Country music has its own cultural identity and fan base, while pop has more universal appeal and draws upon more mainstream influences. Furthermore, pop features high-quality production as well as professional songwriters.
Garth Brooks and Shania Twain initially seemed like outsiders to country music audiences; their modernizing of studio and show production, self-presentation, songwriting and song-switching was perceived to be disrupting its status quo. Yet these stars demonstrated that adopting popular styles doesn’t erode country stars’ cultural affinities.
Definition
Pop songs are pieces of popular music characterized by catchy rhythms and simple lyrics, making it easy for listeners to dance along to its beat, usually lasting two or three minutes long. Pop songs are frequently utilized in advertising campaigns as well as live music shows – popular artists include Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Ed Sheeran among many others.
Country music encompasses a diverse array of styles that appeal to various audiences. From traditional, twangy sounds to the contemporary pop-influenced style popularized by artists like Taylor Swift, it offers something for every listener and has deep connections to American culture.
Country music remains an American genre that uses narrative storytelling and emotive melodies to elicit emotion in listeners. While its roots were in folk music that reflected life on farms across America, its definition has since broadened significantly into an increasingly commercialized genre.
In the 1990s, many country artists experienced tremendous crossover success, with Brooks and Twain, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, and the Dixie Chicks all having hits on both pop and adult contemporary charts. This trend continued into the 2000s with artists like Lady Antebellum and Jason Aldean becoming mainstream favorites.
“Country” and “pop” music may vary widely in style and tone, yet their difference can often come down to preference. Pop refers to any style with catchy melodies and solid beats; therefore any form of music could fall under that genre umbrella.
Origin
Country music emerged as a blend of musical forms from across America during its formative stages in the United States in the 1950s. Over time, this genre gained wide recognition and eventually established itself as one of America’s most beloved genres of music – ultimately becoming one of its major commercial successes which continues to draw in new fans today.
Country music’s popularity has skyrocketed over recent years thanks to crossover artists who combine traditional country elements with contemporary pop sounds to form unique hybrid genres that appeal to wide audiences. This trend has helped make country more mainstream, and more accessible for non-country listeners.
At first, crossover artists’ success could be attributed to both new marketing strategies and talented artists themselves. Garth Brooks and Shania Twain gained immense fame during this era, selling millions of albums and singles containing music centered on romance and featuring sophisticated sounds with lyrics that explored this subject matter.
Crossover artists were enabled by the proliferation of celebrity culture in America. Celebrities leverage their fame to promote products and brands while appearing on TV and film; additionally, they make plenty of money which allows them to lead luxurious lifestyles.
Not all traditional country musicians remain solemn to their craft, as some have taken to adapting to changes within the genre. Utilizing new production techniques and instrumentation to craft their own style, and attract younger audiences with success. Furthermore, many are making more money than ever by booking award shows, movie roles or endorsement deals – not something traditional country artists were capable of doing before!
Styles
Contrary to the fast turnover rates seen in pop and hip-hop music, country artists must remain faithful to their genre’s traditions while courting terrestrial radio’s long-term support, so significant shifts within country tend to take longer.
While both genres share many of the same musical styles, there are key distinctions that set country music apart from pop music. Country songs typically focus on relationships, life experiences and family whereas pop songs may feature repetitive synthesizer driven beats.
Country music is increasingly becoming a favorite with listeners of all ages, which comes as no surprise since its melodies can be very soothing to listen to and possess an abundance of history that sets it apart from other genres. Listening to country can help one feel good about themselves while inspiring dance moves – an unrivaled way of feeling empowered!
Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt and Maren Morris have contributed greatly to country music in 2017 by giving rise to a new style known as country-pop that marries country with pop sounds.
Rockabilly can be seen as the predecessor to country-pop. Artists were able to connect their musical voice with mainstream sounds without losing its musical integrity in reaching a wider audience.
Future developments of country-pop will be fascinating to witness and how it interacts with other genres. Everyone has different musical tastes; therefore the boundaries between genres shift over time.
Commercialization
Country music used to be thought of as more traditional rural fare. Now, though, pop culture influences country music more than ever and some even refer to it as country pop! Country genre has adjusted accordingly and now appeals to a much broader audience; some artists even combine hip hop with country.
Country has long enjoyed crossover success. Artists like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain have achieved tremendous popularity while other singers such as Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood remain top sellers on album charts.
Throughout the 1980s, country music made a strong push for mainstream pop attention through The Nashville Sound. Country’s revival in the 90s can be partly attributed to FM radio spreading throughout suburban and rural areas; another factor being Billboard allowing country radio determine its chart rankings.
This new crossover trend has caused much debate within the country music industry, as many original country artists have lamented its influence. Others, however, have welcomed it and taken steps to modernize their genre.
Kacey Musgraves stands as an example. A singer-songwriter with her own distinctive blend of traditional country and pop influences, her latest album Golden Hour clearly displays her influence in this regard. Artists such as Sam Hunt and Maren Morris also blend country with popular genres – something which may indicate that boundaries between country and pop may be blurring further than ever before.
Influence
Music is an art that has the power to influence individuals in various ways. Genres such as pop, country and rock music have had profound effects worldwide and each genre boasts its own distinct style that sets it apart from others. Genres have had an effectful influence on how musicians produce music as well as write lyrics – as well as having an enormously positive effect on the industry overall.
Recent years have seen considerable reform in country music’s genre. From fiddles and steel guitars, to rap beats, Auto-Tune and electric instruments. Country also incorporated elements from pop into its sound by including youth-oriented instrumentation as well as growing popularity with younger consumers. While some fans of country appreciate these changes, critics maintain they threaten its authenticity.
Even as its genre shifts and evolves, country has retained a large and dedicated fan base that embraces it despite changes. This can be seen through artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, and Maren Morris’ success who have successfully integrated elements of pop music without leaving their country roots behind. While this trend might be controversial at times, it should be kept in mind that genre is constantly shifting and developing.
As music evolves, keeping up with country fans can be challenging. Therefore, it is essential that your music remains relevant and attractive to a wider audience, helping ensure the genre doesn’t lose its authenticity and ability to connect with a wider audience.