Despite "Fake Love's" recent success, we don't often get the opportunity
to hear non-English music on American commercial radio. While we might
hear the occasional song sung partially in another language (e.g. "Macarena," "Time to Say Goodbye," "Bailamos," "Gangnam Style's" ), songs sung entirely in a foreign language are still rare (e.g. "La Bamba," "Bamboleo"). However, that's not the case around the world, where foreign language songs,
including American music, routinely become hits in a number of markets.
But Americans are notoriously resistant to songs that aren't in
English. So, while the rest of the world gets to hear a variety of
international artists, Americans are largely limited to music from
English-speaking countries (e.g. the UK, Canada, Australia).
For this reflection, you'll take a
musical trip around the world. First, go to PopVortex's iTunes International Charts page, which compiles Apple music sales worldwide. Next, choose three non-English-speaking countries, and spend some time sampling the local musical fare. As you do, consider
what are these countries' musical tastes are at this moment, and to
what degree American music has penetrated their charts. Finally, do you
you believe any of the music you sampled could have a shot at success in
America? Why or why not?
Mechanics:
- 1-1.5 pages in length
- MLA Style
- Works cited page
Due: Thu 10.4
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