Songwriting

[Grotelul]

Why does it seem that with most songwriters, they have a period in which they write really good music and then never seem to strike magic again? I think most would agree that DDY and TS did their best work years ago and I think most would say the same for most other bands/songwriters. Rush, Peter Frampton, Kiss, Elton John, REO, Journey, Boston, Kansas, VH and on and on...all continue to make music but in my opinion it seems to always pale in comparison to what they did in their earlier years. I may hear a song now and then that is okay but that is a rarity. I think it's obvious when these bands were young, they were determined to climb that mountain and for whatever reason once they had their run so to speak, they all seemed to peter out. Does one only have so many great songs in them? Once they are successful , are they no longer inspired to write great songs? Is the thrill gone? In my opinion, Styx has not created any music since 1981 that I really really like. Is it partly because I have changed? I find it hard to get that excited about any new music now. I may like something for a short time, but nothing seems to have a lasting effect. I miss that.

[styxfanNH]

you answered your own question. They change, evolve and mature over time as does there audience. They see things differently and therefore write things differently.

I would disagree with you about not having written good music since 81 though. I think alot of Cyclorama was good stuff, it just didn't get much exposure.

[StyxCollector]

you answered your own question. They change, evolve and mature over time as does there audience. They see things differently and therefore write things differently.

+1

I also think some audiences get stuck in a timewarp, too. Their favorite artists should sound like their "good" stuff forever. Heck, Rush more than nearly every other band I know has evolved over the years much to the shock and dismay of the audience who wanted them to keep writing Moving Pictures again.

Look at AC/DC. They are a good example of how a band really did not evolve and every song/record to me sounds the same. Some people love it. Would you want Styx or Rush to do that? I wouldn't.

I also think that most artists can still create viable music, but they really blow their best creative load in one or two shots where they get not only fan acclaim but possibly critical acclaim. Very few artists get that throughout their entire career.

Styx has written good music since 1981 - some of Kilroy (esp. stuff on the B-side of that album) ranks among their best stuff. Unfortunately, if you equate popular status (i.e. a #1) with success, it doesn't come close.

[froy]

Why does it seem that with most songwriters, they have a period in which they write really good music and then never seem to strike magic again?

Allot of good music is written while drugs and alcohol are in the room
When that stops so does the good music,.

[StyxCollector]

Allot of good music is written while drugs and alcohol are in the room
When that stops so does the good music,.

Well, DDY didn't write the Styx hits on drugs and alcohol. The argument doesn't hold up for everyone.

[Jodes]

Ummm Dennis did write LIGHT UP....