I think that not all music is the same in that it won't be chosen in every context. Sometimes people just don't want to listen to music, they just want some background "noise" that will cover whatever background noise is present (like during a commute). I guess even the "formulaic garbage" is better than the traffic hum or the random noise on public transit.

I'm not saying that's a bad thing. When I drive (which I don't often do at all) I'll listen to whatever's on the radio, usually "zapping" around (like people do on TV) and ending up listening to some random music I would never chose on my own. That's usually whatever's popular at the moment. Do I like that music? Not really. But it sure beats the crap out of the rental car's noise engine.