Falling Out of Love with Singers
Do you still like the same music you liked growing up? Or even the same artists as you did 10-20 years ago? I remember I liked KC & the Sunshine Band and Andy Gibb back in grammar school. I haven’t heard any of their music lately, but I do own their greatest hits collections.
Being someone’s fan for a period of time, doesn’t mean we have to like everything they put out. People change, and your taste in music changes too. And an artist changes and evolves over their career too. Madonna, is someone who I have loved over the course of her entire career. Sure, there were albums and singles that I didn’t like as much, but overall, she is very dependable, and someone I would like to hear new music from.
For other singers, you may love a period of their music, or you loved them then, but not so much now. Who have I fallen out of love with and why? I have included my chances of buying new music or seeing them in concert at the end of each entry on a scale of 1-10. Read on to see my choices:
Olivia Newton-John. She was my favorite from Grease up to her Greatest Hits Vol. 2 and “Heart Attack.” I loved a lot of her music, and have seen her in concert a number of times. But her recent music…. Well, it is all sort of mellow and boring from what I have heard. I still love Olivia, and would love to see her in Vegas, but I will stick with her old music. And pass on any new music. Chance of seeing in concert: 8; Chance of buying new music: 5.
Kim Carnes. Mistaken identity was a great pop-rock record. Besides “Bette Davis Eyes”, there was a whole album of great songs there. I enjoyed her next few albums too, but as the hits stopped coming, my interest in her waned too. Never got to see her in concert. Chance of seeing in concert: 5; Chance of buying new music: 4.
George Michael. He was once my favorite singer. I especially loved Wham! and “Faith”. After “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” it was all downhill. I honestly haven’t followed him in years. Chance of seeing in concert: 6; Chance of buying new music: 3.
Toni Braxton. I loved her music when she was on Arista Records. Her output since then has been hit or miss. I do want to get her album with Babyface though. Chance of seeing in concert: 8; Chance of buying new music: 7.
Prince. I was a little late to the party with him. After “Purple Rain” I got all of his stuff up until the “Emancipation” CD. He just released too much, and it was just OK. Still a great live performer. Chance of seeing in concert: 8; Chance of buying new music: 6.
Debbie Gibson. I was really into her when she was on Atlantic Records… the first 3 were all great pop records. And she put on a good live show too. But after going through a few labels, and different styles I lost interest. For example, I would love to see a pop version of the Regeneration Tour (which has highlighted new-wave groups). How about Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Stacey Q., Samantha Fox, and Lisa Lisa together? I would so be there. Chance of seeing in concert: 5; Chance of buying new music: 3.
Rick Springfield. One of my favorite heart throbs from back in the day. His career was much more than “Jessie’s Girl” and I advise you to check out his anthology collection. But recent albums have been underwhelming or hook free for me. I know I haven’t bought the last few. Chance of seeing in concert: 7; Chance of buying new music: 5.
Blondie. This group has a great catalog of great songs from “Dreaming” to “Call Me” up to “Maria.” But 40 years on, I can’t say I am all that interested in the new music. But Debbie Harry is one of the best rock vocalists around still, and there might be a few songs I like on their recent releases. Chance of seeing in concert: 8; Chance of buying new music: 6.
Billy Joel. The Piano Man is still a force to be reckoned with on the concert trail. He has a great catalog of hits… but he says he is done with releasing new music. His last album was 21 years ago. I for one would love to see him do a covers album or a Christmas album. Chance of seeing in concert: 5; Chance of buying new music: 8.
So that’s my list. Who have you fallen out of love with? I would love to hear from you.
KiltManinSoCal is a Los Angeles-based writer and designer. Be sure to check out the latest T-Shirts for sale here, including Marriage Equality and Real Men Wear Kilts lines. They make great gifts for friends, family and loved ones.
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