Black Popular Music

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Black Popular Music

The two songs I have decided to discuss are “I Smile” and “Before I Die” by Kirk Franklin. Both songs are from his album “Hello Fear”, which was released early this year. I believe that he is a versatile artist, and he has changed contemporary black gospel music. In both songs, Franklin speaks of a new hope after experiencing life’s struggles and misfortunes. In the song “I Smile” Franklin says although the days seem dark, and things do not seem to be working, as he would hope, he will still smile, and trust for better things to come. The song is encouraging, especially now when the economic situation in the world is not favorable to most people. Many people do not have anything to smile about, and are depressed. The song “Before I Die” seems to be passing the same message. Franklin says that he has been hurt but that he will forgive the person who has hurt him so that he can finally be free. He believes that there are better things awaiting him, and he will not die until he has lived. In many cases, people find it hard to forgive those who have wronged them. They end up carrying burdens because of the bitterness they hold. The song encourages people to let go of their bitterness and enjoy the freedom.

Both songs are pleasing to listen to, as they have a good beat. The song “I smile” has a slower beat than “Before I Die”. It is as if Franklin is speaking to the listener rather than just singing. In both cases, some of the lines in the song are repeated. This is characteristic of traditional Christian music by the African Americans, where a verse would be repeated more than once. The earlier black Christian music also had the central theme of hope for better things. During that time, the people dreamt of a better life, free from slavery and mistreatment. They dreamt when they would be free. Franklin seems to be passing on the same message. He is telling people that they can be free from the burden of bitterness. He is telling them that although they are facing troubles right now, a better time will come, that they should still smile.

Response 1 Erin Hoyt

The two songs are indeed one of the indications of success of African American female artists. Not only do they have a good beat and high production quality, they also speak of real issues that young women face frequently. Many times young women are faced with the difficulties of having to deal with an unfaithful boyfriend. They sometimes end up breaking the friendship they had with their girlfriends because of a man. When such an occasion happens, the girl has to decide which relationship is more important in life. Women are also faced with the situation of having to decide what to do when they have broken up with someone. They do not know if they should take him back and let him be a part of their lives, or they should just move on with their lives.

Student 2 Jade McCray

Michael Jackson did indeed cross the racial barriers. Although he was black, his music penetrated all audiences, as both black and white appreciated and liked listening to him. His songs were a reflection of the society, and he captured this in the two songs you have featured. In the first song, Jackson realizes that there is much need in the world, and he cannot go on ignoring it. He says that change has to begin with him; he does not have to wait for someone else to change. The second song tells the people that they have to live together, regardless of their differences. The song was released when many Americans were still struggling with inequality. Many blacks were discriminated against because of their skin color