If music ever needs FDA approval in the future, bands like this

Anthony Fantano’s words, “If music ever needs FDA approval in the future, bands like this will be the reason why; Magic Kids' sugar-coated songs paint a mental picture of smiling clouds and double rainbows, with a unicorn or two tossed in for good measure,” are a biting commentary on the nature of modern music and the entertainment industry's focus on surface appeal over deeper substance. In this statement, Fantano evokes the image of a world where art and creativity become regulated, sanitized, and stripped of their power to challenge, question, or provoke. The Magic Kids, with their sugar-coated melodies and innocent imagery, are emblematic of a kind of music that exists not to transcend, but to entertain, offering a kind of nostalgia and whimsy that some might see as empty or even artificial. Fantano’s words remind us that art is not just for escapism; it should serve as a reflection of our humanity, our struggles, our dreams, and our capacity for change.

In the ancient world, art was revered not only for its beauty but for its purpose—its ability to inspire, to transform, and to reflect the deeper truths of life. Greek philosophers like Plato believed that art, especially music, had the power to shape the soul and influence the character of individuals. Plato famously said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” The ancients understood that music was not just a form of entertainment; it was a vital force in shaping thought, emotion, and society. Fantano’s criticism suggests that in the modern age, we have moved away from this purpose, creating music that, while pleasant, may lack the depth and soul that once made it a tool for profound human transformation.

Take, for example, the classical music of Ludwig van Beethoven, whose symphonies were not just meant to fill the air with sound, but to convey deep emotions and grapple with the human condition. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, for instance, is a rousing anthem of hope and unity, built upon a foundation of personal struggle and triumph over adversity. Beethoven, who composed his masterpiece while nearly deaf, did not create music to simply please the ear, but to move the soul and inspire future generations. His music was, in essence, a call to action, a statement about the power of the human spirit. In contrast, the Magic Kids, with their sweet melodies and happy imagery, might be seen as an attempt to distract rather than to engage with the deep complexities of the human experience. Fantano’s comparison of their music to a sugar-coated fantasy world evokes a sense of escapism—one where the beauty of music is used not to provoke thought or challenge norms, but to provide a fleeting sense of comfort.

What is it about art that allows it to transcend mere entertainment? Throughout history, the greatest artists have sought to reflect not just the pleasant aspects of life, but the grit, the sorrow, and the complexity that make us human. Michelangelo, when painting the Sistine Chapel, did not just seek to create a beautiful ceiling; he sought to capture the very essence of the human struggle—the creation of life, the fall of man, and the hope for redemption. Similarly, Shakespeare’s plays delve into the depths of human emotion, betrayal, love, and death, offering us not just a mirror to our lives, but a path to understanding the very nature of existence.

In contrast, the Magic Kids might be seen as embodying a form of artifice—a kind of musical confection designed to appease rather than to challenge or transform. The imagery of smiling clouds, double rainbows, and unicorns evokes a sense of innocence and whimsy, but at what cost? If music is reduced to mere entertainment, it becomes disconnected from the profound truths of our shared existence. It risks becoming empty—a fleeting pleasure that offers no lasting value. Fantano’s critique invites us to reflect on whether we are losing the power of art to make us think, to question, to transform.

Yet, this does not mean that music or art must always be dark or serious. Joy and light have their place, and the ability to escape through art is also a fundamental part of the human experience. However, the danger lies in the imbalance—in the world where art is reduced to a commodity that exists purely to distract, rather than to challenge or deepen. In the same way, ancient festivals and celebrations were about community, about sharing joy and rejuvenating the spirit, but they also had a purpose—to bring people together and strengthen their collective identity. Music, when balanced with meaning, can serve both purposes—joy and reflection.

Lesson for the ages:

Art, in all its forms, has the power not only to entertain, but to transform. It is not enough for art to simply please the senses—it must engage the mind, challenge the soul, and reflect the truths of the human condition. Just as the ancients revered the power of art to shape society, we must ensure that music and all art remain a force that inspires, challenges, and awakens us, rather than simply offering a superficial escape. The greatest works of art are those that resonate deeply within us, moving us to see the world in new ways, to reflect on our own lives, and to strive for greater meaning.

Practical Action:

As you move through life, choose the art you consume wisely. Seek out music and creations that not only entertain but also enlighten, that stir the soul and spark reflection. Encourage others to engage with art that challenges their assumptions, that makes them think and feel more deeply. Do not settle for the sugar-coated and the superficial, but seek the substance in art that reflects the full spectrum of the human experience. Like the ancients, we must use art not only for enjoyment, but to learn, to grow, and to deepen our understanding of the world around us.