What is a music genre?
A music genre is a category of music that is characterized by certain stylistic elements, techniques, and conventions. Genres are used to classify music based on its style, structure, and other formal qualities. Some common elements that are used to define music genres include:
- Musical elements: These include elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and instrumentation. For example, rock music is characterized by electric guitars, a strong beat, and vocals that are often loud and energetic.
- Cultural context: Music genres can also be defined by their cultural context, such as the place where the music originated or the social or historical context in which it developed. For example, reggae music is closely associated with Jamaican culture, while blues music is closely tied to the African American experience in the United States.
- Lyrics: The lyrics of a song can also help to define its genre. For example, rap music often has lyrics that are spoken or shouted over a beat, while country music often has lyrics that tell a story or express emotions.
- Structure: The structure of a song, such as its verse-chorus-verse form, can also help to define its genre. For example, pop music is often structured in this way, while jazz music may have a more improvisational structure.
In this article, we’re listing the 25 most popular music genres.
For each genre we’re giving you some background information about the origin of the genre as well as a short description of the kind of music it defines. Enjoy our list of music genres.
Rock
The origins of rock music can be traced back to the 1950s, when a number of musicians began to blend elements of blues, country, and folk music to create a new, more energetic sound.
This new sound was influenced by a number of factors, including the rise of youth culture and the popularity of electric guitars and amplified music.
One of the earliest and most influential rock and roll musicians was Elvis Presley, whose energetic performances and catchy songs helped to popularize the genre in the 1950s. Other influential musicians of this era included Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly.
In the 1960s, rock music continued to evolve and diversify, with the emergence of subgenres such as British invasion, psychedelic rock, and heavy metal. The 1970s saw the rise of punk rock and disco, while the 1980s saw the emergence of hair metal and alternative rock.
Throughout its history, rock music has been a powerful force in popular culture, influencing fashion, art, and social movements. It has also spawned a number of subgenres and offshoots, and it continues to evolve and change to this day.
Rock is a genre of popular music that usually features electric guitars, bass guitar, and drums.
Examples include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC.
Pop
Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s and has continued to evolve and change over the course of several decades. It is characterized by its catchy melodies, simple harmonies, and mainstream appeal. Pop music is often intended to be commercially successful and widely appealing, and it often incorporates elements of other genres such as rock, R&B, and dance music.
The origins of pop music can be traced back to the 1950s, when a number of musicians began to blend elements of rock and roll, blues, and country to create a new, more mainstream sound. This new sound was characterized by catchy melodies, simple harmonies, and a focus on vocals. Some of the earliest and most influential pop musicians of this era included Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and The Beatles.
In the 1960s, pop music continued to evolve and diversify, with the emergence of subgenres such as surf rock, folk rock, and psychedelic rock. The 1970s saw the rise of disco and punk rock, while the 1980s saw the emergence of new wave, electronic dance music, and hip hop.
Today, pop music remains a dominant force in the music industry, and it continues to evolve and change with the times. It is characterized by a wide range of styles and influences, and it continues to influence fashion, art, and popular culture around the world.
Pop music examples include Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande.
Hip hop/rap
Hip hop and rap are two closely related genres of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1970s. Hip hop is a cultural movement that includes four elements: DJing, MCing (rapping), graffiti, and breakdancing. Rap is a form of music that is characterized by spoken or shouted lyrics that are delivered over a beat, often with a rhythmic and rhyme-based structure.
Hip hop and rap music have their roots in African American and Latino communities in the South Bronx, New York City in the 1970s. At the time, these communities were facing significant social and economic challenges, and the music emerged as a way for young people to express their experiences and challenges.
The origins of hip hop and rap can be traced back to DJ Kool Herc, who is credited with developing the style of DJing known as “breaking” or “scratching.” Herc’s style involved looping short sections of records, called “breaks,” and isolating the percussion parts of the music to create a continuous, beat-driven sound. This style of DJing was later combined with MCing (rapping) to create the first hip hop and rap songs.
In the 1980s and 1990s, hip hop and rap music became increasingly popular, and it has continued to evolve and diversify over the years. Today, it is a major force in the music industry and has influenced a wide range of other genres, including pop, rock, and electronic dance music.
Examples include Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne.
