Lyrical Writing vs Purple Prose: A Tale of Two Styles

When it comes to writing, there are two distinct approaches that can make or break a piece of literature. Lyrical writing and purple prose are two styles that differ significantly in their approach to language and storytelling.

On one hand, lyrical writing is a style that uses words to paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind. It is characterized by its use of simple yet evocative language that conveys complex emotions and ideas. A good example of lyrical writing can be found in the works of authors like James Baldwin or Toni Morrison, who have mastered the art of using language to create powerful and moving stories.

On the other hand, purple prose is a style that uses overly elaborate and ornate language to convey its message. It often relies on adjectives and adverbs to create a sense of grandeur and drama, but can come across as over-the-top or even laughable in its excesses. A good example of purple prose can be found in the works of authors like Dan Brown or Stephenie Meyer, who have been criticized for their use of flowery language and lack of subtlety.

In the context of music criticism, the distinction between lyrical writing and purple prose is particularly important. When a critic uses overly elaborate language to describe a song, it can come across as insincere or even pretentious. On the other hand, when a critic uses simple yet evocative language to describe a song, it can create a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader.

In an article published in The New York Times, music critic Jon Caramanica falls squarely into the purple prose camp. His review of Taylor Swift's new album 'Folklore' is riddled with overly elaborate language that fails to convey any real insight or understanding of the music. Instead, it reads like a laundry list of adjectives and adverbs designed to impress rather than inform.

For example, Caramanica describes Swift's lyrics as 'ecstatically saccharine,' which is a phrase that sounds impressive but ultimately tells us very little about the quality of her songwriting. Similarly, he describes the music itself as 'sick burn'-like, which is a phrase that is more likely to be used by Generation Y teenagers than by a respected music critic.

Ultimately, the distinction between lyrical writing and purple prose comes down to a question of intent and purpose. When a writer uses language that is evocative and simple, it suggests a desire to communicate with their readers on a deep level. On the other hand, when a writer uses overly elaborate language, it often suggests a desire to impress or manipulate rather than inform.

In conclusion, lyrical writing and purple prose are two distinct styles of writing that can have very different effects on the reader. While purple prose may be impressive in its excesses, it ultimately fails to create a sense of intimacy or connection with the reader. Lyrical writing, on the other hand, is a style that uses language to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple yet evocative way.

Lyrical writing v s purple prose