A problem about accents in songs

I can tell Am & Br accents in speech. But why I can't tell accents in English songs?

I usually can't either. But why is that a "problem"?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barb_D

I usually can't either. But why is that a "problem"?

---

I want to know if other people would be like that and want to know why? It's weird.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by michael147

I want to know if other people would be like that and want to know why? It's weird.

---

What's weird? Some singers use an accent that they feel is appropriate to the song; For over half a century some British singers of pop songs have sung in some form of (mock-)American accent, the USA being, for many, the home of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, country (and western), etc music.

There are a few British singers whose regional accent is very clear in their songs, but they are few and far between.

Oasis - clearly Mancunian (from Manchester)
Runrig - clearly Scottish
Clannad/Enya - clearly Irish (yes, I know that's not British!)
Madness - clearly London-based (not quite Cockney, but sometimes close)

I would not expect a non-native speaker to be able to distinguish those accents.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by emsr2d2

I would not expect a non-native speaker to be able to distinguish those accents.

---

Only out of curiosity, why? It's all about having a good ear and a bit of training, like in music.

The singer from "The Cranberries" sure sounds Irish.