Electronic/EDM
Electronic dance music (EDM) is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of musical genres that are characterized by the use of electronic instruments and technology to create music. EDM is designed to be played in clubs, festivals, and other settings where people dance, and it often has a fast tempo and a repetitive structure.
EDM has its roots in the disco and techno music of the 1970s and 1980s, and it has continued to evolve and diversify over the years. Some of the most popular subgenres of EDM include house, techno, trance, and drum and bass.
EDM is typically produced using electronic instruments and software, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and digital audio workstations (DAWs). It often incorporates elements of other genres, such as pop, rock, and hip hop, and it can be characterized by the use of electronic effects, such as reverb, delay, and filtering.
EDM has become a major force in the music industry, and it continues to evolve and change with the times. It is popular around the world and is often associated with the nightclub and festival scenes.
Electronic / EDM is a genre of music that is created using electronic instruments and technology. Examples include The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and Skrillex.
Country
Country music is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1920s. It is characterized by its roots in American folk and blues music, as well as its lyrics, which often tell stories about the lives and experiences of ordinary people. Country music is also known for its use of traditional instruments, such as the guitar, banjo, and fiddle, as well as its emphasis on vocals.
The origins of country music can be traced back to the folk and blues music of the rural South in the early 20th century. It was influenced by a variety of factors, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the rise of radio and recording technology. Some of the earliest and most influential country musicians include Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family, and Hank Williams.
In the 1950s and 1960s, country music became increasingly popular, and it has continued to evolve and diversify over the years. Today, it is a major force in the music industry and is popular around the world. It is characterized by a wide range of styles and influences, and it continues to influence fashion, art, and popular culture around the world.
Examples include Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks.
Folk
Folk music is a genre of music that is characterized by its roots in traditional and cultural music. It often reflects the traditions, culture, and history of a particular community or region, and it is often passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is typically performed by small groups or solo performers, and it often uses acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles.
Folk music has a long and rich history that spans many cultures and countries around the world. It has its roots in the traditional music of communities and regions, and it has often been shaped by social and political events. Folk music has played a significant role in the cultural and social life of many communities, and it continues to be an important part of many cultures around the world.
In the 20th century, folk music experienced a revival in the United States and Europe, and it has continued to evolve and diversify over the years. Today, folk music is a diverse genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and influences, and it continues to be a popular and influential force in the music industry.
Recent examples include Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie.
Jazz
Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its improvisational nature, complex harmonies, and use of swung and syncopated rhythms. Jazz is also known for its use of brass and woodwind instruments, as well as the piano and guitar.
The origins of jazz can be traced back to the blues, spirituals, and other forms of African American music that developed in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jazz was influenced by a variety of factors, including the musical traditions of West Africa, the rhythms and melodies of European classical music, and the cultural and social context of the United States.
In the early 20th century, jazz became a major force in the music industry, and it has continued to evolve and diversify over the years. Today, jazz is a diverse and complex genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and influences, including blues, swing, bebop, fusion, and many others. It is popular around the world and continues to be a major influence on many other genres of music
Examples include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis.
Blues
Blues is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its use of the blues scale, as well as its lyrics, which often deal with themes of hardship, heartache, and the struggle for survival. Blues music is also known for its use of the guitar and the harmonica, as well as its call-and-response structure.
The origins of the blues can be traced back to the folk and work songs of African Americans in the rural South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Blues music was influenced by a variety of factors, including the musical traditions of West Africa, the rhythms and melodies of European classical music, and the cultural and social context of the United States.
In the early 20th century, the blues became a major force in the music industry, and it has continued to evolve and diversify over the years. Today, the blues is a diverse and complex genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and influences, including country, jazz, rock, and many others. It is popular around the world and continues to be a major influence on many other genres of music.
Iconic blues artists include B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf.
Soul
Soul music is a genre of popular music that emerged in the United States in the 1950s and developed through the 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz, and is characterized by its emotional, soulful vocals and strong emphasis on vocals and rhythm.
The roots of soul music can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s, when African-American musicians began experimenting with blending gospel music and secular pop music. This fusion of styles was influenced by the civil rights movement and the desire for African Americans to have a voice in popular culture.
