Glenn Hughes recently commented on the state of modern rock music. He addressed concerns about authenticity and originality in a statement shared on Rock and Pop.
When asked about new artists he listens to, Hughes expressed disappointment with the current music landscape. He noted the absence of groundbreaking talent comparable to legendary figures.
“With the new music, I don’t hear a new Prince. I don’t hear a new Jeff Buckley. I don’t hear a new Led Zeppelin. I don’t hear a new Rolling Stones. I don’t hear anything,” Hughes said. “So, for me, I’m waiting to hear something special — I mean, really something special. I’m hoping that happens.”
Hughes went on to criticize the role of artificial intelligence in modern music production. He emphasized his preference for organic, stripped-down compositions.
“Today, with A.I., I think it’s very fake. I don’t think it’s organic. I think behind the scenes, it’s not real. It’s not the way it should be,” he explained. “What I would like to hear is someone with a piano and a vocal or a guitar and a vocal, and nothing else.”
The legendary musician called for simplicity and authenticity in songwriting. He advocated for music that connects immediately with listeners through genuine artistry.
“Just something very simple, three minutes long, something very organic and something that grabs you immediately, like it used to be,” Hughes continued. “I’m thinking it would be better if we could just have something really original and very melodic.”
Hughes’ comments reflect a broader concern he has voiced repeatedly about the current state of rock and metal music. His criticism extends beyond just the quality of new artists—it encompasses fundamental changes in how the industry operates and how music is created in the digital age.
Louder Sound reported that Hughes shares similar sentiments with Slayer’s Kerry King. Both musicians expressed that the talent pool in rock and metal seems to be drying up. Neither can name any new bands that genuinely excite them, suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated disappointment.
Hughes has been particularly vocal about the decline of the music industry itself. Ultimate Guitar documented Hughes stating that “there is no such thing as the music industry anymore.” He claimed that record labels are “a waste of time” and that the people working in them “haven’t got a clue what they’re doing” musically. This stark assessment reflects his belief that the infrastructure designed to nurture new talent has fundamentally broken down.
Despite his criticism of the current scene, Hughes remains an active and committed artist. Rock and Blues Muse noted that Hughes released his 2025 album “Chosen.” The album has been described as a powerful return to hard rock, blending his signature style of soul, funk, and rock. This demonstrates that while he critiques the industry and new artists, Hughes continues to produce meaningful work himself. He embodies the authenticity and originality he advocates for in modern music.
Hughes’ perspective underscores a generational divide in rock music. Legendary artists struggle to find successors who match the innovation and raw talent of past decades. Simultaneously, they grapple with how technology and industry changes have reshaped the landscape in which new artists must emerge.
