by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Another very important point is that just because one song or group of songs inside of a genre relay one type of message, doesn't mean they all do. It is one thing to discount a particular song for its message, yet quite another to take that out on the entire genre. Just as there are songs advocating violence across all genres, there are also songs about peace and love in all of those genres.

One should never discount an entire genre based on stereotypical notions alone. If you simply don't prefer the sound, that makes more sense than disliking music just because of the category it's placed under. Labels are extremely subjective and blanket applications rarely are true, due to variances.

For instance, the following selections are all from the same genre but are completely different, with entirely separate messages: (www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYG-jj0XkH0, www.youtube.com/watch?v=s716EpraBB4, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNaeuNd0Ogo, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQEhmT7AJ44). If one were to judge the entire genre on just one of those songs, that judgement would be inaccurate regardless of which one they chose.

I don’t expect everyone to enjoy every musical genre out there. We all have our own tastes. Mine happens to be varied, but that’s just me. However, it seems unfair to base a dislike on stereotyping, rather than actual taste.

Have you discriminated against music either knowingly or unknowingly? What are some of your favorite genres?

**Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi

*** I originally published this here: http://www.bubblews.com/news/1428152 

It’s long been my habit to check out all kinds of music no matter the genre or how famous (or not) the artist may be. Sometimes I’m looking up music on purpose and other times, I hear it in various places. Recently a very good friend popped on something new to me while we were hanging out. I was hooked on Raw-Rah’s smooth-sounding voice and relatable lyrics immediately. I of course had to ask who this R&B artist was. It turns out he’s a local Denver musician and my friend had gotten the CD directly from him.

I of course had to look him up and find the music for myself once I returned home. Currently, two of Raw-Rah’s songs are available via his website (raw-rah.com) or ReverbNation. The song “So Amazing” describes what is felt about a woman he’s trying to decide if he’s in lust or love with. The catchy beat and lyrics will have you dancing and humming along right away. This is definitely the faster song of the two. But the thing I like about both songs is that either could be danced to or be listened to while relaxing.

My favorite is “Facebook/Twitter,” which makes sense since I’m both a techie and a sucker for love. What girl doesn’t want to hear the lyrics “Cuz you’re a superstar, yes you are. You set the bar for other girls too far?” The song is about meeting up with someone he’s been communicating with via Facebook and Twitter. The raw and real lyrics of a situation that is very possible combined with the smooth, yet move-inspiring beat make it a must-listen. In fact, I must say that both my friend and I like to play it over and over again.

Curious? Go ahead and check him out for yourself. You may not hear this on the radio yet (or even catch it on YouTube). But it’s definitely worth the listen.

**The author has no commercial affiliation with the artist and/or brand mentioned in this content. The views expressed are the author’s own and no compensation or other monetary benefit was received by the author for this material.

**Image Credit: Lyn Lomasi

*** I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)