Pop music is an inclusive genre characterized by catchy songs with minimal musical arrangements. Pop composers may write professional tunes or the performer themselves may write songs themselves for performance purposes. Pop also encompasses cover versions of popular songs by other singers.
Contemporary pop music tends to be harmonically and rhythmically simpler than music from the 60’s due to the influence of different genres such as rock and R&B.
Jazz
Jazz began as an African American folk genre that blended European harmonic structure and African rhythms. Additionally, jazz featured improvisational singing styles known as scat. By the 1920s, its popularity had spread nationwide, becoming symbolic of Victorian society’s tension with modernity – and drawing both black and white audiences alike.
Early sound technology like phonograph records and radio aided the spread of jazz, but recording industries were dominated by white musicians; therefore Black artists faced limited marketability.
Such prejudices resulted in many misconceptions of jazz, with some even labeling it the music of noble savages. Racist newspaper headlines stated, “Jazz is the Devil’s music,” or even that jazz was “an abomination of Satan.” These statements might seem absurd today but demonstrate just how widespread prejudice was at that time. Over time however, jazz became more mainstream, becoming part of American culture and still one of its most beloved forms of music today.
Rock’n’Roll
Rock and roll music has long been one of the most beloved forms of musical expression. Originating during the late 1940s and early 1950s, this genre can be identified by short, catchy songs with simple musical arrangements and memorable lyrics that stand out amongst popular genres like pop and R&B. Furthermore, its unique sound was heavily influenced by other forms of popular music genres.
Initial success for rock was limited to black artists like Fats Domino and Little Richard; however, Bill Haley’s hit song “Rock Around the Clock” on Bill Haley’s record “Won’t Let Go” made waves across US pop charts in 1955 and several independent record labels capitalized quickly – Sun Records in Memphis, Specialty Records in Chicago and Vee-Jay in Gary were quick to capitalize. To tame this new trend more successfully the industry hired nonthreatening performers like Pat Boone who recorded versions of Little Richard songs that would otherwise go off.
As the 1960s progressed, rock and roll evolved into psychedelic rock featuring mind-boggling sounds and lyrics, followed by hard rock and heavy metal featuring loud guitar riffs and power chords. British bands such as the Beatles and Rolling Stones added their unique flavor with harmonious vocals and songwriting abilities, leading to what came to be known as The British Invasion phenomenon.
Punk
As punk rock swept across America in the early 1980s, it inspired an entire generation of children to form bands themselves. This form of do-it-yourself culture was supported by independent fanzines and papers that published music criticism, demos, interviews comics Xerox art political agendas. Young bands also formed their own independent record labels in order to showcase music they loved while making it available to others.
Punk’s lasting legacy may lie in its DIY ethic that propelled it. Bands like post-hardcore group Fugazi continue to embrace this tradition of self-management and independence from the music industry, offering affordable gigs for all ages while refusing to bow to mainstream conformism. A similar spirit drove 2-Tone music, an offshoot from punk that developed out of white skinhead bands in Wolverhampton.
In the 1990s, numerous talented pop artists emerged. Divas such as Madonna and Mariah Carey dominated charts; meanwhile Gen X artists like Kurt Cobain and Alanis Morissette became household names, while Hawthorne Heights, Dashboard Confessional, and Simple Plan became immensely popular among teenagers.
Bubblegum
Since its inception in the 1960s, bubblegum music has spread worldwide and even impacted genres such as rock. Additionally, bubblegum’s rise has created boy bands and girl groups which remain popular worldwide.
Although bubblegum music can be hard to define exactly, as a rule it generally comprises songs that are simple yet catchy; typically featuring lyrics about subjects preteens like and that are sexually suggestive. Early examples include 1910 Fruitgum Company’s Simon Says and Ohio Express’ Yummy Yummy Yummy as precursors of bubblegum-esque groups like Big Time Rush.
Bubblegum music was an integral part of life during the ’80s and helped form boy bands such as NSYNC and Spice Girls, as well as girl group hits like Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”. Additionally, its widespread appeal allowed many pop musicians without musical talent – including famous rock artists like Elton John and Freddie Mercury – to find success without breaking out their instruments; its rise created a social climate where image was more valued than music itself.
R&B
R&B music is an American musical genre that draws upon influences from jazz, rock, hip hop and reggae music styles. Due to its broad appeal, R&B has become one of the most beloved genres within popular culture; its lyrics and rhythm tend to be simple for its listeners to comprehend.
In the 1950s, Black musicians with roots in Southern church music created a danceable form of blues known as R&B that quickly gained popularity due to the Great Migration that saw black Americans move from smaller cities into urban ones seeking employment opportunities. Furthermore, microphone designs improved and 45rpm records became widely accessible making pop music easier for people of all kinds to share and listen to.
The R&B genre advanced further during the 1970s as artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder released albums with introspective lyrics that addressed social issues. Record companies like Motown and Stax fostered this style, while R&B groups with gospel or boogie-woogie backgrounds such as Staple Singers saw crossover success.
The 1980s witnessed an upsurge in electronic-style music using synthesizers and drum machines, including ballads such as Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Additionally, boy bands and girl groups such as Take That and All Saints emerged during this time period.
Hip-Hop
Hip hop culture has had a profound effect on music, fashion, technology, art, language, dance and education for decades. Beginning its development in the 1970s as an answer to post-industrial decline and political discussion; its effects can still be felt today. Its cultural impact continues.
One of the key characteristics of hip hop music is sampling, or the use of existing recordings to compose new ones. This practice allows artists to capture a wide array of sounds ranging from jazz and rock music. Furthermore, using turntables allows them to manipulate these samples further – producing unique beats and basslines in their works.
New York City crews led by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Afrika Bambaata were the pioneers in hip-hop. Their message focused on poverty, hunger, unemployment, police brutality and more – issues which still resonate today with hip-hop movements like Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest taking it in different directions with more radical politics.
In the 1990s, new hip-hop styles emerged, such as Atlanta’s more relaxed g-funk sound and rock rap – which mixed hip-hop with heavy metal. Their widespread acceptance spawned an entire generation of musicians who are now household names around the globe.
Electronic
Throughout the 1970s, pop music gradually moved towards disco and dance-oriented songs such as Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”. At this time, drum machines and synthesizers began replacing drummers. Roland’s TR77 Synthesizer introduced new sounds for music producers; Donna Summer’s 1974 disco hit “I Feel Love” also used an impressive synthesized backing track; which many consider the beginning of electronic dance.
Popular music in recent years can be directly traced back to digital media’s widespread adoption, enabling artists to promote and reach a broader audience more efficiently and spawning a greater diversity in genres such as funk, rock, hip hop and country within pop.
In the 1980s, boy bands and girl groups such as Take That and S Club 7 emerged in North America, as did Boyzone and A*Teens in Europe. Popular American reality shows like American Idol helped produce several prominent pop singers like Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Katharine McPhee and Carrie Underwood; Hilary Duff and Avril Lavigne also became stars during this era.