Pop Music
ByKristenmollica
Pop music 
, short for popular music, began in the 1950s as an alternative to rock music. The genre typically refers to music that is commercialized and popular among the general audience. The target audience has always been teens, but of course people of all ages listen to pop music. Although general pop can sound very different from artist to artist, there are general characteristics: a focus on the individual song rather than extended albums, appeal to a general audience rather than a specific group or sub-culture, an emphasis on the recording and production process rather than live performances, and a reflection of current trends rather than progressive artistry.
Pop songs typically follow the verse/chorus form and contain simple, melodic structures. Catchy hooks and choruses are a must in order to draw the listener's attention. Lyrical content used to mainly focus on love and relationships. However, today's pop music has broadened the spectrum talking about drugs, sex, failed relationships, politics, and almost any topic you can think of.
Unfortunately, many people view pop music as substandard music. Music critic Simon Frith said pop music is produced "as a matter of enterprise not art. . . . is designed to appeal to everyone" and "doesn't come from any particular place or mark off any particular taste." Today, pop artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga are seeking to change this mentality and to use pop music as an art form.
Sub-Genres
- Electropop: a fusion of electronic music made with synthesizers; and became widely popular in the late 70s and early 80s.
- Power Pop: a combination of pop and rock that draws inspiration from British and American music of the 1960s. The genre typically combines strong melodies and vocal harmonies, as well as prominent guitar riffs.
- Teen Pop: a subgenre that is created and marketed towards teenagers and adolescents. It is also known as bubblegum pop or teenybopper pop
Pop Music Icons
|
|
|
|
Undoubtedly considered the King of Pop, Michael Jackson is nothing but pure pop legend. He is the most commercially successful artist of all time, selling between 350 and 750 million records worldwide. His success and influence are untouched. |
If there is a King of Pop, then Madonna is certainly his Queen. Madonna dominated the 80s and 90s with her controversial pop music. She redefined the genre, proving that not everything is bubblegum pop meant for teens. She still continues to reinvent herself and shows no signs of stopping. |
This young heart-throb got his start in N'Sync, becoming one of the most successful boy bands in the late 90s and early 2000s. After the group dismembered, Justin Timberlake proved he can hold his own as he tries to take the reigns from legend Michael Jackson. |
Although we technically can't consider Lady Gaga an icon yet, this young controversial star and unique fashionista is certainly on her way. She became the first artist to have four number one singles off a debut album. I smell pop icon legend brewing and it smells delicious. |
With the passing of Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, there has been a resurgence of interest in his music. We've seen some of these titles as his most popular over time, and are being collected in this mourning period:
Related Guides
Leave Your Comments, Questions, Opinions!
