Recently, Waterfall and I have this little debate about music culture, particularly Chinese and Japanese music. It started from this little god-brother of mine, who often viewed Chinese song too love based and sometime to much with it's love story, making it not really enjoyable for prolong listening. He feels that Japanese music is much more interesting as, there are many songs that talk about other stuff. Waterfall appeared to be quite defensive regarding this, saying that Chinese music is not all about love songs, and that Japanese songs so have love songs too. Well after all, Chinese music is what she listens to most. It's understandable she has got to take side. The little debates, as always, ended uncomfortably with neither side being convincing.
As for me, since years back, I have already been comparing the difference between the two cultures. It's pretty obvious and undeniable that most Chinese songs are love song, many many different kind of love songs. After all, love songs are what that would easily touch the people's heart. The world is about love yea... For me, I'm personally addicted to listening really sad sad love songs. Believe me, Chinese songs do have a lot of these. And yes, there are definitely Chinese songs that aren't love songs. In fact, you can bring out many many of them. For every one song you bring, I can bring you 10 love songs. This is what happens in any music culture. Love songs rule.
Similarly, Japanese music does contain lots of love songs. Love songs probably fill half the place or more that half the place of Japanese commercial music. The rest of the place is probably filled with songs that talk about things like, being optimistic about life and strive for the best, the sea, their passion and etc. It is probably the way the lyrics are, which make Japanese songs very different. Even, when it is a love song, it doesn't sound like you are very very painfully in love and like you are going to die. It's always use beautiful words to portray the story of the songs.
If you ask me which side do I stand, both music cultures have their own unique ways that none of us can change. It's a style and tradition which was passed down through decades and has evolved beautifully along its path.
Regardless of where I stand...
Music is all about love and passion.