"I think today's music absolutely stinks. I really do mean that"

Frankie Avalon’s assertion about modern music being subpar is a forthright dismissal of contemporary musical trends. His words reveal more than simple preference, they evoke a sense of dismay, even disconnection, from what is currently popular. Such a broad statement, “today’s music absolutely stinks,” is weighted with nostalgia, suggesting he holds earlier eras of music, particularly those from his prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, in much higher regard. Avalon, a pop icon from an era known for romantic ballads and melodic simplicity, is likely responding to changes in songwriting, production, and perhaps the cultural focus of the industry.

Implicitly, Avalon's criticism might stem from a belief that the authenticity, craftsmanship, or emotional depth of music has diminished. The phrase, “I really do mean that,” bolsters his sincerity and underscores that his disapproval isn't flippant or exaggerated; there is conviction behind his assessment. For artists of his generation, the transition from analog to digital recording, the rise of electronic sounds, and the changing themes in lyrics may all seem foreign or less meaningful than the music that shaped their formative years.

Moreover, such dismissals often reflect broader cultural anxieties. Musical tastes undergo generational shifts, and what one generation treasures often feels alien or inferior to another. For Avalon, the essence of music may lie in melody, vocal talent, and accessible themes, in contrast to some present-day trends favoring production techniques, autotune, and sometimes more provocative or explicit content.

Ultimately, his comment invites reflection on how people relate to art from different periods. Deep emotional connections to the music of one's youth can make newer music seem less genuine or valuable. While subjective, Avalon's view represents the passionate loyalty many feel for the sounds that defined their own era.