This generation of has gone through a lot of change in the past years. Solely focused on the media, most teenagers acquire their desired sense of style by copying trends they see on celebrities and models. They also listen to music about sex, paint their faces with elaborate colors at young ages, and damage their hair seeking a specific shade of neon green in an attempt to stand out in a world full of followers. Things have always been that way, at least since I was born.
When I came back from vacation, I noticed a change in the music on YouTube. I was scrolling through and saw new songs by Demi Lovato, Mary Lambert, and Kesha. They looked interesting, so I tapped on the video, and I was pulled into a newer world that seems to be trying to fix all the wrong it created in the past. Those songs I listened to were all motivational and focused on showing the world how insecurities don't matter. These celebrities are pushing that you have to be comfortable and happy with who you are.
Whether this new common theme in songs is just a trend, I have no idea. But the lyrics and the upbeat melody together push a strong message to teenagers. Should songwriters continue to write music that tries to send a message about staying true to yourself, we may see a change in suicide rates among teenagers. We may even see change in people becoming more comfortable with stepping out and admitting truths they would have hidden otherwise.
The last decade has brought a lot of positive change to the world. The United States made gay marriage legal, and there was music to follow that. Mackelmore's Same Love featuring Mary Lambert was written very well, telling a story that people could connect to, and a story that would invite people to free themselves and be who they are. Following that now, Mary Lambert's Secrets is one of the best songs I have heard this year. If you have never heard of it, I suggest you listen to it.
I sincerely hope that the music industry recognizes this trend and continues with it. I believe it will change a lot in the world, to have songs that people can listen to that will push them to be happy in their own skin. Just think about it. People would be happier in the world. Our children would grow up in a world that can be a place where they don't have to hide who they are. These songs are lively pieces of art with strong meanings. Kesha's new album is hitting the tops of the billboard charts, and everyone has a significant message about being who you are and who you want to be. Take these lessons and apply them to life. Be the you that you want to be, the you that you are meant to be...the you that makes you happy.