From Frontmen to Fathers.

The transition from a single man to married with children is a big deal. It's an even bigger deal when it happens to the frontman of a rock band. Scott Stapp and Aaron Lewis are perfect examples. Creed's "My Own Prison" and Staind's "Dysfunction" albums were good albums. Heavy, driven, and edgy. Having a kid changes a man and that change is very obvious in Creed's "Human Clay" album, and Staind's "14 Shades of Grey" album.

These men clearly had their edge softened as a result of having kids. Now I can't rightly chastise these fellas for their new found happiness. I think it's wonderful that these people have found their heart, but I do think that it is sort of a detriment to rock music especially. Creed is obviously no longer a band, Staind is still going strong, with many chart topping songs. But I don't think that because it becomes popular that it's necessarily the best music. Most people's musical tastes are horrible and led mainly by the radio and heavy promotions.

My point is that if a person's writing style is directly connected to what is going on in their lives, it can be expected that the emotions portrayed in each album is going to be affected greatly. The only way to keep one's music consistent throughout the years is to sing about other things beside personal turmoil and changes I suppose.

California.

I don't hate California but I'm definitely getting sick of the songs about it. California is what many consider the cultural and trend setting center of the world. So to have so many songs about California isn't so surprising. But I think there are just too many out there now. Since I don't live in there, I don't care to hear songs about it. I can't relate to these songs.

I have a couple albums that are pretty good, but were marred with songs about how trashy Hollywood is, forcing me to skip those songs most of the time. If an artist sets out to write a new song about California I really think they should consider all the others before they decide to actually go through with it.

I have been to California, so I can sort of see why people are so inspired to write these songs. I also think that the word "California" just fits so well into a song because of its structure that bands feel it would be a shame not to include it.


I guess my biggest complaint about bands writing about California is that often they end up releasing that song as a single. When they do the radio gets hold of it and beats the us all over the head with it.

Saving me much research and finger cramping here is a list of the songs written about California on Wiki.

So Much California

*As he realizes that he's listening to a song that's on the list.* >_< Damn it!