My World: The Culture of Music Then and Now

The culture of music has definitely taken a different kind of turn in today’s world, in both positive and negative ways.
In my opinion, music today has become more about the money being made off whose single is the top hit of the week and less about sending a connecting and relatable message to listeners.
When artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, and Bruce Springsteen were getting their start toward becoming future legends, their music wasn’t so much about the value in making a profit but more about the value of making beauty in what they love to do. Their music was (and still is) beautiful and influential and passionate.
Eddie Vedder (lead singer of Pearl Jam) once stated, “I felt all alone. I was all alone… except for music.” His drive to write lyrics came from personal experience, and the band wrote songs that were more like stories that expressed individualism, sympathy and freedom.
Fortunately, artists like this do still exist and continue to recreate that passion. I couldn’t imagine Dave Matthews Band or Angels and Airwaves writing their lyrics with the drive for money inside their minds, when every song is clearly influenced by the idea that we can live in a peaceful, loving world unlike the one we’re a part of now, if we only tried. 
Then the “artists” who make the big bucks and are constantly in an infamous light come out with a hit about the same things as the rest: sex, drugs, money, and relationships. I’m not saying these are all terrible things to write and sing about, but it’s the way they’re promoted.
There is a big difference between songs that amplify “how much money they have” and brag about it, and songs that bring money into their lyrics in a way that others can relate to. There’s also a difference between whining about a break-up in a song and the kind of song where it’s put in a metaphorical sense so listeners are challenged to take it however they want.
To be clear, I don’t hate the genres different from the artists I described. Music is meant to be fun as well and is used specifically for that reason in some cases.
I just believe that the motives behind the artists who write and perform it have changed, and I hope that all music doesn’t become driven towards money as its main goal. Music should be connecting, moving, and inspiring. Music should be valued at heart.
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” -Billy Joel.