There are many debates on how to define what popular music actually is. These debates question the primary aims of popular music often suggesting commercial recognition and profit over artistic and cultural creativity. As a result of this it is often referred to as a light form of music which lacks substance. Initially I would have linked popular music to the current music within the charts, sharing the view of theorist Adorno that popular music is commercially orientated, produced by the mass media with the only intention of profit in mind. However this view rejects music produced by artists such as The Who whose artistically intentional music invoked its popularity and profit. Therefore as defined by Shuker (1994) it is clear that popular music is a combination of artistic intentions and the commercial nature of the production and distribution bound together in order to create great significance for its consumers.
Good stuff. Adorno in week one :-)
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