Heb 8

Today people’s opinions on music are infinite; things no longer fit into only one genre. However, there are some key characteristics that do run through any person’s opinion: musical ability and performance. These two criteria must be met for any artist to be considered valid.
First, an obvious component of judging music must be the sheer talent—musical or instrumental— of the individual or group. While there may be differences in style, everyone can agree that a singer must be able to at least sing, that is stay on the correct pitch. One thing that is also important is the artist’s ability to write songs. The ability to create new music is an important gift as we would never here creative songs again. Another aspect that should be greatly considered is the ability to play a musical instrument. There are plenty of singers who are great at singing and playing an instrument only enhances their talent. You should be able to play the music you create. These two criteria are reflected in modern musical tastes as we have an influx of singer-songwriters who play the guitar or piano and plenty of new rock bands. Songwriting and instrumental talent also greatly affect the performance ability of an artist.
Concerts are the major part of the music industry. Year round there is always multiple groups traveling the globe performing their music. The ability to perform live is an important aspect when judging musical acts. I think a person’s musical ability is only as good as their ability to share it with others. A live performance really shows the talent of the artist as they receive no assistance from any recordings or computers. When judging any act, a person must take into account their ability to perform their music live as concerts are a way for the artist to connect with their listening audience.
Judging music, like any art form, always lends itself to being highly subjective but there is certain criterion that is shared by everyone. An artist must above all have musical talent that can be broken done into vocal or instrumental, writing and performance. Music is not about its ability to make a spectacle, but just about making the music

(Author's Note: This criteria is meant to apply to mainstream music.)

Heb 7

For years, ‘N Sync fans have attempted to claim that their group is far superior to the Backstreet Boys. Let’s face it; there cannot be any sort of comparison. The arguments made by ‘N Sync fans are immature and baseless. Backstreet Boys are the superior musical group.
First we should get one fact out there that ‘N Sync fans like to neglect. The Backstreet Boys was here first; ‘N Sync is the result of their success. Ironically, the groups have plotted similar paths. ‘N Sync merely followed in the path the Backstreet Boys had already laid out for them. Also, ‘N Sync’s big break in the American market was their live concert special on the Disney Channel. Most people are unaware of the fact that the special was originally supposed to be for the Backstreet Boys, but when their touring conflicted, ‘N Sync filled in for them. They really are just a substitute for the real thing.
Next let’s talk about the music because that’s what a singing group is all about. ‘N Sync fans like to claim that the Backstreet Boys lacks an ability to harmonize. The Backstreet Boys has never claimed to be a big harmony group nor have they ever performed a capella shows. The Backstreet Boys allows all of the members equal opportunities to sing. ‘N Sync allows two members – and in the later years just one – to take all the solos. I think this decreased the group camaraderie and chemistry as ‘N Sync has been unsuccessful at returning from their “break” while the Backstreet Boys will be releasing an album this year. The Backstreet Boys has also been writing songs for an equally long, if not longer time. Also, why is there such a focus on record sales by ‘N Sync fans? There is not doubt that what they achieved is quite great and their fans should be applauded since it is really their work that gave ‘N Sync high album sales. Music, however, is not about how many records you can sell, but about the quality of music you produce. There are plenty of artists who are incredible musicians but don’t sell tens of millions of albums. Album sales do not equal quality music and group credibility cannot be based on this. The Backstreet Boys do not rely on their over-the-top music sales but instead on their talent.
There have been manly battles over the years about concerts: size, ability, ideas and dancers. Some how, the Backstreet Boys has been made the bad guy. ‘N Sync started accusing the Backstreet Boys of copying concerts. There are really only so many new things that one can come up with, and yes some things may overlap, but that by no means the Backstreet Boys “copied” ‘N Sync. Also the Backstreet Boys has chosen to have dancers so they can provide a better musical performance for their fans instead of pretending to be dancers like ‘N Sync. That is also why they choose to perform in smaller venues. They want to make a more intimate performance for their fans. Being able to sell out a stadium is no reflection on your actual ability, just your talent at making a spectacle. The Backstreet Boys performs smaller, better concerts. If you want to see the spectacle, circus group then see ‘N Sync; if you want real music and talent see the Backstreet Boys. Do not settle for any substitutes.