It’s become a predictable cycle. A new album drops, people flock to social media to share their thoughts and one reaction seems to be heard the loudest among them. “I hate it.” Whether it’s pop, rap or country, the initial response to major releases now often lean negative, but months later the same people are calling these same albums “underrated.” So what’s exactly happening here? Why do we rush to criticize a new album, just to say we love it months later?
The Rush to Judge
Well part of the answer lies in the fast paced culture that is social media. With albums typically being released at midnight, by 1:00 a.m. people are already posting their reviews and thoughts on it. Slowly, these reviews have become less and less about a genuine reflection of the work, and rather just about being the first to post on it.
When others online start hating on a project, many just jump on the bandwagon, echoing the hive mind. The truth is, most music needs time, multiple listens, different moods or even life experiences to fully resonate with it.
Context, Context, Context
Context is everything. You might not connect with an album’s themes on first listen, but getting in a relationship, going through a breakup or some other life change can allow us to listen to these works with a new set of ears. Projects like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” were initially met with backlash and criticism, only to be praised months later for their depth or creativity.
Right now, the same thing seems to be happening with Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.” Many fans and critics are calling it disjointed, underdeveloped and her “worst” work yet. However, if history is any indication, give it a few months and people may begin to change their minds.
Give It Time
Just as artists have their artistic journeys when creating an album, we as listeners have our own when consuming it. There is no immediate reason to label an album as “terrible” or someone’s “worst ever album” when we’ve only had a short amount of time with it.
So, the next time that a new album drops and the internet seems to be overly critical of it, maybe hold off on making any firm opinions. Rather just revisit it in a few months and you might be surprised by what you hear.
Have you ever gone from hating to loving an album? Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag to share it with us!
