Same Art. Different Age!

Lately I’ve been thinking about music through a different lens.

I used to judge music mostly by how impressive it sounded. Like, "wow, this person is different" or "this is out of this world." And honestly, that’s still cool. But now I think the bigger thing is relatability.

But I don’t even mean relatability only in the literal sense of "this happened to me too." Sometimes it’s just the emotion, the tone, or the space somebody was in when they made it.

Then I saw Adele ask, "Who makes music for my age?" and something clicked for me. So I went back and started listening to albums artists made when they were around my age instead of only listening to their newest work.

Because yeah, Drake is Drake. Biggest artist ever, whatever. But Drake's current music is Drake making music as a 38-ish Jewish billionaire. I genuinely don't think i can play it back to back and its not just supposed to relate to me right now. But his tone on Views? Let’s just say I’m an angry listener when going through Views, and I randomly think, you should keep your family closer.' (Get it??)

Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint made more sense than they ever did. The tone at which some things were said definitely landed differently.

I respected The Fall Off a lot, and I can pause to appreciate the level of skill and time it took to put it out, but I still play the older projects more.

I’ll probably appreciate The Fall Off properly once I’m a 40+ married guy thinking about legacy. (Well, ma marry first ya.)

Anyway, that’s my guide to enjoying 'art' these days - films, books (I’ve read just one), music, whatever. Go find what people made when they were around your age or around your current mindset.

Just let me know.