The Great Music Taste Debate: Beyond 'This or That'
Music is the universal language, but when it comes to taste, we’re all speaking different dialects. Recently, a viral ‘This or That’ quiz challenged music lovers to pick sides between iconic artists, genres, and eras. While it’s fun to declare your loyalty to Queen over The Beatles or Beyoncé over Rihanna, I can’t help but think: What does this say about how we define ‘mainstream’ or ‘good’ music?
The Illusion of Objectivity in Music Taste
One thing that immediately stands out is how these quizzes frame music as a zero-sum game. Queen or The Beatles? Madonna or Michael Jackson? Personally, I think this binary approach oversimplifies the richness of music history. What many people don’t realize is that these artists often influenced each other, blurring the lines between ‘superior’ and ‘inferior.’ For instance, Freddie Mercury’s theatricality and Michael Jackson’s pop innovation both redefined what a performer could be. Pitting them against each other feels like asking whether you prefer breathing in or out—both are essential.
The Mainstream vs. Indie Divide: A False Dichotomy?
The quiz also plays into the age-old debate between mainstream and indie tastes. From my perspective, this divide is more about identity than quality. Choosing indie icons over chart-toppers often signals a desire to be seen as ‘unique,’ while siding with mainstream acts can feel like admitting you’re ‘basic.’ But here’s the kicker: What’s considered ‘mainstream’ changes constantly. Nirvana, once the poster child of grunge rebellion, is now a staple of classic rock playlists. If you take a step back and think about it, ‘mainstream’ is just a snapshot of what’s popular at a given moment, not a measure of artistic value.
The Nostalgia Trap
Another detail that I find especially interesting is how these quizzes lean heavily on nostalgia. Questions like ‘90s boy bands: Backstreet Boys or NSYNC?’ or ‘Which ’70s genre is better?’ tap into our sentimental attachment to the past. In my opinion, this skews the conversation toward older generations of music lovers. What this really suggests is that we’re not just judging music—we’re judging the memories tied to it. Younger listeners might roll their eyes at the ’90s nostalgia, but in 20 years, they’ll likely do the same with 2020s pop.
The Cultural Weight of ‘Iconic’
Every question in the quiz asks which song, artist, or genre is ‘more iconic.’ But what does ‘iconic’ even mean? Is it cultural impact, sales numbers, or personal resonance? Personally, I think we overuse the term to the point of meaninglessness. For example, calling ‘Africa’ by Toto ‘iconic’ might be accurate, but it doesn’t capture why the song endures. What makes this particularly fascinating is how ‘iconic’ often becomes a shortcut for ‘widely recognized,’ even if the music itself isn’t groundbreaking.
The Future of Music Taste
If we’re constantly comparing music to the past, where does that leave the future? One thing I’ve noticed is that younger generations are less interested in these ‘This or That’ debates. They’re more likely to blend genres, embrace niche artists, and reject the idea of ‘superior’ music altogether. This raises a deeper question: Are quizzes like this a relic of an older, more rigid way of thinking about music? As streaming algorithms and TikTok trends reshape how we discover music, the very concept of ‘mainstream’ might become obsolete.
Final Thoughts: Music as a Conversation, Not a Competition
At the end of the day, music taste is deeply personal—and that’s what makes these quizzes so engaging. But in my opinion, they’re just the starting point for a richer conversation. Instead of declaring winners and losers, why not explore why we connect with certain artists or genres? What many people don’t realize is that music is a dialogue, not a debate. It’s about sharing stories, emotions, and experiences, not proving who’s ‘right.’
So, the next time you’re faced with a ‘This or That’ question, remember: Your taste isn’t a scorecard—it’s a reflection of who you are and what you’ve lived. And that, in itself, is pretty iconic.
