Excellent thread.

I think something is being overlooked.

When songs are dismissed as being "contemplating your navel" songs and "singing your diary" songs what you are often hearing is one generation dissing the musical styles and preferences of another generation.

The people using such language are trying hard not to sound like their parents: "That's not music." "That stuff is corrupting you kids." "Those people can't sing." etc.

If Bob Dylan changed your life and the way you look at music and its place in the world, you will probably not be entirely satisfied with John Gorka. You'll criticize him, but you'll be careful how you phrase it.

Russ (a boomer)