Perhaps Cupid hasn't got the message. But love songs have been changing over the years. Sure, The Heart Wants What It Wants, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, and Nobody Wants to Be Lonely. But music, it seems, might be falling out of love with love.
It's not new; the trend became clear almost six years ago, in 2018, when a study, which examined annual Billboard top 20 songs between 1996 and 2016, first spotted the decline. In 1996, 14 hits on the year-end chart were love songs. In 2016, there was only one.
Even with covers, the change is noticeable. Dolly Parton's Jolene, released 50 years ago, begged Jolene not to take her man. Beyonce's version, from March, warns Jolene not to come for her man.
Indian music, both mainstream and indie, has been going through changes of its own. Here's what some musicians make of love songs these days.
Yohan Marshall, 33, Mumbai
He's written a love song Jo Tu Mere Paas Hai (2024) for his wife, about how life feels easier when she's there; and written Act Like (2022), about the heartbreak that stems from changing for someone, and it still not working out.
Marshall is glad that love songs have more nuance, covering vulnerability and confusion rather than sappy promises. "People are sceptical about love in an age when young adults are lonely," he says. "We want to find the right person, but there's online dating, ghosting and swiping. So, it's harder to date, commit and find true love."
Marshall's July release, Bawra Mann, talks about living a busy life, falling in love with someone and finally feeling understood. "I wish modern pop would get more personal," he says.
Nisa Shetty, 30, Mumbai
Denne historien er fra August 31, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 31, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Fit Check? Look Behind You
In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?
Avantika Dassani
Actor, @AvantikaDassani
Keep your i on this BMW
The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip
Sharp edges, blunt words
British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already
The suitable boy
He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?
Hey, I found you online
Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present
This week, we're...
Preferring the spinoff.
