- Spotify’s filter misses explicit lyrics
- Parental pressure prompts content system
- Music lacks age classifications
On Spotify, explicit lyrics have been displayed to young fans of Olivia Rodrigo, Eminem, and other artists despite users blocking explicit content.
When the ‘radio-friendly’ version of a song is played, the streaming service often shows the song’s original lyrics, which may contain profanities and racial slurs.
The organization is aware of the issue and is trying to rectify it.
In response to parental pressure, Spotify implemented a system in 2018 that handles explicit content; explicit recordings are denoted with an ‘E.’
Those who wish to avoid hearing profanity can turn off such content in their settings. Alternatively, they frequently receive clean versions.
However, many of these edited versions may have lyrics identical to the originals in Spotify’s database, meaning anyone viewing the lyrics can discern the explicit language.
Over one-third of the tracks comprising the top 50 charts on Spotify UK contain explicit lyrics. Fifty percent of those display explicit lyrics while the sanitized edit is playing.
Hot Girl Summer by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign
Individuals can access explicit song lyrics on desktops and laptops despite the prohibited tracks by clicking on the track names from a search or artist profile page.
With over 500 million users, Spotify is the world’s most famous music streaming service.
‘You’re reading every word’
James Roach, a parenting website contributor and music producer under the moniker Midlo, is the father of two children, one of whom is just beginning to explore music independently.
He says you don’t think about it until your child can understand and interpret language and words.
“My son will soon turn seven years old.” This has become a potentially problematic situation only recently since he previously refused to read or pay attention but is now discovering music he enjoys and can read proficiently.
“Children do want to sing along with these artists, but at times it is difficult to fully comprehend what is being said.”
Accordingly, one accesses online resources or these platforms to obtain the literal meanings of the words. And the fact that you are seeking it makes it even worse. You’re reading every syllable.”
According to Roach, a producer, individuals who upload songs can provide distinct lyrics for each version of the song. However, he suspects some users are “lazy” and use identical lyrics for both the explicit and clean versions.
“Join the Webull revolution in the UK and receive your free shares today.”
“One might assume that the Spotify headquarters have established a systematic procedure,” he asserts. “The fact that they are outsourcing is surprising.”
Musixmatch provides lyrics for Spotify and several other music streaming platforms. The company promotes itself as “the largest collection of song lyrics in the world, used by millions of people to get instant time-synchronised lyrics.”
Fans may contribute “kudos” in exchange for adding, correcting, or translating lyrics on Musixmatch. There was no response from the company to a request for comment.
Some TV streaming services and films have age ratings, while music does not.
