Researchers observe shifting trends in music’s emotional tone and complexity
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that song lyrics have become more emotionally charged and simpler over the past four decades, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts. Analysing lyrics from 12,000 English-language songs across genres such as rap, country, pop, R&B, and rock between 1980 and 2020, researchers found a notable rise in anger, particularly in rap music. Country songs, by contrast, exhibited the smallest increase in negative emotions.
The study, led by Eva Zangerle from the University of Innsbruck’s computer science department, suggests that music mirrors societal changes, potentially explaining the prevalence of anger-related words. The evolution in lyric simplicity was also highlighted, with a reduction in the diversity of words used, especially in rap and rock genres. This trend may relate to shifts in music consumption, such as streaming and background listening, which favour more repetitive, accessible content.
The researchers pointed to Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 track Spirit In The Night as an example of complex lyricism, compared to Miley Cyrus’s 2019 song Slide Away, noted for its simplicity. Over the past 40 years, music access has transformed from physical record stores to vast digital streaming platforms, influencing consumption patterns and possibly song structure.
The study also observed that song lyrics have become increasingly personal and emotional, with both positive and negative language rising, especially in rap. R&B, pop, and country genres have likewise seen more negative lyrical content. An analysis of Genius page views revealed that older rock lyrics attract more attention than newer ones, while newer country lyrics appear more popular with audiences. This contrast may indicate differing levels of listener engagement with lyrics in these genres.
The authors concluded that lyrics hold a significant role for rap, rock, and country listeners, suggesting their appeal extends beyond mere musical enjoyment.
