"Positivity" in rock music often takes the form of liberation, freedom, independence or rebellion (think about how many 50s/60s songs celebrated the idea of getting a car and driving!) And for those concepts to seem meaningful, they need to be contrasted by talking about whatever authority or control is being fled or defeated. So is this a positive song, or a negative one? Well, both. The negative imagery works to heighten the emotion of wanting escape. ( "Oh, baby this town rips the bones from your back / It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap"). But the lyrics themselves are an escapist fantasy from the realities of a fairly bleak and depressing regular life. Joining the chorus of folks pointing out that you've listed bands from a very, very narrow slice of "rock." Broaden those horizons!īut I also think it's worth thinking about the concept of "positivity" and "negativity" a little more in depth, because very few songs are a binary in that sense.įor instance, the classic Bruce Springsteen song "Born to Run," is generally considered a fist-pumping, anthem, "feel good," song. Basically (my nod to Rule #9) I'm trying to get a little more positivity in my life without giving up my favorite genre, but I'm also mulling over the nature of the genre itself, why it exists, and how much freedom exists for bands and fans inside of it to express the whole gamut of emotions. Bungle spasticity that seems to give them a pass for not being a cathartic outlet for rage, though, almost like a hardcore Richard Cheese novelty act. They as a band have a System of a Down / Incubus / Mr. I was just introduced to the band Twelve Foot Ninja and was blown away that their track "Post Mortem" finds them hollering about enjoying your life and such. What I'm wondering is, does the very nature of heavier rock deter infusions of positivity? I remember Trent Reznor getting dragged for his track "Everything" on the album Hesitation Marks for daring to acknowledge overcoming challenges in life and enjoying a breath of fresh, recovered air.
The only exceptions I've encountered have been Christian bands like Skillet, whose missionary outreach finds them screaming about God and such. there's a thread of gloom or rage that runs through all of them. As I sift through my bands like Chevelle, NIN, Pearl Jam, even softer stuff like Gin Blossoms or The Cranberries. I listen to every genre, but I'd say that heavier guitar-driven rock or industrial is my go-to. Nine Inch Nails is my favorite band-not exactly an outfit famous for upbeat themes. I've been acknowledging how music can modulate mood. This skirts Rule #9, but is about something bigger than my own mental health, so hopefully I haven't violated it.
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