Jeffrey Anthony of the Musical Form Institute criticizes what he calls gridification: moving a completed human performance onto a fixed timing grid. Comparing five chart hits each from 1975 and 2025, he reports more constant detected tempos in the newer group, while distinguishing post-production correction from playing to a click or using electronic instruments. A Sound On Sound interview also describes preserving the early recording and most original vocals for Shaboozey’s song. Constant detected tempo alone, however, cannot prove which correction methods were used or explain audience reactions.
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A critique of timing correction asks what music loses to the grid
Tempo comparisons are illustrative, but do not establish a specific production method or its causal effect.