Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
There are an endless number of musical genres around the world, all with a fascinating and complex history. Impossible to count them all, most genres are born out of the fusion of two or more existing styles. Thanks to the rapid advancements in music technology, the 20th century saw a dramatic development of musical styles, many of which influenced one after another. But what are the most popular genres today, and where did they come from?
From rock to reggae, check out the following gallery to dive into this musical journey. Click on!
Pop music tends to be upbeat, light in content, and has elements of universal relatability. In the '60s, bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were labeled as pop. Today, the genre is heavily influenced by electronic dance music, trap, and many other styles.
One of the top musical genres in existence, rock music originated in the '40s and '50s. Its roots can be traced back to the rhythm and blues of the African-American culture of the '20s. Thanks to advancements of recording techniques and musical equipment, the genre exploded in the 1960s.
Originating in the Bronx, New York, in the late '70s, hip hop has emerged as one of the most popular and innovative genres in the world. Digital equipment has made hip hop much easier to make these days, which led to its huge exposure and the development of sub-genres.
Folk music has existed in many different parts of the world for centuries. However, it was in the '60s when artists like Bob Dylan truly popularized folk.
Traced back to the beginning of the 20th century, country music was created by working class people in the American South. Some of the most influential country artists include Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
Rooted in African-American culture from the '40s, record labels used the term to describe songs that were targeted towards that community. Today’s R&B music commonly uses a blend of acoustic and electronic instruments, with soulful vocals.
Invented in the 1960s in Jamaica, reggae quickly became the country’s favorite music genre. Regarded as the pioneer of reggae, Bob Marley helped bring the genre to audiences around the world.
In the early 20th century, musicians in New Orleans experimented with mixing elements from European and African genres. This would go on to make the unique music style known as jazz. Defined by its swing rhythms and smooth melodies, it still has a huge following around the world.
Heavy metal music is a sub-genre of rock and is characterized by loud volumes, pounding rhythms, and distorted guitars. Black Sabbath and Motörhead are prime examples of classic heavy metal bands.
Short for electronic dance music, EDM feature classic elements from dance music, such as four-on-the-floor drum beats, synthesizers, and repeated loops.
A mix of R&B, gospel, and jazz, soul music originated in African-American communities in the late '50s. Popular soul artists include Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye.
Disco came to prominence in the late '70s, making its way into nightclubs around the world. It's generally defined by its distinctive beats and electric instrumentals, including synthesizers, electric guitars, bass, and keyboards.
Latin music is a genre that includes several styles originating in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and parts of the US. Some notable styles include salsa, cumbia, tango, and flamenco.
Another genre that emerged from the mix of jazz and R&B, funk has a strong rhythmic pulse, prominent bass lines, and syncopated rhythm guitar. Many songs by James Brown are considered the blueprint for funk music.
The ultimate rebellion against mainstream music, punk is a hugely influential sub-genre of rock. Born in the '70s, it's defined by an aggressive sound. Some prominent bands include The Ramones and The Clash.
Latin pop combines elements of commercial pop music and Latin music styles. The songs are usually upbeat and sung in either Spanish, Portuguese, or even English. Well-known artists include Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, and Ricky Martin.
Amongst one of the oldest genres around the world, classical music is still popular. It may be orchestral, or a single instrument, often a piano, cello, or violin.
Grunge is a genre that arose in Seattle in the mid-1980s. The genre fuses elements of hard rock and punk, often using electronic elements. The lyrics are typically deep and angsty. Nirvana and Pearl Jam helped popularize grunge.
Gospel is a Christian genre, often performed in churches. It takes influence from traditional blues, R&B, and country. Gospel often includes rich layers of vocal harmonies sung by choirs. Pianos, guitars, and other acoustic instruments are used for the soulful melodies.
The explosion of K-pop in the 2000s is a global phenomenon. Originated in the early '90s, the genre is all about catchy hooks and sing-along lyrics. Groups like BTS and Blackpink are taking the world by storm.
Samba is a Brazilian genre that originated in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. A versatile rhythm, it can range from a delicate single guitar to frenetic dancing with a huge battery of drums. Notable artists include Elza Soares, Jorge Ben Jor, Cartola, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque.
Reaching its peak in popularity in the 2000s, indie has developed into one of the most popular sub-genres of rock music. Two notable bands are The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys.
Indie pop emphasizes instrumentals and melody, while maintaining generally light and relatable lyrics. Well-known indie artists include Florence and the Machine, Vampire Weekend, and Lana Del Rey.
Developed in the late '80s in Panama and Puerto Rico, reggaeton borrowed elements from dancehall, Latin styles, and American hip hop. Vocals include rapping and singing, typically in Spanish.
A subgenre of hip-hop music, trap originated in the southern US in the late '80s. It features a minimalistic production style, with syncopated hi-hats and prominent snare drums. Over the past decade, trap has consistently dominated the US music charts. Some notable artists include Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Migos.
A sub-genre of EDM, house music has a huge global fan base. It's especially popular in Europe and in North America, played in raves, nightclubs, and at music festivals.
In the '60s, artists like Jimi Hendrix created mind-bending compositions inspired by psychedelic experiences. While it's not featured much in today's mainstream charts, artists like Tame Impala have revived the genre in recent years.
Grime originated in London in the early 2000s. Seen for many years as an underground sub-genre of hip hop, it has in recent years reached mainstream success. Compared to traditional hip hop, grime has a considerably faster tempo.
Afrobeats is an umbrella term to describe popular music from West Africa and the diaspora. Initially developed in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK in the 2000s, the genre is a fusion of traditional beats, hip hop, and R&B.
In contrast to house music, techno tends to feature electronic sounds more heavily. It's popular in the rave scene, with drum beats that make people dance all night long.
Sources: (Strong Sounds) (Music Grotto)
The world's most popular genres of music
From rock and roll to reggae
MUSIC Tunes
There are an endless number of musical genres around the world, all with a fascinating and complex history. Impossible to count them all, most genres are born out of the fusion of two or more existing styles. Thanks to the rapid advancements in music technology, the 20th century saw a dramatic development of musical styles, many of which influenced one after another. But what are the most popular genres today, and where did they come from?
From rock to reggae, check out the following gallery to dive into this musical journey. Click on!