Though some might perceive the 90’s as being defined by teen pop and boy bands on one end and gangsta rap on the other, this is far from accurate. Singers who were strongly tied to specific genres – like Alanis Morissette – enjoyed hugely successful careers.
Britpop
Britpop music first emerged during the 90s. Combining elements from punk rock and pop music styles with catchy melodies that explore British culture and fashion trends as well as catchy lyrics that explore these elements, Britpop became an international trend that inspired multiple bands like Oasis, Blur, Suede and Pulp. While often compared with American grunge music it has its own distinct influences; now considered more of a subculture rather than one distinct type of genre of music.
Britpop symbolized a revival in British culture and creativity during this era, as evidenced by its sudden popularity despite fading popularity on the music scene. It coincided with an evolution in fashion and social attitudes and provided an alternative to American grunge music; although its influence has since faded. But its legacy will live on.
Britpop bands often draw their inspiration from 1960s British Invasion artists and 1980s glam and punk styles. These musicians used music to promote British culture and fashion while commenting on daily life in Britain – an attempt at combating globalisation and cultural alienation in Britain at that time.
These bands represented a new generation of British musicians who sought to express their national identity through music. Combining elements of classic glam rock showiness with punkish edge and an appreciation of British culture; drawing influence from TV shows and movies in particular.
British Pop Music or “Britpop,” as it is more often called, refers to any band with heavy British cultural influences in their sound such as Oasis, Blur or Suede who form what are sometimes referred to as the “big four” of britpop.
Sleeper was an underrated band that featured various sounds to form its signature sound; led by Louise Weener (an exceptional songwriter often undervalued in an industry often biased against female performers).
Rhythm & blues
R&B (Rhythm and Blues), is a musical genre which emerged during the 1940s. Rhythm and blues was originally used as an umbrella term to refer to recordings marketed exclusively towards African Americans, although its definition also encompasses various postwar African American music styles like blues, gospel, jazz, country boogie woogie and rock and roll.
During the 1950s, several musicians from rhythm and blues emerged into mainstream culture, such as soul singers such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Jackie Wilson. Many of these artists began crossing over into pop music genres like pop, as more white teenagers began purchasing it; 40% of sales at Dolphins of Hollywood record shop located in predominantly black area of Los Angeles went to white teens that year; Johnny Otis produced several top ten hits throughout 1952 alone!
The roots of Rhythm and Blues can be traced back to the Great Migration of African Americans to urban centers. While these migrants brought rural traditions with them, their musical taste became influenced by new sounds found in cities. Over time, an urban African American music scene flourished that featured various genres and styles that was characteristically vibrant.
As rhythm and blues evolved in America, its popularity rose rapidly. The style incorporated African American themes and was highly sophisticated sounding; most notable features of Rhythm and blues music include heavy backbeats and major-key melodies – ideal features for dancing!
By 1960, rhythm and blues music was on its way out. Artists such as Louis Jordan and Amos Milburn had transitioned into small bands versus large-group revues from earlier generations. These small bands typically consisted of piano, bass, drums, one or two guitars, saxophone(s), doo-wop music using nonsensical nonsense syllables that imitate speech patterns as well as one or more saxophone(s).
By the 1970s, R&B had expanded to encompass soul and funk music; today it is often used to describe all forms of contemporary black music.
R&B
R&B (Rhythm and blues) music genre embodies African American expressive culture in many ways. It emerged during a 30-year period spanning legally sanctioned racial segregation, international conflicts and the struggle for civil rights in America – yet its form, stylistic range, marketing trends and worldwide currency reflect today’s realities of African American life, culture and entertainment.
Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and D’Angelo were popular R&B artists during the 90s; many still enjoy listening to their sensuous ballads today.
These musicians used their music to discuss love, pain, and social issues through song. Their emotive lyrics resonated with fans while shaping language and slang used by the next generation – setting the groundwork for hip-hop, dance, and soul artists who now dominate pop music today.
Today, a hybrid style of R&B music known as Neo-soul has emerged that blends elements from modern dance music with classic rhythm and blues. It can also include elements from hip hop music as well as other influences like pop, jazz and Latin music – and its chord progression has an inherently jazzy quality while maintaining a distinct rhythmic groove.
R&B remains relevant in today’s music scene despite changes to musical trends, thanks to modern technology that has enabled artists to experiment with sound production techniques such as autotune – a vocal effect which simulates human singing – to make R&B music more appealing to younger generations.
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and many pop stars today take advantage of it to tap into its appeal for today’s generation of young adults. Bands such as NSYNC and Britney Spears capitalize on its appeal; R&B artists such as SZA and Ella Mai are producing music that pays homage to past influences while pushing traditional R&B boundaries forward.
Hip-hop
Hip-hop music and culture emerged in the United States but has quickly spread throughout the world. Its influence can be found everywhere from production techniques and storytelling techniques, storytelling techniques and social commentary. Rappers and hip-hop artists are frequently seen as advocates for their communities by spreading positive messages while raising awareness on important issues.
“Hip-hop” can be traced back to musician Keith “Keef Cowboy” Wiggins who used it as a marching call in his song, “Hip Hop, Hip-Hooray”. Since then, urban youth have adopted this term and its impactful message has helped shape hip-hop culture into what it is today.
Hip-hop was an integral component of popular culture during the 1990s. Influencing not only music and dance but fashion and language as well, hip-hop was most commonly associated with young people in inner cities but it quickly spread to suburbia, leading to new dance styles, graffiti writing, boy band popularity such as NSYNC and Spice Girls as well as inspiring “streetwear” fashion trends that dominated fashion trends.
Hip-hop was also influential on dance and party cultures outside music itself. Its chaotic yet colorful improvisational style became immensely popular in parks where DJs would spin records while rappers rapped along. Hip-hop also found itself featured on popular music videos such as Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Soul Train TV shows, as well as inspiring breakdance, which involves jumping and spinning around in place.
Hip-hop was instrumental in amplifying racial tensions of its time and remains an influential art form in American society. Its lyrics deal with injustices such as poverty and racism as well as personal experiences from urban residents’ frustration with an imperfect system. Furthermore, Hip-Hop is considered a global language inspiring activists everywhere to fight for their rights.
Hip-hop and pop music continue to coexist, as their genres merge ever further. One example is Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings,” which marries trap-inspired beats with hip-hop lyrics about material wealth. Genre-fluid music further blurs these distinctions; likely this trend will become even more prominent as technology develops and artificial intelligence develops its own soundscape.