In the 1950s, artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke were among the first to achieve widespread success with this new style of music, which they referred to as “soul” music. Charles and Cooke were both influenced by gospel music and incorporated elements of it into their secular recordings, creating a sound that was both spiritual and secular.
Throughout the 1960s, soul music continued to evolve and become more popular, with artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding becoming some of the biggest names in the genre. The 1970s saw the emergence of funk music, which was influenced by soul and had a similar emphasis on vocals and rhythm. Today, soul music remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
R&B
R&B, or rhythm and blues, is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, jazz, and blues, and is characterized by its strong emphasis on vocals and rhythm.
R&B has had a significant influence on many other genres of popular music, including rock and roll, pop, and hip hop. It was originally created for and performed by African Americans, and many R&B artists have used their music as a means of addressing social and political issues.
R&B has undergone many changes since its inception, and the term “R&B” has been used to describe a wide range of musical styles, including soul, funk, and contemporary R&B. Some of the most well-known R&B artists include Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye. Today, R&B continues to be a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Contemporary R&B artists include Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, and Bruno Mars.
Reggae
Reggae is a genre of popular music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is a fusion of African-American rhythm and blues, jazz, and mento (a traditional Jamaican folk music), and is characterized by its strong emphasis on rhythm and vocals.
Reggae music is often associated with the Rastafarian movement, which emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s and was inspired by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader who advocated for the rights and self-determination of people of African descent. Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that emphasizes the spiritual significance of African culture and the need for social justice. Many reggae artists, including Bob Marley, have used their music as a means of promoting Rastafarian beliefs and addressing social and political issues.
Reggae music has had a significant influence on many other genres of popular music, including hip hop, punk, and ska. Some of the most well-known reggae artists include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. Today, reggae remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Classical
Classical music is a broad term that refers to a wide range of musical styles from a period of approximately 1730 to 1820. It is characterized by its complexity and structure, as well as its use of classical instruments, such as the piano, violin, and cello.
Classical music has its roots in the music of ancient civilizations, and it evolved over time through the music of the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. It reached its peak during the Classical period (1730-1820), which is named after this style of music. During this time, composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Sebastian Bach composed some of the most famous and enduring works of classical music.
Classical music is often associated with the traditions of Western culture, and it is often performed in concert halls and opera houses. It is typically written for small ensembles or orchestras, and it often follows a formal structure, such as sonata form or the rondo form.
Today, classical music is still a popular and influential genre, and many contemporary composers continue to draw inspiration from the classical tradition. It is often performed in concerts and is also used in film, television, and other media.
Latin
Latin music is a broad term that refers to a wide range of musical styles and traditions from Latin America and the Caribbean. It encompasses a variety of genres, including salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, and many others.
Latin music is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and percussion, as well as its incorporation of traditional instruments such as the guitar, maracas, and conga drums. It is also known for its energetic and passionate vocals and lyrics, which often deal with themes of love, social issues, and cultural identity.
Latin music has its roots in the musical traditions of the indigenous peoples of Latin America, as well as in the music of the African slaves who were brought to the region during the colonial period. Over time, it has been influenced by a variety of musical styles, including European classical music, jazz, and popular music from the United States.
Today, Latin music is popular around the world, and many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from its rich history and cultural traditions. It is often performed at music festivals and concerts, and is also used in film, television, and other media.
Iconic examples include Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and Marc Anthony.
Metal
Metal is a genre of popular music that originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitar sound, fast tempos, and aggressive vocals. Metal music often features complex musical structures, including intricate guitar solos and powerful drumming.
The origins of metal can be traced back to blues rock and hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, who laid the foundations for the genre with their heavy, distorted guitar sound and heavy use of percussion. In the 1980s, the genre underwent a transformation with the emergence of thrash metal, which was characterized by its fast tempos and aggressive lyrics.
Over the years, metal has evolved into many different sub-genres, including glam metal, death metal, and black metal, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the most well-known metal bands include Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath. Today, metal remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Alternative
Alternative music is a broad term that refers to a wide range of musical styles that differ from the mainstream music of the time. It encompasses a variety of genres, including indie rock, grunge, punk, and other styles that fall outside of the traditional pop and rock categories.
