Is There A Music/Intelligence Correlation?

I just received this link via twitter from @FanFound.

After reading the short article, my first instinct was to laugh and go on about my day. Then I decided to write about it because I do personally believe there is some truth to it, although it may be a bit exaggerated.

My first issue on credibility has to do with the fact there are no stats on the survey taken to write the article and the link provided for a graphic chart doesn't work. With all that said, I still tend to partially agree with the overall premise.

We all know that music effects each and everyone of us mentally, physically, and emotionally. We all know that kids who learn to play instruments in school and have some kind on music lessons do better in math and science than kids who don't. We all know that music can effect the brain on various levels. So why would it be so hard to believe there may be a correlation between the music you listen to and intelligence?

We've all seen them... the rude, ill-mannered, loud, attention seeking pre-teens, teens, and young adults. And we wonder, WTH is the problem? And then we think, I would have gotten my teeth kicked in if I acted like that in public. And then we suck our teeth and walk away.

The one common denominator in all of these groups of kids is usually the music. Now this article states that "Urban" music listeners are at the bottom along with fans of certain "Rock" bands. So I went a little further and picked out the repetitiveness of the music listened to irregardless of music genre. I think that is a much stronger argument and keeps the focus on the music and doesn't let it bleed into other areas that can dilute the initial statement.

So, when you think about the repetition in the music, there is an argument to be made. When you listen to a 3 minute song, and there are little to no changes in the music it makes the music dull, boring, and mind numbing. Put 10-15 of these songs on an album with lyrics that are just as repetitive and you have the perfect intelligence sucking cocktail. The lyrics don't usually paint a picture, tell a story, or say anything of any importance. This completely allows the listener to disengage and not unconsciously use their brain when listening.

For example, "Single Ladies" by Beyonce. One of the most repetitive songs in the history of recording. Can you remember the verses or just the chorus? When you hear or read the lyrics, can you paint a picture and interpret the words the way you see fit? Does that synth in the background in the entire song drive you batty after 1 min or do you even notice it?

Yes, it's a fun song for clubbing or passing the time away in traffic for most, but imagine 12 more songs just like it on one CD and listening to it 24/7. Now what? You're ready to jump out the nearest high rise window right? Thought so.

Another example, "Lions, Tigers, & Bears" by Jazmine Sullivan. I personally don't care for this song, but it does create unconscious imagery, a feeling of emotion, and it's relatable on multiple levels. If this song does all that and I don't even like the song, which do you think I'll listen to if forced to choose between the two.

Now remember all of the songs you consider classics, songs that will still put a smile on your face and bring back good memories when you are 50, 60, 70, 80 years old. Remember the greats in the music biz. What category do they fall in? Think of songs that are still relevant 30 and 40 years later? Then think of the people who grew up on those songs and listened to those songs and still listen. Are they more intelligent then most people who listen to repetitive music today? For me the answer is more often then not, YES.

Now this again is cross genre. Repetitive music of any kind... metal, punk, dance, rap, r&b, pop, emo, etc. Repetition breeds stupidity. But it is curable. If you like the repetition but want to save your brain cells, read a book, write, do some kind of art, don't ONLY watch reality t.v., become a part of your community.

Not saying repetitive music sucks, which it does, just sayin'... enough already.