The Best Pop Music Radio Stations Online

Looking for a great pop music radio station to listen to online? Check out our list of the best pop music radio stations from around the web!

Introduction

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.

Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as urban, dance, rock, Latin, and country. Identifying factors include generally short to medium-length songs written in a basic format (often the verse-chorus structure), as well as common use of repeated choruses, melodic tunes, and hooks. David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop music as “a body of music which is distinguishable from popular, jazz, and folk musics”. According to Pete Seeger, pop music is “professional music which draws upon both folk music and fine arts music”.

Although pop music is seen as just the singles charts, it is not the sum of all chartmusic. Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as urban, dance, rock & roll; Latin; and country. Identifying factors include generally short to medium-length songs written in a basic format (often the verse-chorus structure), as well as common use of repeated choruses,, melodic tunes,, refrains,, hooks,, or riffs,.David Hatch & Stephen Millward assert that universality is another characteristic of pop: “That seems to be why it breathes air into films or advertising – or why it fills dance-floors … You cannot pinpoint when a piece of popular culture began but you can date it approximate retrospectively … In many respects that’s what makes pop cult/ure ephemeral … something one can’t experience again.”

KCRW

KCRW (89.9 FM) is a National Public Radio member station broadcasting out of Santa Monica, California. It is one of the flagship stations of NPR, and is known for its eclectic mix of music, news and cultural programming. KCRW is also home to the popular radio show “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” which features a mix of indie rock, world music and contemporary pop.

BBC Radio 1

BBC Radio 1 is a British radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialized in modern popular music and current chart hits throughout the day. Launched in 1967 to meet the demand for music generated by radio station pirate broadcasters, Radio 1 was the first BBC station to be broadcast on FM, and was originally intended as a resource for the UK ADSL broadband market.

Today, BBC Radio 1 is available on FM in parts of the UK, DAB in other parts of the UK, online through the BBC iPlayer Radio app, and through various digital television platforms such as Freeview, Freesat and Sky. The station’s base loyalty lies with its “target audience” of 15-29-year-olds, although it has a wide listenership among all age groups.

Beats 1

Beats 1 is a 24/7 radio station operated by Apple Inc. It broadcasts to over 100 countries from studios in Los Angeles, New York, and London. The station features exclusive interviews, guest hosts, and occasional live shows. Its flagship show is hosted by Zane Lowe and feature regular appearances by Dr. Dre, Pharrell Williams, Elton John, and Josh Homme.

NPR Music

NPR Music is a website and podcast from the National Public Radio network that focuses on music news, interviews, and live performances. The site offers a variety of genres to choose from, including rock, classical, jazz, hip-hop, and more. You can also find NPR Music on SiriusXM satellite radio.

The Line of Best Fit

The Line of Best Fit is an online radio station that specializes in playing the best pop music from around the world. The station has a wide variety of music genres to choose from, and you can even customize your listening experience by choosing which stations you want to hear. You can also save your favorite songs and artists so you can easily find them later.

Consequence of Sound

Consequence of Sound is an American online music publication and television program that airs weekly on MTV2. The site features new music release information, concert listings, music news, reviews and interviews. The program focuses on mainstream pop, rock and hip-hop music.

Pitchfork Radio

Pitchfork Radio is one of the best pop music radio stations online. With a wide variety of music genres and artists, there is something for everyone to listen to. You can find everything from the latest hits to classic favorites, and you can even create your own custom station. If you’re a fan of pop music, this is the perfect place to find new music and enjoy old favorites.