Contemporary Pop Music: 5 Examples You Need to Hear

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

In today’s music landscape, pop music is more diverse and interesting than ever before. Here are 5 examples of contemporary pop music that you need to hear.

Introduction

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence in popularity for pop music. While the sound has evolved somewhat since the early days of the genre, the basic structure and form remain largely the same. If you’re new to contemporary pop music, these five examples will give you a good introduction to the sound and style of the genre.

1. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
2. “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
3. “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd
4. “Work” by Rihanna feat. Drake
5. “Sorry” by Justin Bieber

Taylor Swift – ” Shake It Off”

Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is a perfect example of contemporary pop music. The song features a catchy hook and a simple, yet effective, production. The verses are sung in a conversational tone, which makes the song instantly relatable. The chorus is anthemic and uplifting, making it perfect for sing-alongs.

Katy Perry – “Dark Horse”

From her 2013 album “PRISM,” “Dark Horse” is a perfect example of contemporary pop music. The song starts with a trap beat, before transitioning into a more traditional pop sound. The lyrics are about a relationship that’s on the verge of ending, and the chorus features the famous line, “So you’re a tough guy / Like it really rough guy / Just can’t get enough guy /Chest always so puffed guy / I’m that bad type / Make your mama sad type / Make your girlfriend mad tight / Might seduce your dad type.” This catchy tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks and won Katy Perry a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Iggy Azalea – “Fancy”

“Fancy” is a song by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, featuring British singer Charli XCX, taken from the former’s debut studio album, The New Classic (2014). It was released on 17 February 2014 and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Originally titled “Leave It”, the song was released as Azalea’s fourth single overall and served as the lead single from The New Classic.

Ariana Grande – “Problem”

Ariana Grande’s “Problem” is a perfect example of contemporary pop music. The song features a catchy melody, a heavy beat, and Grande’s signature powerful vocals. The lyrics are about a relationship that is “a problem,” but the message is ultimately one of empowerment. The song was a massive hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, contemporary pop music is a genre that includes a wide range of styles. While it may be difficult to nail down a specific sound that all contemporary pop songs share, there are certain elements that many of them have in common. These include a focus on catchy hooks and melodies, as well as a heavy reliance on production values and electronic instrumentation. If you’re looking for some contemporary pop music to add to your collection, be sure to check out the five examples listed above.

Similar Posts