Anyone else have a hard time getting into instrumental music
 

So over the past few months I've notices something: I can not get into instrumental music. It's not that the instrumental aspect of music doesn't appeal to me, on the contrary I think instrumentals are as important as vocals: It's just that when you remove vocals from the mix it just seems like you loose a "guiding light" in the music.

Am I alone in this? Are there others who feel the same way?

I think maybe I felt that way when I was in my teens but it's definitely not how I feel today. Some days I'd say I actually even prefer instrumental music because it seems more like pure sonic expression, unencumbered by the baggage of words.

I used to agree with you. Gradually that opinion changed though. I think a large part of it was coming to appreciate classical music.

Not at all. I've always liked instrumental music.

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I pretty much agree with this. There are times that beg for instrumental music, like when I'm reading. Vocals are way too distracting.

As a teen, most people want something that expresses what they're thinking and feeling inside, so it's natural to prefer music with vocals. Plus that's what you're exposed to. Instrumental music doesn't get much exposure.

I pay so little attention to lyrics most of the time I don't even notice if a song has words or not.

First exposure I had to instrumental was the post rock genre, some of it has some great stuff. I don't think it was very hard to get into in my opinion, it just took some time to get used to not hearing lyrics. I actually prefer music without lyrics. Lets me give more appreciation for the musical talent.

I have a special place in my heart for instrumental music. I like vocals but instrumental music speaks to me in a different way. Lyrics kinda guide you and your emotions but when you remove them the song wakes different kind of emotions and the song can be about anything

I agree with this. I never appreciated classical or instrumental music when I was younger, possibly because I had never made the effort to learn about it or actually listen to some of it. Even in high school, in all the music courses I took, I never thought twice about this music. I'm embarrassed to admit, as a multi-instrumentalist, I never took the time to learn about the music I was playing before I entered university. Things are different now though - I actually read the notes that come with the books or the sheet music.

When I started university as a music student, I was being educated on all aspects of Western art music since the era of Ancient Greece. I have a stronger appreciation for classical music especially, and am now starting to listen to more instrumental jazz and avant-garde music made during the 20th and 21st centuries.

My next goal is to get more into the traditional instrumental music of the rest of the world.