Pop music and artists often reflect our cultural climate and can use their platforms to spread social justice messages that resonate with audiences.
Artists like Taylor Swift and Beyonce have taken on the task of reinventing pop music with catchy melodies combined with relatable lyrics.
Definition
Pop music refers to any type of popular music that quickly gains traction and becomes a hit, often at specific moments in history. Pop has existed since recorded music began being produced; however, its rise began during the late 19th century with sheet music’s creation and then later the phonograph, making songs accessible at home or while traveling.
Pop is not a specific genre of music but more accurately described as an umbrella term that encompasses any piece with mass appeal that gains mass appeal during any period. Pop has varied definitions across different regions and cultures as well as musical composition itself.
Pop songs tend to share common elements that make them engaging and memorable; these include catchy melodies, distinct rhythms and lyrics that resonate with a wide variety of listeners. Pop music frequently includes choruses repeated throughout its course that have “earworm potential”, staying stuck in your mind for days on end.
Pop music has the widest appeal and thus, makes a powerful statement about modern society. Anyone can write and sing pop songs and record labels sell them worldwide through major record labels. Behind-the-scenes workers include studio and production staff as well as marketing, distribution and retail staff that sell the music both physically and online; all contribute to ensuring its commercial success.
Origins
Pop music (also referred to as popular music) first emerged during the late 19th century with the advent of print publishing, enabling sheet music production and mass consumption by people themselves. Thomas Edison created his phonograph in 1877 allowing sound recordings on flat discs allowing easy and cost-effective reproduction, leading to more musicians creating and recording their own material.
Modern pop music emerged during the late 1940s and early 1950s in both the United States and Great Britain, featuring short songs with simple musical arrangements and easy to remember lyrics. Over time, its composition has evolved and become influenced by other musical genres such as rock ‘n roll (from artists such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley), reggae, funk, disco and hip hop music styles.
Pop songs are designed for wide vocal ranges, from high notes to lower ones, making it easier for the average person to sing along and participate. Many upbeat and energetic tunes contain catchy melodies or hooks that become memorable quickly and are therefore popularly danced to.
Contrasting traditional folk or classical music, which tends to be written by its performers themselves, pop songs may be written by professional songwriters before being given to performers for singing. Since the success of The Beatles in the 1960s, many pop artists have taken responsibility for writing and singing their own music; such artists include Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera who have become wildly successful due to this practice. With urban or hip-hop music emerging during the 1990s however, “pure” pop began evolving into more blended styles of music as evidenced by artists such as Ciara, Nelly Furtado or Mariah Carey among many others.
Styles
Pop artists use various styles of music to engage a range of audiences. Genres that have had an influence include country, rock, and rap – artists often possessing catchy melodies and lyrics which appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners; music videos featuring elaborate stage shows are another trademark trait of these acts.
Pop music’s danceability has long been an influential aspect. Since disco’s rise to prominence during the 70s, danceability has become even more essential in popular culture. Composed in binary form with two main parts that repeat throughout a song; additionally many pop songs feature specific tempos designed specifically to encourage dancing.
Pop musicians have increasingly adopted visual art into their performances in order to engage their audiences creatively and break down any perceived cultural divides between high and low culture. Pop artists also increasingly utilize their platforms as platforms for speaking out on social issues; their popularity allowing them to raise awareness for social injustices while driving positive change forward.
Pop music may be seen as shallow and commercial, yet it still plays an integral part in popular culture. Broadly available through radio and other forms of media distribution, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of people. Pop acts such as Taylor Swift can sell millions of albums per year while remaining true artists by producing original content that challenges audiences’ senses and imaginations.
Influences
Pop music’s widespread appeal has had an immense influence on cultural trends and fashion over time, providing artists with an outlet to speak out on important issues while spreading messages of empowerment and social justice to listeners. Recently, however, pop has become more inclusive by welcoming artists of various cultures to share their music, leading other art forms like dance filming or advertising to take note.
Since its founding, pop has drawn on influences from other musical genres. Jazz was the first mainstream Western popular music to incorporate African-American rhythms and melodies, laying the groundwork for blues and rock music genres like blues. Later, The Beatles revolutionised pop by writing their own songs and changing its essence; their impact is so profound that their influence remains present today as pop music staples.
After The Beatles, glam rock and punk influenced pop with heavy guitars and aggressive sounds, giving rise to bands like T. Rex and The Shangri-Las. By the 2000s, girl and boy bands like Britney Spears and The Spice Girls had dominance on the charts while hip hop artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Missy Elliott continued their popularity amongst audiences worldwide.
Modern pop is heavily influenced by various musical genres, from disco with its repetitive beats and catchy melodies to electronic dance music with its club-friendly sounds and fast tempos. Furthermore, this genre incorporates soul/R&B sensibilities with lyrics that speak directly to listeners as well as vocal performances that move listeners.
Pop musicians have increasingly utilized their platforms to express political and social opinions through songs that address topics like feminism, racism, mental health issues and new technology such as loop-based programs and sample CDs that make creating music easier for non-musicians. Collaborations among artists from different genres such as Ed Sheeran collaborating with Justin Bieber or Cardi B collaborating on popular tracks have become a trend as well.
Trends
Staying abreast of trends in pop music can be invaluable to both aspiring musicians and industry professionals, providing you with an edge in their respective careers. Genre-bending, the influence of social media platforms like Spotify and introspective lyrics with minimalist production styles are among the latest crazes that capture audiences; remaining aware and adaptable to these movements will position yourself as a leader within this vibrant scene.
Pop music’s hallmark characteristics are repetitive choruses and hooks, short to medium-length songs written in a basic format (often verse-chorus structures), rhythms or tempos that allow listeners to dance along, as well as danceable rhythms or tempos. Popular forms that fall under its umbrella include rock, urban dance music, Latin pop and country; its popularity has varied over time with different influences shaping its development into today’s form of popular music.
Collaborations among artists from varied backgrounds have become a hallmark of pop music, featuring chart-topping hits with unexpected duos or full group projects. Not only is this trend among pop musicians, but collaboration also presents them with the chance to reach new audiences while introducing fans to unfamiliar musical styles and sounds.
Minimalistic production styles have quickly become the trend of choice in pop music, as artists pare back excessive production elements to put more of the focus on vocals and emotional impact of songs. This trend offers listeners a more organic listening experience which has proven highly successful at captivating the attention of listeners.
2024 is expected to see introspective and emotive lyrics become even more predominant within the genre, as artists tackle topics such as mental health and social concerns. Niche genres such as chillwave and vaporwave may gain greater popularity with fans.