What the hell does that mean?

Occasionally have heard people say that they like 'intelligent music' but I can't think of what aspects of music could be classed as intelligent. I think people who say this are just trying to make their musical taste sound superior.

Radiohead fans no doubt.

It's a term that allows pretentious morons to feel superior.

Believe it or not , it is a genre of electronic music. Google IDM (Intelligent Dance Music ).

I read that Baroque and Classical music affects both sides of the brain when someone listens to it. It enhances the lateral thinking and logic of the left brain as well supports the creativity of the right side of the brain.

I've never heard people say it. I've heard bands I've thought had more intelligent lyrics though and even instrumentation can sound intelligent, at least to me.

In my opinion, the only intelligent music is one that has a recognisable chord structure, a pleasing melody, which may or may not, including variations on the same, and is either played or sung well.
This applies to any genre.

Screaming Jay Steven Hawkings?

I take it to mean a song that has an actual meaning, that you can apply to your own life, or references something or indeed someone that could be considered intelligent, such as Oscar Wilde or an historical event or object, Enola Gay as an example.

And surely 'pretentious morons' is an oxymoron. Someone you would associate with pretension is surely not someone you would associate with stupidity, the Facebook status thread mocks many humans who deserve the moron label.

'I whip my hair back and forth' is not intelligent.

'You a stupid hoe' is not intelligent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1wWZyi2e7Y

In this track the narrator is worried about his lover's recent change in behaviour, how selfish they have become and that unless she becomes more sympathetic and loving he'll return to her.

https://soundcloud.com/capturedtrack...ancing-shell-1

You could call this a parody, this is about someone who will do anything for fame, they have no mind of their own and will literally do anything they're told to do, like a puppet.

There is a simple study that links SATS scores with the artists listened to.

Radiohead and U2 come at the top just behind Beethoven!

I listen to a lot of IDM but I don't like the term itself. In fact Aphex Twin, whose music helped spawned the genre, hates the term.

I'd assume the term would mean if lyrics were thoughtful and the song had some meaning or story behind it, rather than a song littered with 'yeah baby I know you want it' style lyric. Why the prejudice against 'intelligent' music?

I tend to agree. There's nothing wrong with intelligent music that means something a little deeper. I think of the powerful narratives of Bruce Springsteen or Stevie Wonder which paint pictures of America or Americana. Or the spiritual nature of much of U2 or Van Morrison's work. Or the personal and public political nature of Radiohead or Public Enemy. Pop music is a broad church from the inane to the sophisticated, I don't see the problem?

For me a good example is Hozier's Take Me To Church, a song I love and with intelligent meaningful lyrics, which as someone who had a church upbringing, resonate with me on a personal level.

I can understand someone saying they like intelligent music, but I don't know if intelligence is the word I would use. Creative and/or emotional perhaps.

Also listen to the type of music which could be classed as IDM, but would never use that term. Whoever came up with it deserves to be slapped, as Aphex Twin says, it's derogatory towards other styles.

I have no problem with anyone saying that a particular track has a recognisable chord structure, a pleasing melody and is either played or sung well, but none of that goes anywhere near the definition of the word 'intelligent'.

Ltj bukem

Its a term which basically means 'cool' dance music. File alongside 'Progressive House' for mind numbing pretension.

Pretension is good in the world of rawk (think art rock bands) & can have a certain camp appeal even... But, in the world of dance music, it falls flat on its flabby arse.

Can someone please tell me how to dance 'intelligently'?! Were approaching oxymoron levels here....

If someone is able to create powerful narratives and deeper meanings to their songs then I suggest it's due to them being talented lyricists, it doesn't make their music intelligent.

I agree with the BIB, just don't see the word 'intelligent' as being an appropriate term to describe music.

Can accept all the words used in your opinion of that song apart from 'intelligent', unless you can tell me exactly what makes it intelligent and why.

Kate Bush

yep, thats what occurred to me too... the right sentiment but the description not the best.

those that call others 'pretentious' are usually the ones that appear to like very basic, even child like, music.

Refined sounds and weighty lyrics from an 'artist'.

It's quite simple really. Most music appeals to the senses and to the emotions. Intelligent music also appeals to the intellect and to the mind. The best music appeals to the soul.