There are many genres in music. Pop, Rock, Alternative, and Hip hop/rap are just a few. These genres are all important to the music industry and are the foundation for different types of music. In this article, we'll go over the main genres and their differences.
Pop
The most popular genres of music include pop, rock, and electronic dance. However, there are other genres that are equally popular, such as classical/opera. Pop music is defined by its pop influences, such as the lyrics' light, upbeat sound, and universal relatability. Some popular pop groups include ABBA, Destiny's Child, and the Jonas Brothers.
Pop music has roots in rock and roll, but it is more general. Pop music can be of any style, from hip-hop to country, from the classics to modern-day synthesizer music. Popular artists that have contributed to this genre include Britney Spears, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.
Rock
Rock is one of the most musical genres. It requires real talent to perform. There are no pretty faces or outrageous costumes to be considered rock stars; all you need is a love of music and the willingness to work hard. Rock can be anything from country to soft rock and is extremely versatile.
In 2014, rock music accounted for more than half of all album sales. The other top genres were pop and R&B/hip-hop. Streaming platforms were also very popular for these genres. In addition to rock, R&B/hip-hop, dance, and holiday/seasonal (Christmas) music, each took up 2.6% of the overall market.
Heavy metal is a subgenre of rock known for its loud volumes, pounding rhythms, and distorted guitars. Classic heavy metal bands include Black Sabbath and Motorhead, but today's live metal scene is stronger than ever. Bands continue to innovate with new effects and complex playing techniques. Another popular genre is electronic dance music or EDM. This type of music also features classic dance music elements.
Alternative
Alternative genres in the music industry are growing and showing no sign of slowing down. These genres are characterized by a unique sound and style that was born from a process of experimentation. These music styles have become popular among younger generations. Some major subgenres of Alternative music include College Rock, Dream Pop, Emo, Gothic Rock, Nu Gaze, and Post Rock.
The alternative rock genre started to gain popularity in the late 1980s. The grunge movement began in Seattle, and bands from the city hailed from the West Coast and elsewhere found commercial success. Many of the groups resisted the grunge moniker, however. They also incorporated influences of classic rock bands.
Hip hop/rap
Hip hop/rap has a rich history that dates back to the late 1980s and is one of the most popular genres in the music industry. Its first artists used spoken words and electronic sounds to make music that was impossible with traditional tools. Today, the genre has evolved and spawned numerous subgenres.
Hip hop music is characterized by a strong, fast or slow beat. It serves as the background to the vocal performance of the artist. Hip-hop beats are complex and are not just simple drum lines. The music uses different vocal styles, including spoken word, rapping, and DJing.
In the late 1990s, hip hop became a mainstream genre, spawning many high-profile artists such as Jay-Z, Nelly, and Puff Daddy. Other notable hip-hop artists include Future, Travis Scott, and many more.
Hard rock
The music industry is full of different genres, but hard rock is one of the most popular. Although it is based on a different style of music than other genres, hard rock does have its own unique energy and appeal. Because of this, it has become a popular part of most music genres.
Early hard rock music incorporated elements of blues rock, especially by British groups such as Led Zeppelin. Their album "Led Zeppelin I" (1969) demonstrates this, including covers of blues artists. As hard rock evolved, different sub-genres of the genre developed.
Although rock is often equated with drugs and sex, its popularity has not diminished. Fans play sex games online all day and headbang to the rockiest riffs at night. This is a genre that is here to stay. A recent example is Rage Against the Machine, who has become one of the top bands in rock history.
