What Does “Pop” Mean in Pop Music?

What does “pop” mean in pop music? The answer may surprise you! Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1950s. The term “pop” is short for “popular.”

Origins of the Term

“Pop” is a shortening of “popular.” The word was first used in relation to music in the 1920s, when it referred to a type of light classical music that was easy to listen to and enjoyed by a wide range of people.

Etymology

The term “pop music” was first used in 1926, in an interview with bandleader Paul Whiteman by the New York Times. In the 1930s, it began to be used to describe a new form of music that was a lighter alternative to both the conventional popular music of the day and the burgeoning jazz scene. This new music combined elements of both styles, and is often referred to as “light jazz” or “easy listening.”

The term “pop music” gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s, when it was used to describe a new style of country music that was a softer alternative to the more traditional sound of Nashville. This new sound was sometimes referred to as “countrypolitan.” In Britain, the term “pop music” had been used since the 1940s to describe a wide variety of different styles, including dance music, Novelty records, and records by crooners like Frank Sinatra.

In the late 1950s, as rock and roll became more popular, the term “pop music” began to be used in a more general sense to describe any type of popular music, whether it was rock or not. As rock became more dominant in the 1960s and 1970s, the term “rock music” was often used interchangeably with “pop music.”

In the 1980s and 1990s, as electronic dance music became more popular, the term “dance-pop” was used to describe this new style of music. This usage continued into the 21st century. Today, the term “pop music” is usually used to describe any type of popular musical genre, whether it is rock, hip-hop, countrypolitan, easy listening, or electronic dance music.

First Uses of the Term

The term “pop music” was first used in 1926, when Variety magazine referred to it as “the common people’s music”. In 1933, veteran music critic John Steuer described it as simply “commercial”, linking it with the growing recording industry. By the 1940s, “pop” had become a shorthand reference for the entire commercial music market, which encompassed everything from traditional standards to country songs to African-American rhythm and blues. In 1948, Billboard even launched a pop chart to track the sales of these non-rock recordings.

Despite its roots in the working class, by the 1950s pop music was increasingly embraced by middle-class teenagers and young adults as a way to rebel against the conformist values of their parents. This was especially true in Britain, where the class system was still very pronounced. The burgeoning youth culture of the time embraced pop music as its own, helping to turn it into a global phenomenon.

Today, “pop music” is used as a catch-all term for any commercially successful recording, regardless of genre or style. It is one of the most popular forms of music in the world, with artists like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber topping charts around the globe.

Definitions of the Term

The term “pop music” is used in a variety of ways, most often to refer to popular music that is not specific to any one genre. In this sense, “pop music” includes a wide range of styles and genres, including rock, hip-hop, country, jazz, and blues.

“Pop” as a Genre

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 synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

Generally, pop music is produced by one or more record labels and is therefore passed on to radio stations, television networks, and digital streaming services for consumption. Pop music has been influenced by other genres such as hip hop, electronic dance, Latin, and rock. It has also incorporates elements from classical, jazz, and blues music. Pop music often uses synthesizers, drum machines, and guitars.

“Pop” as a Description of Music

“Pop music” is a broad-term used to describe a wide variety of genres of music that appeal to a general audience. In other words, “pop music” is music that is popular. The term “pop music” can be used to describe both individual songs and entire genres or sub-genres of music.

There is no one definitive answer to the question, “What does ‘pop’ mean in pop music?” Broadly speaking, “pop music” is simply any type of popular music. However, the term “pop music” is often used more specifically to describe certain genres or sub-genres of popular music. For example, pop-rock and power pop are both sub-genres of pop music that have distinct sonic characteristics and styles.

The Evolution of the Term

“Pop” music is a term that is used to describe a wide range of genres. It is a shortened version of the word “popular.” Pop music has been around for many years and has undergone many changes. The term “pop music” can be used to describe a wide variety of genres, includingrock, R&B, soul, hip hop, and dance.

“Pop” as Mainstream Music

The term “pop music” can be used to describe a wide variety of genres and sub-genres. In its broadest sense, “pop music” is simply short for “popular music” – meaning it is the most popular type of music at any given time. It is typically characterized by having a catchy melody and a simple, repeating chord progression.

The term “pop music” first came into use in the early 1900s, when it was used to describe the more mainstream appeal of songs that were being played on the radio. This was in contrast to other genres like jazz or classical music, which were considered to be more niche. Over time, the term has come to be associated with a specific sound and style, although it continues to evolve as popular taste changes.

Today, “pop music” generally refers to any type of mainstream popular music, whether it is danceable pop, ballad-driven pop, or even alternative pop. However, some people still use the term specifically to refer to chart-topping hits that are played on Top 40 radio stations.

“Pop” as a derogatory Term

The term “pop music” has been used since the early 1900s to describe mainstream popular music, but it wasn’t always a positive term. In fact, for much of the 20th century, “pop music” was used as a derogatory term by people who considered themselves serious music fans.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that “pop music” started to be used as a more positive term, and even then it was often used to describe music that was seen as lightweight or commercial. It wasn’t until the 1960s that “pop music” became a more general term used to describe any type of popular music, regardless of genre.

Today, the term “pop music” is used to describe a wide range of popular genres, from traditional pop and rock to more modern styles like hip-hop and EDM. While the term is still sometimes used in a negative way by people who prefer more fringe or underground genres, it is generally seen as a positive and inclusive term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “pop” music is a genre of popular music that emerged in the mid-1950s. The term “pop” is short for “popular.” Pop music is generally characterized by a catchy melody, simple chords, and a strong beat. It is often performed by young artists and is popular with teen audiences.