International Pop and Rock Music to Get You Moving

From K-pop to American pop, this playlist has it all! Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or just need a pick-me-up, these songs will put a smile on your face.

Introduction

In many cultures, music is an important part of social gatherings, whether it’s a party, wedding, religious festival or just a get-together with friends. It helps people to relax, enjoy themselves and dance. But what kind of music should you play? If you’re looking for some international pop and rock music to get you moving, here are some suggestions.

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, whose best-known line-up comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time. With a sound rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. In 1963, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”, but as the group’s music grew in sophistication in subsequent years, they came to be perceived as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the counterculture of the 1960s.

After the band’s break-up in 1970, all four members enjoyed successful solo careers. Lennon was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman in 1980; Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001. McCartney and Starr remain musically active.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar), Mick Jagger (lead vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (piano). Stewart was removed from the official line-up in 1963 but continued to work with the band as a contracted musician until his death in 1985. The band’s primary songwriters, Jagger and Richards, assumed leadership after Andrew Loog Oldham became their manager. Jones left the band less than a month before his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974. After Taylor left the band, Ronnie Wood took his place in 1975 and has been on guitar in tandem with Richards ever since. Following Wyman’s departure in 1993, Darryl Jones joined as their touring bassist. Other touring keyboardists for the band have been Nicky Hopkins (1967–1982), Billy Preston (who also appeared on some studio tracks from 1968 to 1971), Ian McLagan (1978–1981), and Chuck Leavell (1982–present).

The Rolling Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion of bands that became popular in the US in 1964. The band identified with the rebellious counterculture of the 1960s. They were instrumental in making blues a part of rock and roll. The band played a leading role in popularising hard rock and punk rock through their inclusion of these genres on some of their albums,, such as Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St.. They were ranked fourth on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list and their estimated album sales are above 250 million. They have released 30 studio albums, 18 live albums and numerous compilations. Let It Bleed reached number one in five countries; Exile On Main Street hit number one only once across Europe but peaked at number two across North America; and Some Girls managed to top both European sales charts simultaneously for seven weeks straight from late June 1978 onwards – it eventually became Atlantic Records’ biggest-selling album ever worldwide adjusted for inflation/, with shifted over six million units sold globally by summer 1979.,.,.,

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With their heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are regularly cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal.

Pink Floyd

Since their formation in 1965, Pink Floyd has released fifteen studio albums, eight live albums, and numerous compilations. They are one of the most commercially successful and influential rock bands of all time, selling more than 250 million records worldwide.

Their music is marked by their innovative and experimental approach, as well as their dark and thought-provoking lyrics. Some of their most famous songs include “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Money,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Comfortably Numb.”

The Who

The Who is an English rock band that formed in 1964. The group’s classic lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass guitarist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, selling over 100 million records worldwide. The Who’s 1960s hits include “I Can’t Explain”, “My Generation”, “Substitute”, “I Can See for Miles”, “Pinball Wizard”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, and “Baba O’Riley”.

David Bowie

David Bowie (born David Robert Jones, 8 January 1947) is an English singer, songwriter and actor. He is a figure in popular music for over five decades, chiefly owing to his dramatic work as Ziggy Stardust, the thin white duke and alter ego of himself. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, with his music and stagecraft having a significant impact on popular music. During his lifetime, his record sales, estimated at 140 million albums worldwide, made him one of the world’s best-selling music artists. In the UK, he was awarded nine platinum album certifications, eleven gold and eight silver, and released eleven number-one albums. In the US, he received five platinum and seven gold certifications. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Queen

Formed in London in 1970, Queen was one of the longest-lasting and most commercially successful bands to emerge from the British heavy rock scene of the early 1970s. Although their initial style was progressive rock, they quickly began to incorporate elements of pop, hard rock, heavy metal, and even opera into their music. They became known for their stage show, which featured theatrical costumes, pyrotechnics, and Freddie Mercury’s acrobatic antics.

Queen’s first album, Queen (1973), reached number six on the British charts. Their second album, Queen II (1974), debuted at number one in the UK and featured the hit singles “Seven Seas of Rhye” and “Killer Queen.” Sheer Heart Attack (1974), their third album, reached number two in the UK and number 12 in the US; it included the singles “Now I’m Here” and “Stone Cold Crazy.” A Night at the Opera (1975) was an even greater success; it topped the charts in both Britain and America and contained three of their most popular songs: “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “You’re My Best Friend,” and “God Save the Queen.”

After a brief hiatus in 1976–1977 during which time each member pursued solo projects—Mercury released his debut solo album Mr. Bad Guy (1985) and May Recorded Star Fleet Project with fellow guitarist Brian May—Queen returned to form with News of the World (1977). The album included two of their most popular songs: “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions.” Jazz (1978) marked a change in direction for Queen; it was a more progressive sounding album that featured complex arrangements and experiments with new genres such as reggae. The group returned to more straightforward rock on The Game (1980), which produced their second US number one single, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”

Throughout the 1980s Queen continued to enjoy success with albums such as Hot Space (1982), The Works (1984), A Kind of Magic (1986), The Miracle (1989), Innuendo (1991), and Made In Heaven(1995). They also embarked on several world tours including their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985. In 1991 drummer Roger Taylor left the band due to health reasons but returned for sporadic performances over the next few years. Tragically, Freddie Mercury died of AIDS-related pneumonia on November 24th 1991 at his home in London; he was 45 years old.

In 1994 Brian May and Roger Taylor announced that they would continue performing under the name Queen with new vocalist Paul Rodgers from Bad Company filling in for Mercury. The new lineup released three albums: Return of The Champions(2005), Live In Ukraine(2008)and Cosmos Rocks(2008). In 2011 Brian May and Roger Taylor once again joined forces with former frontman Freddie Mercury—this time through use of archival recordings—for a new album entitled Queen Forever which featured two new tracks completed by May & Taylor featuring vocals by Mercury recorded prior to his death: “Let Me In Your Heart Again” & “Love Kills”.

Nirvana

Nirvana is an American rock band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. The band consisted of singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain, bassist Krist Novoselic, and drummer Dave Grohl. Nirvana rose to mainstream popularity with their second album Nevermind (1991), which topped the Billboard 200 chart and featured the single “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive guide to international pop and rock music that is sure to get you moving. We have looked at the origins of each genre, the key artists and tracks that have influenced the sound, and the contemporary scene. With this information in hand, you should be able to confidently explore the wide world of pop and rock music, and find the perfect sound for any occasion.