Alternative music often has a more experimental or unconventional sound than mainstream music, and it often deals with themes of social and political issues, as well as personal and emotional themes. Many alternative artists reject mainstream success and commercialization, and instead focus on artistic integrity and authenticity.
The term “alternative” was first used in the 1980s to describe a variety of musical styles that were emerging at the time, including punk, new wave, and college rock. In the 1990s, the grunge and indie rock movements helped to popularize alternative music, and it became a mainstream genre in its own right.
Today, alternative music continues to be a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history. It is often performed at music festivals and concerts, and is also used in film, television, and other media.
Examples include Radiohead, Nirvana, and The Strokes.
Indie
Indie (short for “independent”) is a term used to describe music that is produced and distributed outside of the major record label system. Indie music is often associated with alternative and underground music scenes, and it often has a more experimental or unconventional sound than mainstream music.
The indie music movement began in the 1980s, when a number of artists and bands began to self-release their music and distribute it through independent record labels and distributors. These artists often rejected mainstream success and commercialization, and instead focused on artistic integrity and authenticity.
Indie music encompasses a wide range of genres, including indie rock, indie pop, and indie folk, and it has had a significant influence on the development of other genres, such as alternative rock and hip hop. Some of the most well-known indie artists include Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, and The Strokes. Today, indie music remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Examples include Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, and The 1975.
Punk
Punk is a genre of popular music that originated in the mid-1970s. It is characterized by its fast tempos, raw and aggressive sound, and lyrics that often deal with themes of social and political rebellion. Punk music often has a DIY (do-it-yourself) aesthetic, and many punk bands self-release their music and perform in small, underground venues.
The punk movement emerged in the United States and the United Kingdom, and it was influenced by a variety of musical and cultural sources, including rock and roll, garage rock, and 1960s counterculture. Punk bands often had a rebellious and anti-establishment attitude, and they rejected the commercialism and excess of mainstream rock music.
Punk has evolved into many different sub-genres, including punk rock, hardcore punk, and emo, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the most well-known punk bands include The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and The Clash. Today, punk remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Grunge
Grunge is a genre of popular music that originated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitar sound, raw and emotive vocals, and lyrics that often deal with themes of social alienation and apathy. Grunge music often blends elements of punk, metal, and alternative rock, and it is known for its raw and unpolished sound.
Grunge emerged in the 1980s as a response to the glam metal and hair metal that was popular at the time. It was influenced by a variety of musical and cultural sources, including punk, metal, and classic rock. Grunge bands often had a rebellious and anti-establishment attitude, and they rejected the commercialism and excess of mainstream rock music.
Grunge became popular in the early 1990s, and bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden helped to popularize the genre and bring it into the mainstream. Today, grunge remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Funk
Funk is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1960s. It is characterized by its strong emphasis on rhythm and groove, and it often features prominent bass and percussion. Funk music also incorporates elements of soul, jazz, and blues, and it is known for its use of improvisation and its energetic, danceable sound.
The origins of funk can be traced back to the music of African-American communities in the southern United States, and it was influenced by a variety of musical styles, including R&B, soul, and jazz. In the 1970s, funk became a mainstream genre, and bands like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic helped to popularize it with their energetic and innovative sound.
Funk has had a significant influence on many other genres of popular music, including hip hop, disco, and electronic dance music. Today, funk remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
World music
World music is a term used to describe music from a variety of different cultural traditions and musical styles from around the world. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including folk, traditional, and popular music, and it often incorporates elements of local musical traditions and instruments.
World music is often associated with non-Western musical traditions, and it can be a way for musicians from different cultures to share their music with a global audience. Many world music artists are known for their skill at playing traditional instruments and for their ability to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions of their communities.
World music has had a significant influence on many other genres of popular music, and it has also been influenced by a variety of musical styles from around the world. Today, world music remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich diversity of cultural traditions.
Examples include Buena Vista Social Club, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Ravi Shankar.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass is a genre of American roots music that originated in the Appalachian region of the United States in the 1940s. It is characterized by its fast tempos, complex harmonies, and virtuosic instrumental playing, and it often features prominent banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. Bluegrass music is typically played by small ensembles, and it often includes elements of folk, country, and gospel music.
