AI's First #1 Country Hit: Authenticity vs. Traditional Artists

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the emergence of an AI-generated song that has reached the top of the country charts, exploring themes of authenticity in music, the role of traditional artists, and the nature of country music itself. Participants express varied opinions on the quality of AI-generated music compared to human artists, the characteristics of contemporary country music, and personal preferences in music genres.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the AI-generated song sounds more authentic than many contemporary country hits, which they perceive as featuring artificial accents.
  • Others express skepticism about the quality of AI lyrics, suggesting they lack storytelling compared to established artists like Bonnie Raitt and Chris Stapleton.
  • A participant shares a nostalgic view of classic country songs, highlighting personal favorites and their memorable music videos.
  • Some express mixed feelings about the use of autotune in music, questioning the authenticity of both AI and human artists.
  • There are differing opinions on whether the AI song can truly be classified as country music, with some suggesting it resembles gospel music more closely.
  • One participant reflects on the evolution of country music since the 2000s, noting a shift towards pop influences and a decline in traditional sounds.
  • Another participant emphasizes that great new country and western songs can still be found, suggesting that time allows for the recognition of quality music across genres.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes about their music preferences and experiences with radio selections in different regions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on the value of AI-generated music versus traditional artists. Disagreements exist regarding the classification of the AI song as country music and the overall quality of contemporary country hits.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of current AI in producing lyrics, suggesting that the AI-generated song may not be entirely composed by AI. Additionally, there are references to the subjective nature of music appreciation and the impact of nostalgia on perceptions of quality.

Hornbein
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Number #1 on the country charts.



It's better than most songs on the country charts. Today's country hits tend to feature thick phony southern accents. This AI sounds authentic, so to me it's better.

I'm told that AIs have trouble with lyrics, so it might not be 100% AI. Who knows or cares?

Real artists will have trouble competing with a star whose salary is $0 and cannot ever do anything scandalous.
 
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I liked Juice Newton's old classic: "Life's been a little bit tough on me" as played in the music video where her boyfriend keeps accidentally injuring her from slamming the door on her leg before she gets in the car, to injuring her leg requiring crutches and then to being in a wheel chair that starts rolling downhill.

Another was I think Pam Tillis, entitled "The Queen of Denial" with an Egyptian vibe of a wife who denies the reality of her situation.
 
Mixed feelings. On one hand, a lot of the complainers are using autotune, so how is that better? On the other hand, how does this compare to the best songs and artists? Compare these AI lyrics, which are not a story, but rather a string of statements, to something like Bonnie Raitt's "Just Like That", or Chris Stapleton's "Tennessee Whisky".
 
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Personally, I like music that does unexpected things and surprises me. So I usually find country rather dull. It's just people complaining and not doing much. There are exceptions of course.

Is this song really "County". I'm not good with music terms, but it sounds more like Gospel to me. I'd have never guessed it was AI. It's quite good, if a bit predictable.
 
Algr said:
Personally, I like music that does unexpected things and surprises me. So I usually find country rather dull. It's just people complaining and not doing much. There are exceptions of course.

Is this song really "County". I'm not good with music terms, but it sounds more like Gospel to me. I'd have never guessed it was AI. It's quite good, if a bit predictable.
When I lived in northern Michigan the choices on the radio were contemporary "country", heavy metal, and 80's techno. I usually went with country as the lesser evil but it's mostly pop music with phony Gomer Pyle accents. The accountants took over in maybe 2000 with the usual result. Emmylou Harris was still very popular but couldn't get on the radio anymore.

The country and western music that has stood the test of time since the 30's can be really good. I never tire of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. This one is originally from 1987. I can't resist a heavy groove. He's still playing stadiums but can't get on pseudocountry radio either.

 
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Hornbein said:
Emmylou Harris was still very popular but couldn't get on the radio anymore.

The country and western music that has stood the test of time since the 30's can be really good.
It's true of any music genre that time lets us remember the good ones and forget about the tons of mediocre/bad ones. Our memories are kind that way. ( I remember looking for deep meaning in "Rockin' Robin, and finding it!)
You can find great new C&W songs if you look in the right places, for the right artists. YouTube has a lot.
 
This isn't country music, or AI, but it is something I like.



I also lived Kate Bush before she was on Stranger Things.
 
Algr said:
This isn't country music, or AI, but it is something I like.



I also lived Kate Bush before she was on Stranger Things.

I like that too. It was a big hit. Produced by a computer game company as a promotion. Those four are assassins in the game.
 

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