Would you listen to music in a language you didn't understand?

11-04-2009, 04:27 PM

I would, and I do. I personally look at the voice as just another instrument. A guitar doesn't spell out for you what point its trying to get across, its up to you to decide and to just listen and enjoy. I think theres a certain mystery and interest that comes with a song in a different language. Some of my all-time favorite songs are by Buena Vista Social Club. I have no idea what they are singing about, I think thats why I enjoy it so much. Its up to me to decide what they are singing about. I don't want to know what they are singing about because I have conjured up in my mind what it think its about and I'm afraid if I look at a translation, I would be dissapointed. Anyway, a beautiful voice is a beautiful voice whether you can understand what its saying or not. Just my thoughts.

jazztrumpetlicks · 11-24-2009, 08:29 PM

I most definitely would.

There is so much great music in the world that you simply just cannot ignore what's out there.

Dr.Seussicide · 11-24-2009, 08:33 PM

Of course, a lot of the best screamo isn't even in fucking English, but goddamn its good

bullettoedenrocks · 11-29-2009, 05:32 PM

Envy from Japan are amazing I sing in Japanese. The lanaguage makes no difference as long as its good.

proto-punk · 12-02-2009, 10:06 AM

yeah i like to listen to other languages sing but sometimes, some type of languages sound a little weird when sung. it wouldnt make me go learn a language or anything lol

coolblaze · 12-03-2009, 07:37 AM

I listen to non-english music almost every day

million dollar basher · 12-03-2009, 12:22 PM

Not sure why this is in the "Punk" Forum--seems like it would be more appropriate to place it in "World Music", but I digress.
Yeah, some of my favorite music in high school was non-english. Stereolab was one of my favorites, especially because they seemed to directly influence one of my favorite American groups, The Rentals. Also, Dead Can Dance was a great group to listen to, creepy and ominous stuff.

Psy-Fi · 12-12-2009, 11:19 PM

Music is a universal language, everyone can understand it, The lyrics are of secondary importance to me.
If you limit yourself to listening to music only in a language you understand, you will miss out on a lot of interesting musical experiences.

bardonodude · 12-14-2009, 02:18 PM

i do this all the time with yelle and that one nofx song thats in french...well other bands too but thats just a general reference

indietrash3 · 01-06-2010, 01:57 PM

haven't read the whole thread but posting to say that music's an international language. while I do appreciate being able to get the lyrics, the melody will always come first to me. so, yes I listen to music that has lyrics in languages I don't know.

11-24-2009, 08:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dr.Seussicide FakingSuicideForApplause Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: I live in a van down by the river Posts: 1,365	Of course, a lot of the best screamo isn't even in fucking English, but goddamn its good __________________ I'll stay if I ever could, and pick up your pieces babe, because there's never a perfect day. Don't fret, baby, we're simply growing And my darling, I wouldn't mind to die like this.

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11-04-2009, 04:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Flower Child Guest Posts: n/a	I would, and I do. I personally look at the voice as just another instrument. A guitar doesn't spell out for you what point its trying to get across, its up to you to decide and to just listen and enjoy. I think theres a certain mystery and interest that comes with a song in a different language. Some of my all-time favorite songs are by Buena Vista Social Club. I have no idea what they are singing about, I think thats why I enjoy it so much. Its up to me to decide what they are singing about. I don't want to know what they are singing about because I have conjured up in my mind what it think its about and I'm afraid if I look at a translation, I would be dissapointed. Anyway, a beautiful voice is a beautiful voice whether you can understand what its saying or not. Just my thoughts.

11-24-2009, 08:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
jazztrumpetlicks Groupie Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 6	I most definitely would. There is so much great music in the world that you simply just cannot ignore what's out there.

11-29-2009, 05:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
bullettoedenrocks Groupie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 8	Envy from Japan are amazing I sing in Japanese. The lanaguage makes no difference as long as its good.

12-02-2009, 10:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
proto-punk Psychedelic Breakdown Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New York Posts: 97	yeah i like to listen to other languages sing but sometimes, some type of languages sound a little weird when sung. it wouldnt make me go learn a language or anything lol

12-03-2009, 07:37 AM	#6 (permalink)
coolblaze Groupie Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6	I listen to non-english music almost every day

12-03-2009, 12:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
million dollar basher Music Addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: trapped in a basement Posts: 184	Not sure why this is in the "Punk" Forum--seems like it would be more appropriate to place it in "World Music", but I digress. Yeah, some of my favorite music in high school was non-english. Stereolab was one of my favorites, especially because they seemed to directly influence one of my favorite American groups, The Rentals. Also, Dead Can Dance was a great group to listen to, creepy and ominous stuff.

12-12-2009, 11:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
Psy-Fi Aficionado of Fine Filth Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: You don't want to look in there. Posts: 7,201	Music is a universal language, everyone can understand it, The lyrics are of secondary importance to me. If you limit yourself to listening to music only in a language you understand, you will miss out on a lot of interesting musical experiences.

12-14-2009, 02:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
bardonodude Music Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 1,367	i do this all the time with yelle and that one nofx song thats in french...well other bands too but thats just a general reference

01-06-2010, 01:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
indietrash3 Groupie Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 45	haven't read the whole thread but posting to say that music's an international language. while I do appreciate being able to get the lyrics, the melody will always come first to me. so, yes I listen to music that has lyrics in languages I don't know.