Pop Music: Definition and Examples

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 diverse styles.

What is pop music?

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 diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were roughly synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

Generally, pop music is quite simplistic in structure and melody, and is often reliant on catchy hooks and familiar chord progressions. It tends to be shorter in length than other genres such as rock music, and there is typically a greater emphasis on vocal harmonies rather than instrumental parts. Pop songs are often written with the purpose of being easy to sing along to, which has led to some criticisms that the genre is shallow or lacks musical depth.

The term “pop music” first came into use in Britain in the late 1950s, initially to refer to American rock and roll. It later expanded to include other genres such as soul, sunshine pop, bubblegum pop, power pop, disco, new wave, synth-pop, and hip hop. The term “pop song” was first recorded as being used in 1926 by Harry Fox in reference to his version of the standard “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey”.

Some well-known pop songs include:
-“I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
-“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
-“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
-“Like a Virgin” by Madonna
-“I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys
-“Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
-“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

Where did pop music originate?

The origins of pop music can be traced back to the middle of the 19th century, when a group of singers in New York City called the Hutchinson Family Singers became popular for their mix of religious and secular songs. By the early 20th century, other American groups like the Mills Brothers and Boswell Sisters were also making waves with their own unique brand of pop music.

In the 1920s, a new style of pop music began to emerge, influenced by jazz and blues. This new sound, known as “swing,” became hugely popular throughout the United States and Europe. Some of the most famous swing bands included Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington.

During the 1930s and 1940s, a number of different subgenres of pop music began to develop, including “crooners” like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra; “big bands” led by Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey; and “bop” artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

In the 1950s, a new style of pop music known as “rock ‘n’ roll” exploded onto the scene. Led by artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, rock ‘n’ roll quickly became the dominant form of pop music around the world.

In the 1960s, pop music evolved once again, incorporating influences from psychedelic rock, soul, and country. The Beatles were one of the most successful groups of this era, producing a string of hits that helped to define the sound of pop music for generations to come.

What are some popular pop songs?

There is no simple answer to this question as pop music is an ever-changing genre with new hits being released all the time. However, some popular pop songs that may come to mind include “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, “Lean On” by Major Lazer ft. MØ and DJ Snake, and “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj.

Who are some popular pop artists?

There are many popular pop artists today, such as Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande.