complex maybe, but intelligent is just a stupid word to describe music in my opinion

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Originally posted by jupiterone complex maybe, but intelligent is just a stupid word to describe music in my opinion

I agree.

Way too many people patting themselves on the back for liking "intelligent" music.

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Originally posted by jupiterone complex maybe, but intelligent is just a stupid word to describe music in my opinion

Perceptions, I s'pose. Some might say there's a lot of intelligent jazz out there, while others would consider the same stuff noodly tosh. Most of the time 'intelligent' music is meant to describe music that is strictly for the head (i.e. math rock) rather than for physical (rhythmic) or emotional (melodic) reactions we typically expect out of music. Experimental music might also be considered 'intelligent' if there truly is something intuitive going on, but oftentimes producers of that stuff will use the 'intelligent' adjective as a shield against the fact what they're making is just a bunch of stupid noise.

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I have a hard enough time defining what it means for a person to be intelligent - trying to figure out what kinds of music are and aren't would give me a headache.

Osborne - In Gear [Spectral Sound/Ghostly International]
Seth Troxler & Thrill Cosby - Oogity Boogity [M_nus Items & Things]

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Originally posted by digitalEyes I'm just wondering what tracks you consider to be "intelligent" in your favorite EDM genre [...]

There's no such thing as intelligent music. Saying Aphex Twin is more intelligent than Happy Hardcore is like saying apples are more intelligent than oranges. Complete nonsense in every thinkable way.

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Originally posted by Sykonee Perceptions, I s'pose. Some might say there's a lot of intelligent jazz out there, while others would consider the same stuff noodly tosh. Most of the time 'intelligent' music is meant to describe music that is strictly for the head (i.e. math rock) rather than for physical (rhythmic) or emotional (melodic) reactions we typically expect out of music. Experimental music might also be considered 'intelligent' if there truly is something intuitive going on, but oftentimes producers of that stuff will use the 'intelligent' adjective as a shield against the fact what they're making is just a bunch of stupid noise.

I think it's more that describing music as "intelligent" has inherently elitist connotations, as it implies that you're intelligent for listening to it and also that other music out there must be unintelligent by comparison. Since music has no intellect, you're either being metaphorical or (more likely) deferring meaning by calling it intelligent. "Complex" can describe the music directly without deferring the meaning.

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> Maximum Elevation [Progressive House]
> DI.FM 26th Anniversary Guest Mix [Progressive House]
> Live @ Dance:Love:Hub London, 11.10.2025
> Higher Peaks [Progressive House]
> Dance:Love:Hub Afterparty (The Return) 23.11.24

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I use 'intelligent' in the context of music that isn't too shallow, has artistic and cultural value beyond mainstream commercial appeal. It's not really meant to be elitist, just a word to describe thought-driven music as opposed to music designed to be as catchy and easily digestible as possible.

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project-k is correct there. i perceive "intelligent" music to be for the mind, and to trigger emotions and thought process without necessarily narcotic assistance:

henrik b - logos [truesoul]
duplex - vivid array [frantic flowers]

"intelligent" music doesn't really need to be complex in structure either - take for example the concept of reduced techno (not "minimal"), in which every single sound is integral to the track. anything that does not need to be there is not included.

shed - flat axe [ostgut ton]
robert hood - side effect [music man]
substance - relish [scion versions]

"intelligent" music can simply be perfect for what it is; be it a loop, tool, or soundtrack for a particular time or place.

maurizio - m4 [m]
patrice scott - raw fusion [sistrum]

and "intelligent" music doesn't need to be mellow either. music with soul AND some punch is bang on the money.

future beat investigators - dark suite [raw fusion]

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Originally posted by sgb476 project-k is correct there. i perceive "intelligent" music to be for the mind, and to trigger emotions and thought process without necessarily narcotic assistance: henrik b - logos [truesoul] duplex - vivid array [frantic flowers] "intelligent" music doesn't really need to be complex in structure either - take for example the concept of reduced techno (not "minimal"), in which every single sound is integral to the track. anything that does not need to be there is not included. shed - flat axe [ostgut ton] robert hood - side effect [music man] substance - relish [scion versions] "intelligent" music can simply be perfect for what it is; be it a loop, tool, or soundtrack for a particular time or place. maurizio - m4 [m] patrice scott - raw fusion [sistrum] and "intelligent" music doesn't need to be mellow either. music with soul AND some punch is bang on the money. future beat investigators - dark suite [raw fusion]

These are intelligent because someone said so i believe.

deadmau5