I’d like to examine the following statement: Music just isn’t what it used to be. I often hear people throw this generalization around. And based on what? Music has in fact changed; that’s undeniable. But it has endured through the years and evolves, as it always will. Take the new Arcade Fire album, for example, an album that at times blatantly criticizes our culture and the way we live. While this might not be the most optimistic topic, it references our culture, as did Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan in their respective times. It’s about something we can relate to! Sure, people relate to different types of music, but that further proves the statement’s ignorance. Types of music have been developing and re-creating themselves since music began. Each of these has been influenced by and evolved from previous genres. For example, look at jazz. It’s a genre from the 1920s that, along with other genres, led to the creation of rock ‘n’ roll and many other genres, such as reggae, rap and electronic music. All of these sufficiently developed their own sub-genres that will, more than likely, become distinct genres in and of themselves. The Roots are a good example. They are primarily a hip-hop group, but can obviously trace roots to other genres (hence the name). They incorporate elements of jazz, swing, blues, beat poetry and, as seen in their new album, folk. The “things used to be better” philosophy is primarily based on nostalgia. People relate the quality of things to a fond memory, possibly something from childhood–a reminder of a simpler time. But what we have to realize, ultimately, is that time and nostalgia change the outlook, not the quality. This proves that music is an ongoing cycle and always will be, and as of today that remains a good thing. If it starts to retract towards a more primitive state, I will cordially accept the fact that music just isn’t what it used to be.