sure.
To be fair though, some of the Shone news posts basically directed people to comment in the original Shone post. I feel like that contributed to it being the biggest thread, although it's undeniable that the hype was/is crazy and doesn't refute you saying it's an understatement.
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