What’s Popping in 2012 Music?

What’s Popping in 2012 Music? is a blog that covers the latest in music news and releases. Stay up to date on the latest in the music industry by following our blog!

Hip Hop

In 2012, the top three genres were Hip Hop/R&B, Pop, and Country. Hip Hop/R&B artists Drake, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj had the most successful singles of the year. In terms of album sales, Taylor Swift’s “Red” was the best selling album of 2012 followed by Adele’s “21” and One Direction’s “Up All Night”.

R&B

R&B is a genre of music that originated in the 1940s with artists such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. Over the years, it has evolved to include a wide range of styles, from soul and Motown to hip-hop and contemporary R&B. In 2012, there are a number of R&B artists who are making waves with their unique sounds andstyles.

Here are some of the top R&B artists to watch out for in 2012:

-Frank Ocean: His debut album, “Channel Orange,” was one of the most acclaimed albums of 2012. His unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop has earned him a loyal following among fans of all three genres.

-Miguel: Miguel’s debut album, “All I Want Is You,” was nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album. His mix of classic R&B sensibilities with modern production has made him one of the most promising young talents in the genre.

-Usher: Usher’s seventh studio album, “Looking 4 Myself,” topped the Billboard 200 chart and received critical acclaim for its fusion of R&B, pop, and electronic dance music. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

-Rihanna: Rihanna’s seventh studio album, “Unapologetic,” was released in November 2012 to critical acclaim. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and features the hit single “Diamonds.” She has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Pop

Contemporary pop music has never been hotter, with a dizzying array of sounds, styles and subgenres to choose from. So what’s popping in 2012? Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular music of the year.

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many different styles. During the 1950s and 1960s, pop encompassed rock and roll and the youth-oriented styles it influenced. Pop music sometimes has elements of rock, hip hop, reggae, disco, and country; therefore it may be seen as a cross-genre form. It typically combines a catchy melody with simple chord progressions and is easy to sing along to. Contemporary pop music often makes use of synthesizers, Auto-Tune vocal effects, drum machines, and sequencers.

Some popular artists and groups in the pop genre include:

-Maroon 5
-Katy Perry
-Justin Bieber
-Rihanna
-Lady Gaga
-Taylor Swift
-One Direction

Country

Country music is having a moment in 2012. Younger artists like Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are leading the charge, bringing a mix of traditional and contemporary sounds to the genre. With catchy hooks and memorable melodies, these artists are reinvigorating country music and attracting a whole new generation of fans.

EDM/Dance

The sound of Electronic Dance Music, or EDM as it’s more commonly called these days, has been around for a long time. It’s evolved and changed a lot over the years, but the one constant has been its popularity with club goers and music lovers alike. This year is no different, as there are plenty of great EDM artists and songs to enjoy. Here are just a few of the best that 2012 has to offer:

-Calvin Harris – “Let’s Go”
-Swedish House Mafia – “Don’t You Worry Child”
-Icona Pop – “I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)”
-Zedd – “Clarity (feat. Foxes)”
-Nicky Romero – “Toulouse”