Bluegrass is considered a subgenre of country music, and it was developed in the 1940s by Bill Monroe and his band, the Bluegrass Boys. Monroe is credited with popularizing the genre and establishing many of the conventions that are associated with it, including the use of the high, lonesome vocal style and the reliance on instrumental virtuosity.
Bluegrass has had a significant influence on many other genres of popular music, including country, folk, and rock. Today, bluegrass remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history and traditions.
Disco
Disco is a genre of popular dance music that originated in the 1970s and became especially popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its electronic sound, use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, and repetitive, catchy melodies. Disco music is typically played in clubs and other dance venues, and it often has a strong beat and a sexually charged atmosphere.
Disco emerged in the 1970s as a response to the slower, more introspective music that was popular at the time, and it quickly became a mainstream phenomenon. Disco music was often associated with the gay, black, and Latino communities, and it was embraced by many as a means of self-expression and liberation.
In the 1980s, disco experienced a backlash, and it fell out of mainstream popularity. However, it has continued to influence many other genres of popular music, including house, techno, and electronic dance music. Today, disco remains a popular and influential genre, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
Examples include Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, and Chic.
Techno
Techno music emerged in the 1980s in Detroit, Michigan, as a subgenre of electronic dance music. It was influenced by a variety of musical styles including disco, funk, and electro, as well as the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and drum machines.
The origins of techno can be traced back to the late 1970s, when Detroit-based DJ and producer Juan Atkins began experimenting with electronic music production. He was inspired by Kraftwerk, a German electronic music group, and began incorporating elements of their sound into his own music. In the early 1980s, Atkins formed the group Cybotron with fellow Detroit DJ Richard “3070” Davis. They released the album “Enter” in 1983, which is considered the first techno record.
In the mid-1980s, the techno scene in Detroit exploded, with a number of influential labels and artists emerging, such as Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May. Techno music also gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, where the Berlin club scene became a hub for techno music.
Over the years, techno has evolved and splintered into a number of subgenres, including acid techno, minimal techno, and techno trance. Today, it remains a popular and influential genre in electronic dance music.
House
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois in the 1980s. It was influenced by a variety of musical styles including funk, soul, and disco, as well as the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and drum machines.
The origins of house music can be traced back to the early 1980s, when Chicago-based DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and Larry Levan began experimenting with electronic music production. They were inspired by the disco and dance music of the time, and began incorporating elements of these styles into their own music.
In the mid-1980s, house music gained popularity in clubs and dance parties in Chicago and other cities in the United States, and eventually spread to Europe. It became a major influence on electronic dance music and spawned a number of subgenres, such as deep house, tech house, and garage. Today, house music remains a popular and influential genre in electronic dance music.
Ambient
Ambient music is a genre of electronic music that emphasizes atmosphere, mood, and texture over traditional musical structure and beats. It often features electronic sounds and synthesizers, as well as unconventional instrumentation and sound effects.
The origins of ambient music can be traced back to the 1970s, when British composer Brian Eno released the album “Ambient 1: Music for Airports.” Eno coined the term “ambient music” to describe his intention to create music that could be played in the background of everyday life, without drawing attention to itself.
Since its emergence, ambient music has evolved and splintered into a number of subgenres, such as space music, drone music, and new age. It has been influential in a variety of musical styles and has found a place in popular culture, appearing in film, television, and video games. Today, ambient music remains a popular and influential genre in electronic music.
What are the most recent music genres in the history of music?
Here are 5 examples of recently emerging music genres.
- Trap: A subgenre of hip hop that originated in the early 1990s in the southern United States. It is characterized by its heavy use of electronic music production techniques and its lyrics, which often center on themes of drug dealing and urban violence.
- Lo-fi: A subgenre of electronic music that is characterized by its lo-fi (low-fidelity) production techniques and its often melancholic or introspective themes.
- Emo rap: A subgenre of hip hop that emerged in the mid-2010s and is characterized by its emotional, introspective lyrics and its use of emo and punk influences.
- Afrobeat: A music genre that originated in Nigeria in the 1970s and combines elements of West African musical styles with elements of jazz, funk, and traditional African music.
- K-pop: A music genre that originated in South Korea in the 1990s and is characterized by its upbeat, electronic sound and its highly choreographed music videos.
