There are different ways and categories of division into types. It can be based on the function of the music (for example, religious music, cinema, dance music), the performance means used, that is, the instrument or ensemble of instruments/voices for which it was intended (for example, instrumental, vocal, electroacoustic, as well as piano, violin), or, for example, geographical determinants. Most often, such criteria are used in different combinations, and the selected genres of music may partially overlap.
The most popular music genres in the world are
- Pop 25%
- Rock 19%
- Hip-Hop / Rap 16%
- Dance / Electronic / House 12%
- Author’s music 9%
- Classic / Opera 4%
- Blues 2%
- Metal 1,9%
About Pop Music
There are four musical directions: folk music, spiritual music, academic music and popular music. Each direction has a certain number of genres of music, and each genre has many subgenres.
Now we will talk more about pop music, as it is the most common and favourite in modern society. Music experts highlight such features of pop music:
- conservative scheme of building songs ” verses + choruses»;
- ease of perception of soundtracks.
- the human voice is the main instrument, the accompaniment plays a secondary role.
- the rhythmic structure is of upmost importance.
- on average, the length of a songs is from 3 to 5 minutes.
- the lyrics of songs are usually dedicated to emotions and experiences
- the visual representation of the whole conception is very important.
Other Genres
Rock: As the name suggests, this genre of music is characterized by rhythmic sensations that are associated with a certain movement. Some features of rock compositions (electric musical instruments, creative self-sufficiency, etc.) are secondary, which is why many styles of music are mistakenly attributed to rock. Various subcultures are associated with this musical direction: punks, hippies, metalheads, emo, goths, etc.
Hip-Hop: This direction of music consists of several genres: starting from “light” styles (pop-rap), ending with aggressive (hardcore, horror). The lyrics can also have a variety of content from light and relaxed (memories of childhood, youth, etc.) to complex social problems.
Hip-hop is based on such styles as funk, jazz, reggae, soul and rhythm and blues. Quite often, hip-hop is confused with rap, which is fundamentally wrong. Rap is a recitative performance of musical compositions, while hip-hop may not have a recitative at all.
Rap: RAP is a rhythmic recitative that is usually read under the beat. Performers of such compositions are rappers or MC. Rap is one of the main components of hip-hop but this style is also used in other genres (drum and bass, pop, rock, rapcore, new metal, etc.).
Rap music is quite diverse because compositions can be simple, but at the same time interesting and melodic. They are based on the beat-rhythm of the songs.
R&B: R&B means rhythm and blues and refers to the sing and dance genre of music. This style is based on the blues and jazz trends of the first half of the twentieth century. A distinctive feature of the genre is the dance motifs that encourage listeners to dance unrestrainedly. The R&B style is dominated by cheerful melodies that do not carry any special philosophical or mental themes.
Jazz: This musical direction emerged at the end of the XIX century in the United States. This style of music combines African and European cultures.
The distinctive features of this direction are improvisation, sophisticated rhythm and unique techniques of rhythmic textures. Jazz also refers to dance music. The compositions are cheerful, which give cheerfulness and a good mood.
Electro music: Electronic music is a fairly broad genre, the melodies of which are created with the help of electronic musical instruments and computer technologies. This style has various directions, ranging from experimental academic songs to popular electronic dance tracks.
Electro music combines the sounds generated by electronic technologies and electromechanical musical instruments.
Instrumental music: Compositions of this direction of music are performed with the help of musical instruments, and the human voice does not take any part in this. It can be a solo, ensemble, or orchestral.
Instrumental music is one of the best styles “for the background”. Melodies based on live instruments and modern hits are ideal for relaxing radio programs, and listening to them gives harmony while working and relaxing.
Folk music: A fairly popular style is also folk music, related to musical folklore. The compositions represent the musical and poetic creative ideas of the people, which are passed down from generation to generation. Traditional melodies are usually created by the rural population. This direction of music is a significant contrast to popular and academic singing.
Final Words
The development of music doesn’t stop, every day hundreds or even thousands of new songs are released, each of which contributes something new and affects the subsequent development of the music industry. Follow us to keep in touch with news from the music industry.