Originally Posted by Neapolitan

Some of my favorite bands I can't make heads or tails of the lyrics e.g. REM or The Strokes, especially the early material. Hearing every other word paints a vague picture of what the song means. It ends up being a bit impressionistic. Not knowing what's the going on with the lyrics I find the vocals become a like another instrument. But unlike bass, lead/rhythm guitar, drums etc etc. the voice is very emotive, and still convey emotion even though the lyrics unclear. I also listen to songs with non-English lyrics and I hardly understand a word if any. It doesn't take away from the song.