Lyric Evolution: How Music Has Evolved Over the Past Decade

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has revealed that music lyrics have undergone a significant transformation over the past four decades. The researchers analyzed over 12,000 English-language songs from different genres between 1990 and 2020, including rap, country, pop, R&B, and rock.

According to the study’s lead author Eva Zangerle, there has been a dramatic shift in the music industry over the past 40 years due to various factors such as the internet and streaming services. This has led to changes in the way lyrics are written and presented.

The research found that lyrics have become simpler and more repetitive over time. Additionally, there has been an increase in negative emotions expressed in lyrics compared to positive ones. In particular, rap music has become increasingly angrier and more repetitive than other genres.

One possible explanation for this trend is that songs need to capture listeners’ attention quickly in the streaming era to avoid being skipped over. As a result, many songs now feature repetitive choruses and catchy lyrics designed to hook listeners immediately. Overall, there has been a shift towards simpler and more repetitive lyrics in music over the past four decades.