What Constitutes Good Pop Music in 2016?

In order to answer the question of “What Constitutes Good Pop Music in 2016?” we must first understand what the word “Pop” means.

Defining “Good” Pop Music

In order to determine what good pop music is, one first has to understand what pop music is. Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the 1950s, deriving from rock and roll. The term “pop music” was first used in 1926. Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented towards a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short and simple songs utilizing electronic production.

Subjective vs. Objective

When it comes to music, what one person loves can be completely different from what another person enjoys. Because musical taste is so subjective, it can be hard to define what makes a certain piece or artist “good.” In addition, what was considered good music at one point in time may not be viewed as favorably years later. For example, the pop music of the 1980s might be considered dated and cringe-worthy by today’s standards, but those who grew up listening to it might have fond memories of it and still enjoy it.

One way to try to define good pop music is by looking at its commercial success. Songs that top the charts and sell millions of copies are usually considered popular hits, and are generally liked by a wide range of people. However, there have been plenty of songs that have been commercial flops but are still beloved by many. So while chart success is one indicator of a good pop song, it’s not always reliable.

Another way to define good pop music is by its quality and artistic merit. This is a more objective approach, as it looks at factors such as composition, musicianship, and production values. However, even this can be difficult to agree on, as what one person may find beautifully crafted could sound bland or uninteresting to someone else. Ultimately, whether or not a piece of pop music is considered good is up to the individual listener’s opinion.

The Artist’s Intent

One of the most important, and some would say defining, aspects of good pop music is the artist’s intent. A good pop song is usually written with the intention of being popular and attracting a wide audience. It is often created with the help of professional songwriters and producers who have experience in crafting chart-topping hits. The artists themselves may not necessarily be aiming to create meaningful or personal art, but instead are focused on making music that will appeal to as many people as possible.

This isn’t to say that all popular music is bad, or that artist’s intentions are always pure. There are plenty of great pop songs out there that were created with commercial success in mind and yet still manage to be catchy, well-written, and interesting. But in general, the artist’s intention is an important factor to consider when determining whether or not a particular song constitutes good pop music.

Elements of Good Pop Music

In 2016, good pop music is characterized by having a mix of both traditional and modern elements. The traditional elements include a catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and a strong beat. The modern elements include a more diverse range of instrumentation and a more complex song structure. Good pop music in 2016 is a balance of both the traditional and the modern.

Catchy Hooks

One of the most important elements of good pop music is the hook. A hook is a musical idea, often a short riff, melody, or phrase, that is catchy and memorable. It is usually played at the beginning of a song to get the listener’s attention, and it is recurring throughout the song so that the listener remembers it. Earworms, or those melodies that get stuck in your head, are usually hooks. Some examples of catchy hooks are “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, and “let it go” from Frozen.

Crossover Appeal

Crossover appeal is the ability of a song or artist to appealing to a wider audience outside of their usual demographic. In 2016, we’ve seen this happen a lot with artists who usually make R&B, hip-hop, or country music crossing over into the pop realm. For example, Rihanna’s “Work” featuring Drake was a big pop hit, even though Rihanna is typically known as an R&B artist and Drake is known for his hip-hop roots. Likewise, country artist Carrie Underwood crossed over into the pop world with her hit “Blown Away.”

What makes a song have crossover appeal? Usually, it’s a combination of factors, including:

-A catchy melody that can be appreciated by everyone
-Simple, relatable lyrics that can be understood by people from all walks of life
-An upbeat tempo that gets listeners moving and dancing

If a song has these elements, it’s more likely to have crossover appeal and be appreciated by a wider range of people.

Commercially Viable

In order to be commercially viable, pop songs must be catchy and easy to sing along to. The best pop songs are those that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. There is no one formula for what makes a good pop song, but there are certain elements that are commonly found in successful hits.

A good pop song will usually have a strong melody that is easy to remember. The lyrics should be simple and concise, focusing on themes that are relatable to a wide audience. The production values should be high, making use of the latest technology and trends. And finally, the song should have mass appeal, meaning it has the potential to reach a large number of listeners through radio play and word of mouth.

Good Pop Music in 2016

With the release of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Adele’s “Hello,” it’s fair to say that pop music is having a moment. But what makes a good pop song in 2016? In a year where the top 40 is as diverse as it’s ever been, what are the elements that make a good pop song?

The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers are an American DJ and production duo consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. Their 2014 song “#Selfie” went viral on YouTube, reaching number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100; it was a top ten hit in several other countries. In 2015, they released their debut EP, Bouquet. which featured the single “Roses”, which reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2016, they released their debut album, Collage, featuring the singles “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Closer”.

Justin Bieber

It’s hard to deny that Justin Bieber has had a banner year in 2016. From his much-anticipated album “Purpose” to his hit single “Sorry,” Bieber has cemented himself as one of the biggest pop stars in the world. But what makes Bieber’s music “good” pop music in 2016?

There are a few elements that make Bieber’s music stand out in today’s pop landscape. First, Bieber brings a level of honesty and vulnerability to his songs that is rare for pop stars of his caliber. In songs like “Purpose” and “What Do You Mean?,” Bieber opens up about his struggles with fame and relationships, giving fans a glimpse into his personal life.

Second, Bieber’s music is catchy and radio-friendly without being formulaic or pandering. His songs have complex production values and interesting lyrics, but they’re still easy to sing along to and enjoy. This is a difficult balance to strike, but Bieber does it effortlessly.

Finally, Bieber’s artistry has matured a great deal in recent years. He’s gone from being a teen heartthrob to a bonafide pop star, and his music has reflecteds this growth. He experiments with new sounds and styles on “Purpose,” proving that he’s an artist with staying power.

For all of these reasons, Justin Bieber is making some of the best pop music in 2016.

Rihanna

Not only is Rihanna a Good Pop Music in 2016, but she’s also one of the biggest artists in the world. According to Billboard, her 2016 album Anti topped the US charts and she’s had four No.1 singles on the Hot 100 this year. She’s also won eight Grammy Awards, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “The Monster” with Eminem.