BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND KID CUDI
These two artists added a component of individual, emotional vulnerability to genres that tended to keep things “big picture” and emotionally guarded.
“Born In The USA” cinematically describes the hardships of one specific man. With very few brush strokes, it carries us through a narrative that begins in childhood and ends with a veteran in middle age who’s options continue to dwindle. It has a grinding, pulsing, big arena sound with raspy, shouted singing—but its words make no attempt to conceal its tender sadness, anxiety and loneliness.
It includes the lifelong effects of childhood trauma; an odd and masterfully executed moment of silence for a fallen comrade in Vietnam; a fruitless search for dignity and work upon returning home; and the anxiety of looming incarceration. It’s a very sad and beautiful song, and emblematic of much of Springsteen’s work.
Kid Cudi does something similar. Rap has always been a complex and varied genre with more diversity in its content than any other form of music, but there is a notable lack of personal, emotional vulnerability. Kid Cudi’s lyrics, however, are defined by their personal vulnerability. Though he uses a great deal of confidence, playfulness and humor, he constantly subverts the bluster and aloofness of rap with matter-of-fact statements that lay bare his sadness and loneliness.
These artists opened up a huge world of opportunity for more complexity and expression. The artists that followed have seized these opportunities, making each field considerably richer.