Final Project

How does music serve society? What is the role of music?

Simply stated, Music unifies people.

There are potentially several roles that music takes and several ways music serves society. The reason I will be focusing on is Group Cohesion. Group cohesion describes the way music can bond many individuals at the same time. Music has a way of bringing people together and the examples are everywhere.

Protest Chants, School Fight/Pride songs, Church hymns, and National Anthems are all great examples of how music can bring people together. Synchronized drumming can also positively effect teamwork and collaboration. Synchronized drumming is often practiced in school by adolescent students, integral in team rowing, and highly effective in group exercises.

We Are The World // USA For Africa

We Are The World was recorded in 1985 as a charity single by United Support of Artists for Africa. The song was written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and was produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian. The single topped charts worldwide and sold over 10 million copies worldwide, becoming the fastest selling pop song in history and the first song to ever be certified as multi-platinum. Thanks to promotions, We Are The World raised over $63 million ($144 million today equivalent) for humanitarian aid in Africa.

We Are The World has a tempo of 144 and was recorded in the key of C Major. The song has a conjunct melody as 37 different artists take turns singing the melody. Vocal harmonies are scattered throughout the entire song. I enjoy listening to this song and I think it has a very impactful and important message that brings people together all over the world. However, with 37 different artists all needing to have a part in the song, it gets a little repetitive, and I found myself hitting skip after the first 4 minutes.

Where Is The Love? // The Black Eyed Peas

Where is the love? was written by will.i.am, apl.de.ap,  Taboo, Justin Timberlake, Ron Fair, Printz Board, George Pajon, Fiona Davies M. Fratantuno, and J. Curtis, and co-produced by will.i.am and Ron Fair. The song was released by The Black Eyed Peas on their 2003 album Elephunk. The lyrics of the song address chaotic issues in the world such as terrorism, gang violence, racism, hate, and anger. Calling for a message of “love each other” by asking the rhetorical question “Where Is The Love?”. The song reflects on the negative impacts of hypocrisy, selfishness, disrespect, and the media, while encouraging equality, understanding and most importantly for my thesis, unity.

The Song was recorded in the key of F and played at a tempo of 98. The melody of the song is conjunct, allowing the listener to focus on the lyrics, eliciting a sense of melancholy as the melody progresses and drops. The song has a homophonic texture which keeps the song simple.

How has my relationship changed as a result of the coursework this semester?

This class’s coursework has contributed greatly to opening my eyes even more to the intricacies of music. Similarity to when I took a cinema analysis class and gained a different perspective for movies, the same is true for music now. I don’t simply take music for what it is anymore. As I sit and actually listen to my favorite songs, I can’t help but notice that at times I find myself focusing on one particular aspect of the song. Sometimes it can be a particular instrument or sound, or noticing the vocalists range, change in tempos, noticing different fades, or being completely in aww of the talent of a musician. I have been an audiophile for some time and have always enjoyed isolating music through a pair of really good high quality headphones. The practice of listening and analyzing music for this class has enhanced my music listening experience more than a pair of expensive headphones could (the headphones are still totally worth it btw). I have a different perspective on music as a result of this course. That new perspective can allow me to have more intuitive conversations about music an even be a better musician myself.

Discussion Question

What problems about society and life in general come to mind when you hear these two songs?

“We Are the World.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 July 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Are_the_World.

Frey, Meagan, and A.J. Hanenburg. “Review: Black Eyed Peas: Where Is The Love?” Culture and Youth Studies, 26 Mar. 2014, cultureandyouth.org/music/articles-music/black-eyed-peas-where-is-the-love/.