Is U2 Boring? Reddit's Most Controversial Music Opinions Spark Fierce Debate

Is 'Stairway to Heaven' actually overrated? The internet is reigniting one of its favorite pastimes: debating music. On the social media platform Reddit, users have been sharing their most unpopular opinions on artists, genres, and the industry itself, reminding everyone that one person's masterpiece is another's skip.

Re-evaluating the Legends

A widely-supported opinion argues that Elton John doesn't get nearly enough credit as an all-time great. One user stated he should be considered a top-five solo artist, with "only Elvis and MJ really being clear cut above him." They highlighted his genius by noting his ability to compose a hit-level song from a random sheet of words in minutes. In contrast, other users claimed George Harrison was the best Beatle with the strongest post-breakup career, and that U2 is simply boring.

The conversation also turned to vocal talent versus songwriting. One post pointed out that Taylor Swift isn't an 'incredible' singer, but her value comes from her showmanship and songwriting. This sparked a broader discussion on autotune, with many agreeing that you don't need to be an amazing singer to be a talented and worthwhile artist in the modern era.

Genre Wars and Industry Gripes

No genre was safe from critique. One user scoffed at the idea that "rock is dead," saying they first heard that claim from disco fans back in 1978. A more aggressive take labeled Jazz as a "god awful racket." Meanwhile, K-pop received a more nuanced take: the genre demands immense talent, as seen in its live performances, but the industry's treatment of its artists is deplorable.

The industry itself came under fire. Many argued that mainstream music sounds the same because artists focus more on theatrics than on the music. In a surprising twist, one popular opinion suggested that music piracy actually made music better by removing money as the primary motivation, allowing artists who are truly passionate to discover and create for the sake of art.

The Problem with Fandom

How people consume music was also a hot topic. The toxicity of "gatekeeping" within fanbases was a common complaint, with one user stating, "I don’t need to know everything about someone to enjoy their music." Others shared their pet peeves, from people who only listen to one genre of music to neighbors who blast their playlists for the entire block to hear.