I appreciate that you actually did give me a pretty good example of a difference. Makes this go a little bit smoother. And I surprisingly do agree with your definitions. However, I can't help but think that whether or not someone is an enthusiast, or a "general music listener" as you put it, they can still form a pretty strong opinion on a popular album. It being popular, I imagine some parts of the album would show up on the radio which would be perfect for the convenient listener. I did however jump the gun a little bit before realizing that a music enthusiast would be far more passionate about their opinion as opposed to just your general music listener. But, I still really wouldn't put the two in two different categories. If someone listens to music, and they can form an opinion about it, they're an enthusiast in my eyes. If however they just don't want to bother, well that's a different story.

I do, but I hardly hear them played much.
And yet I've heard his other albums to the point of overkill, and I don't even own them.

I remember Don't Stop Till You Get Enough getting a lot of radio play when I was younger. I could just be imagining that, but that was one of the first ways I heard of Michael Jackson. Though, it could be different based on where you live.

The only time I ever hear that song played is when they do a 'Hits of 1980' hour.
Otherwise it's all his later stuff.

Weird. I remember Don't Stop, and Thriller getting a lot of radio play a few years back. But of course, once his death became a factor, radio stations became filled with Michael Jackson tracks. However, I will say that I don't think the other two songs that Chula posted ever got radio play. Again, i'm just going by memory. I use to listen to the radio almost religiously as a kid, but some things are still fuzzy.

Then I would argue that we have to examine the quality and bases of the opinion.

If someone says they like a song because it has a catchy beat or because the singer has a nice voice while that is an opinion, its not that opinionated imo. In other words, just because someone "likes the singers voice" doesn't mean they are a fan of the singer or they have an extreme interest in their music.

IMO, a music enthusiast will be more passionate and have more information for their reasons for their opinion. They also go out there way to express their opinion.


For example, one time a radio personality said something on the radio I did not like that was music related and I called the radio station to express distaste of it. I called for almost 45 minutes but the line was busy.

Why just don't?

It may be partly an age thing and partly a country thing, but here in the USA during the late 70s and early 80s those singles from OTW were killing it here.

They got huge everyday airplay on any number of popular stations as well as music TV shows.

That is still an opinion though and I have said about certain bands that I listen to that the main reason I listen to them is for the vocalist (Porcupine Tree is an example, I love Steven Wilson's voice), and as you've said you consider me a music enthusiast. Sometimes when forming an opinion, I do agree that it is always good to express it more in depth, honestly I'll listen to someones recommendation if they go more in depth with why they recommend it over someone who says something like "this album is good." I do see where you're coming from, and understand that i'm just debating for debate sake. I just don't really see a difference in traits with general music listeners and music enthusiasts, but again, I do see why you would come to the conclusion that there is a line between the two. Personally, I see them as one thing described as "someone who listens to music," that's all it really needs to be anyway.

I am enjoying your responses though, for once you do seem to be understanding the rules of debate, and it makes it so much easier to talk with you.

Off The Wall doesn't get that much radio play.

I am sorry but I am not sure what point your making.

Why don't what?