What Have You Been Listening to?

Alright so here’s the situation.  You’ve really been into this particular band lately and every chance you get you put it on.  For whatever reason, you instantly liked what was coming out of the headphones.  If someone asked you what you liked about it what would you say?  You don’t know?  Just sounds good? The words mean something meaningful? The guitars sound sick?   What are you really listening to?

I’m sure I’m not the only one to notice this but doesn’t mean I’m not curious.  There is a bit of a divide among music listeners.  There are the ones that latch on to what’s being said, and the ones that are hooked by the instruments and their respected riffage.  Each side seems to miss things in the mix.  I don’t mean to say people are literally not hearing something in mix.  What I mean is some just don’t place too much importance on certain aspect so it gets skipped over because something else catches more of your attention.

Everything was recorded and kept for a reason ladies and gentlemen and there are important elements in the mix that might just be a little hidden.

I’ve ALWAYS listened to the instruments.  A lot of the time I don’t even know parts of the song simply because it’s not what gets me.  Even my favorite songs I’ve heard more times to count I’ll only know what the words sound like, not what they actually are.  I always thought that’s how it was for everyone and I questioned why the songs would be published if there are parts that people can’t understand.  That can’t always be prevented though and I get that so didn't really think much of it.

I started noticing friends would always be so on top of the lyrics though and know every word.  They didn’t have to look up the words they just knew what they were.  At first I thought my hearing was already going to hell and I didn’t doubt it so just thought, “oh well it was bound to happen anyway lets be real.”

Sometimes, however, there would be conversations about the way the song sounds and a particular melody line that sounds good.   Now the lyrical people get to feel like they’re missing something.  Most didn’t even notice or hear what we were talking about, nor understand it.  Sort of like how I don’t understand how certain phrases of words sound so good and others mediocre wordplay.
Ok so you like this but miss out on this.  The words can’t stand on their own and the music can’t stand on it’s own. 

The answer is obvious.

It’s the combination of the words and the music that makes it good of course!

Big original revelation right?

Well hold on.

If some people miss out on the full impact of the words or music, how is that magical song marriage ever complete?  How do you ever enjoy it to its fullest potential?

Actively listen to every part of the song.  Absorb everything and you’ll find those hidden gems in the mix that you were always meant to enjoy.  Whether that’s a higher vocal harmony that gives it a certain kind of class, or a sneaky bass line that drives the whole section.  Readers and your average music Joes tend to like words while musicians tend to listen for instruments.  Of course there are exceptions to this but without getting overly analytical, it tells me there's something else that makes you more attentive to certain parts.  Whats the real influence for the mix in your head?  Think about it.