Opinion by J1 Reporter Ellie Mulligan

Stop taking music so seriously. There, I said it. Everyone’s been thinking it. Every time the radio comes on, we all have that friend whose eyes roll so far back into their head you think they may have passed out. They pull up their scratchy thrifted turtleneck and try to tune out the catchy chorus and exciting melody.

Music doesn’t always have to be so serious. I mean, if all music was supposed to be so artistically criticized the way some people view it, I don’t think Ke$ha would’ve ever released her hit single “Blow”. Most of the time, people who audibly groan when 94.1 comes on are the same people who listen to painfully obscure music.

Not that all obscure music is bad–all artists were obscure at one time or another. But just because your favorite song was written in 1900 B.C. and played with a lyre doesn’t mean that “This Kiss” by Carly Rae Jepsen isn’t an equally valid musical obsession.

I’m the kind of person who respects all genres of music. From oldies to pop to alternative, I’ll listen to any and all of it. Because of this, I have a special pet peeve for people who deem other genres unworthy. There’s no such thing as bad music, because if it were bad, nobody would listen to it–and if it’s popular, somebody’s got to be listening to it, right?

The main problem with pretentiousness in music is that people take everything way too seriously. They think that songs about parties and love and hanging out with friends have no musical integrity, but that’s ridiculous. Have you ever actually read the lyrics to one of The 1975’s songs?

As far as I’m concerned, all types of music can affect the way people feel–and if people like that, more power to them! Next time “What Do You Mean” comes on the radio, instead of reflexively shutting it off, try joining in on the fun! Besides, who knows what will happen? Maybe you’ll find your new favorite driving song!