Musicians who started out sad, young, and crazy and then Wisdom happened and happier music?

Was thinking about how I haven't like Smog/Bill Callahan's recent records since he's matured and isn't as hateful and sad. But I love Kate Bush's Aerial which is a very matured and happy with life record compared to her earlier music. What other musicians did you grow up who outgrew their younger angst and you can't relate to their happier adult music? Or do you prefer their happier adult music?

radiohead? maybe?

Yeah, Radiohead. I liked them creepy and bitter.

What's odd is that I'm happier and less angst filled, yet Smog without the angst and sadness doesn't worked for me, Radiohead either. I'm sure there's more I can't think of.

as for smog, i think the angst and sadness is still there, it's just (much) less overt--and for me, all the better.

Paul Westerberg ftw.

(in relative terms) Steve Albini

Silver Jews maybe. Last couple of records had a real shift I think (especially the last one), then stopped.

sonic youth

Peter Gabriel maybe?

This is actually a pretty good description of Enya's artistic progression.

Sadly Sonic youth fit this perfectly for me. Maybe the most important group to me during my high school years and they haven't put out a record I went crazy over since, I dunno, really starting with experimental Jet set, they starting losing me. And I dig that they are parents and all, growing up is cool, I'm a grown up now too. Hearing Bad Moon Rising that first time was unreal, and when Sister unraveled itself to me. Same with Smog, hearing him scream how he's gonna get so drunk at her wedding.

Cat Power.

ICP

With ICP it was jesus from the beginning, just on the downlow right?

I prefer Greg Cartwright bashing on about middle-aged romance to Greg Oblivion bashing on about guitar shop assholes.

l.cohen with his latest album?

i dunno
maybe damien jurado?
although he's still a bit of a downer and never was really crazy

oh shit
warren zevon!
no, still not right

Pharoah Sanders?

Husker Du/Bob Mould is the obvious one here

I can think of more *examples* than *counter-examples*.

Bob Mould.
Really?
I dunno, his solo stuff is filled with regret.

man Greg Cartwright is the best

Mary J. Blige

Aaron Freeman

death grips

Fugazi

yeah, The Argument is just way too happy

yeah had second thoughts abt that post as soon as I hit the trigger. Instrument has hopefulness I hadn't seen before from them but over time it must be said they trended toward Smogness rather than away, apologies.

tbh i barely even understand the idea of this thread myself

i think i would've put Sparklehorse in this category before the guy went and killed himself

Mark Kozelek, anyone? Or maybe not, Admiral Felt Promises was pretty bleek, tbh. But before that one, I think Sun Kil Moon brought at least some shift in focus.