Top 10 Most Popular Music Genres Around the World

Music is the most dynamic and creative art form that can be channeled through mass people. When it comes to global musical cultures, it is highly rich with diversity yet have a common energy to which everyone can vibe. Through constant and ongoing evolution, music can be categorized into various forms, genres as well as sub-genres. Considering how people largely receive them, there are a top 10 most popular music genres that most music lovers have heard of, or at least a few of them. Let’s take a better look.

1. Pop

Pop is one of the most popular and widespread music genres that is quite visible in many countries. The popstars quickly become a global artists with global fans for this reason. The modern form of pop started back in the 1950s and is considered to be derived from rock and roll. Its simple yet catchy chord structures can easily captivate people and it is also highly memorable and radio-friendly. Starting from Britney Spears to Ariana Grande, the industry is glorious and growing a little more every year.

2. Hip-hop

Hip-hop is currently the most popular genre in the music industry that started back in the 1970s in America. This music genre was the voice of the street and life, the hardships, and overcoming them. Hip-hop quickly become popular among the mass listeners due to its organic energy through rap. Intriguing verses over the beats sounded more like poetry. Starting from Tupac, and Eminem to Kendrick Lamar; hip-hop has only become powerful over the years along with its ever-changing trends.

3. Rock

Rock was introduced after rock n roll which started back in the 1950s. Its main elements are electric guitar, bass guitar, and powerful drums which are also the reason why most rock performers are in bands or groups. It is comprised of many sub-genres like metal, heavy metal, punk rock, alt-rock, and many others. Rock represents freedom, art, symbolism, and individuality that many people find captivating and intriguing at the same time.  Most rock songs follow a basic verse-chorus-verse structure. However, there is a fair share of experiments as well. Over the years, the industry has witnessed many bands and groups of rock performers and is ongoing generation after generation.

4. R&B

R&B stands for rhythm and blues which originated in the United States back in the ‘40s & ‘50s. The music genres put a hefty emphasis on the vocals and so most singers could be found showing some extreme skills. It can also include various elements of gospel and jazz since it is composed of blues-influenced melodies. R&B has smooth and soothing essence which can also sound upbeat with a bit of funk. Some of the most influential R&B artists are Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and many others.

5. Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

When it comes to musical history, EDM or Electronic Dance Music came much later in the scene which was back in the 1980s. This music genre incorporates a hefty use of electronic instruments, digital music, and computer-generated samples which make it sound more enticing and energetic. There are multiple sub-genres under the EDM such as Techno, House, Deep House, Dubstep, Trance, and many others. It is popular and commonly practiced by DJs around the world. The genre is mainly associated with festivals, parties, nightlife, and rave culture.

6. Jazz

Jazz is perhaps one of the oldest music genres in the United States which was practiced from the 1920s. Jazz is mainly characterized by complex harmonies, heavy organic instrumentation, improvisation, as well as vocal skills. Jazz also has multiple subgenres such as bebop, swing, fusion, and so on. The most celebrated part of jazz is the performance which has a different appeal to it. New Orleans, Louisiana, is considered to be the origin place where African American music cultures mixed with Europeans.

7. Country/Folk

The country is also one of the oldest genres that started in the USA back in the 1920s. It is light-hearted and often speaks about life, love, nature, and the simple pleasures of life that every individual craves. There is an emphasis on lyricism as it focuses on storytelling. One can find rural flavors and earthy tones in country and folk music that mainly incorporates acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, etc. John Denver is one of the greatest country artists ever.

8. Reggae

The roots of reggae belong to Jamaica which started back in the 1960s. It represents a laid-back vibe with rhythmic music that consists of tropical beats and highly positive lyrics that symbolize life. Most songs are based on themes like love, peace, liberation, and social justice. Reggae also symbolizes Jamaican empowerment which was a significant part of the Rastafarian movement and culture that dates back to the 1930s. It goes without saying that Bob Marley’s songs helped to bring world peace.

9. Latin 

Latin music offers a blend of Latin America and the Caribbean music culture which is quite fast, high octane, and has a captivating groove to it. Currently, it is one of the most popular music genres in the industry and English artists are also collaborating with them. The global popularity of Latin music has been possible for artists like Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, and many others. It consists of a wide range of subgenres such as merengue, cumbia, salsa, and many others.

10. Indie/Alternative Music

Indie and alternative music is a more modern genre that has emerged in the industry in response to the mainstream genres. It often incorporates the elements of various genres and sounds quite experimental yet good. There is a dedicated fanbase for alternative music around the world and a strong representation can be found at independent music festivals. It is quite diverse and can be performed by groups or solos. Radiohead is one of the greatest alternative music bands ever formed.

There are numerous other genres around the world and it is only getting more diverse over the years with a constant evolution and flux of change.