A problem about accents in songs

[michael147]

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

[Barb_D]

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

[michael147]

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.

[5jj]

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.

[emsr2d2]

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.

[Esgaleth]

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.

[SoothingDave]

The singer from "The Cranberries" sure sounds Irish.