AC's that have become more upbeat

[gamefreak]

Why is it that certain AC stations that branched out into more edgier and rhythmic music still choose to the same tired mix of 80's and 90's music

An example is stations that sound more of a Hot AC in terms of music within the last few years. However would only play lighter songs from the 80's and 90's. Outright neglecting 80's and 90's music that was once popular on Hot AC's 10-15 years ago. Such as The Cure, Dave Mathews Band, Ace of Base, Duran Duran (Other than Hungry like a Wolf). Meredith Brooks and Depeche Mode.

In terms of retro music (between 15 and 30 years ago) that means the music is very limited. Hot AC's have already understandably abandoned the 80's. Adult Hits stations in a lot of places also are too Classic Rock heavy. Now AC's that once had 80's and 90's weekends are removing that portion of programming from the station.

Then you have AC stations that play artists such as Lady Gaga and will play older upbeat artists such as Madonna. Then have a play list to plays a lot of lighter Classic Rock and AC mainstays like Hootie and the Blowfish and Maroon 5.

 

[gamefreak]

In essence of what I'm saying is why is New Wave and Alternative Light so feared by Mainstream AC. Especially since Hot AC doesn't play 80's anymore and only a bit of 90's. Do songs like "Friday I'm in Love", "Love Shack", "Take on Me" and "Bizarre Love Triangle" test that bad.

Why is it what 80's that do get played are usually Ballad's, Hall and Oates, Madonna and George Micheal. Or for some stations like WKTK they might touch rock songs that became major hits. Such as "I love Rock N' Roll", "Shook me all night long", "Heart Breaker" and other songs Classic Hits (Rock) stations already pound to death.

 

[gamefreak]

What I'm talking about is how some stations will play lots of upbeat artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. However refuse to play certain upbeat music from yesterday. Such as "Little Respect", "Chains of Love", "Always" and "Take a Chance on Me" by Erasue. "Getting away with it" or "Disappointed" by Electric would also do well with the more updated AC sound. Artist such as Cher, Ace of Base, The B-52's, PM Dawn, UB40, Real McCoy and others would also fit more with the modernized AC sound.

 

[vchimpanzee]

"Shook me all night long", "Heart Breaker" and other songs Classic Hits (Rock) stations already pound to death.

I don't see how you can still call this AC.

 

[michael hagerty]

"Shook me all night long", "Heart Breaker" and other songs Classic Hits (Rock) stations already pound to death.

I don't see how you can still call this AC.

All it has to be is contemporary and appeal to adults. Specifically, 39 year old women (dead center of the 25-54 demo). So you're aiming for someone born in 1974, who graduated high school in 1992 and college in 1996.

Those years actually help explain the general problem with new wave (it's in kind of a musical blind spot of the target's life). However, some songs break through in other ways. PDs of AC stations are trying to figure out what to do with the information that one of the biggest "feel-good" songs among women 35-44 is The Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated".

Again, AC doesn't mean soft. It did for a long time after the success of KOST in Los Angeles. But from its genesis in '67 until KOST broke big in '82, AC was only a bit quieter than Top 40, playing most of the same records.

 

[ChrisInMI]

"Take On Me" and "Love Shack" are heard quite frequently on AC stations, at least the ones I listen to.

 

[andrewduong77]

KOST, KMGL, WMGC, WRCH, and WMJX played "I Love Rock N' Roll" by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts quite a bit.

 

[new_friends_gr]

Artist such as Cher, Ace of Base, The B-52's, PM Dawn, UB40, Real McCoy and others would also fit more with the modernized AC sound.

Ooh... I would LOVE to hear P.M. Dawn on an AC station now.