Pop music is a genre known for its irresistibly catchy tunes, offering listeners an easy and enjoyable experience. It frequently dominates the mainstream media, gracing the airwaves, movies, and television. Typically, professional songwriters and producers are the creative forces behind pop music, aiming to evoke positive emotions in their audience. Common themes in pop songs include love, relationships, and upbeat messages.
Sub-genres within the vast world of pop music add variety and unique flavors to this musical landscape:
1. Art Pop
Art pop is a distinct niche within pop music that incorporates elements of pop culture, including signs and symbols, along with a fusion of various artistic genres. Artists in this category often draw inspiration from sources like literature, cinema, traditional music, and experimental and electronic art. While some art-pop pieces may appear experimental or avant-garde, the genre doesn’t necessitate complexity or inaccessibility. This genre allows artists to infuse their creations with art school influences without being confined by conventional rock elements.
2. Brill Building Pop
Brill Building pop finds its essence in the legendary Brill Building in New York City, a hub of music publishers and songwriters during the late 1950s until the British Invasion in 1964. The songs that emerged from this epicenter were meticulously crafted with efficiency, destined for the voices of pop artists. They carried hints of rock ‘n’ roll, blended with shades of jazz, blues, and country. Notable hits from this era include classics like “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes and “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals.
These sub-genres provide a glimpse into the diverse and evolving landscape of pop music, where each has its own unique character and charm. While rock, hip-hop, and country might be some of the most prominent genres, the world of pop music extends its welcoming arms to electronic, dance, jazz, and many more styles, each contributing to the rich tapestry of popular music.
3. Bubblegum Pop
Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bubblegum pop sprang into the music scene. It was all about catchy, cheerful melodies, straightforward lyrics with sing-along choruses, and rhythms that made you want to dance. Think of it as the soundtrack of youthful exuberance. Bubblegum pop was tailor-made for preteens and teenagers, with its sugary-sweet themes revolving around adolescent love. Many of the artists in this category were what we call “one-hit wonders,” briefly basking in the limelight with a single hit before fading into obscurity. But here’s the cool part: their songs still ring a bell today and often grace the airwaves of oldies radio stations. Plus, their upbeat tunes left an indelible mark on music, influencing genres like glam rock, punk rock, and ’90s vocal pop.
4. Cringe Pop
Imagine a musical genre designed to make you cringe, whether it’s intentional or not. This quirky genre’s exact birth is a bit hazy, but Rebecca Black’s “Friday” played a significant role in defining it. Her song, uploaded on YouTube in 2011, garnered massive attention with over 149.6 million views and a whopping 3.8 million dislikes as of January 2021. Another standout in the cringe pop scene was Taher Shah, a Pakistani singer who gained fame with his song “Angel” and music video. He even graced the world with classics like “Eye to Eye.” Cringe pop has thrived in our digital age, thanks to technology allowing anyone with a laptop to create songs and music videos that make you cringe in all the right (or wrong) ways.
5. Dance-Pop
Dance-pop emerged from the disco era, bringing us those memorable melodies that make you want to hit the dance floor. It’s the perfect blend of catchy tunes and that irresistible club beat. Unlike pure dance music, dance-pop is all about complete songs with lyrics and structure. Typically, a producer takes the reins, crafting the music and choosing the right vocalist to bring it to life. While dance divas often steal the spotlight, the focus in dance-pop is more on style than deep substance. Though there are exceptions—legends like Madonna and Janet Jackson have shaped the direction of their albums.
6. Electropop
Picture a genre that’s a fantastic fusion of electronic and pop music. Electropop, also known as electronic pop, takes the futuristic sound of synthesizers and combines it with the catchiness of pop melodies. It all started in the UK during the early 1980s and has since influenced icons like Britney Spears and Madonna. It’s a genre that electrifies the airwaves with its hook-heavy songs and an undeniably radio-friendly vibe.
7. Operatic Pop
Operatic pop, or popera, is where the grandeur of opera meets the contemporary pop scene. It’s all about delivering pop songs with an operatic flair, often including themes, melodies, or motifs inspired by classical music. While classical crossover artists are the usual suspects, this genre casts a wide net. One of the remarkable milestones in operatic pop is the Three Tenors’ “Popera” performances, which not only captured larger audiences but also reaped more revenue than your typical opera. It’s a harmonious blend of two musical worlds, making for a melodious spectacle.
During the early 1900s Tin Pan Alley musicians came into the spotlight, operatic pop songs began to shine. The surge in Italian immigrants, particularly those with Sicilian roots, sparked the creation of “novelty songs” sung in the Sicilian dialect, adding a unique twist to the music scene.
During this period, a substantial part of the musical repertoire drew inspiration from the world of opera. These songs were cleverly used to poke fun at or comment on contemporary events. Some well-known examples include Irving Berlin’s “That Opera Rag,” Billy Murray’s “My Cousin Caruso,” and Louis Armstrong’s playful interpretations of pieces from “Rigoletto” and “Pagliacci.”
However, as the 1920s rolled around, this operatic influence slowly faded into the background. It wasn’t until the rock music era that it made a comeback, with iconic albums such as “The Who’s Tommy” and “Queen’s A Night at The Opera” reviving this distinctive musical fusion.
8. Orchestral Pop
Orchestral pop blends popular music with the grandeur of a symphony orchestra. In the 1960s, it moved away from traditional songwriting, introducing rock guitars, symphonic strings, and well-rehearsed studio musicians. Notable figures like George Martin and John Barry enriched artists’ recordings with orchestral pop elements. According to Chris Nickson, the orchestral pop of 1966 was vibrant and far from mere easy listening. Icons like Brian Wilson and Burt Bacharach are celebrated as orchestral pop legends.
9. Sad Pop
Sad pop, a subgenre of pop music, explores themes of sadness, loss, and heartbreak. It evolved from country pop and folk pop in the mid-2010s, featuring artists like Lorde, Halsey, Khalid, and Billie Eilish. These songs are often described as haunting and introspective, helping listeners process their emotions and promoting mental health awareness.
10. Schlager Pop
Schlager pop, also known as Europop, is a light and catchy subgenre of pop music prevalent in Central and Northern Europe. Originating in the early 20th century, it gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s and saw a resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s. Well-known schlager pop artists include ABBA, Modern Talking, Guildo Horn, Nicole, and Dana International.
11. Sophisti-pop
Sophisti-pop is a type of pop music that appeared in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It’s known for using influences from jazz and R&B and having sophisticated, sometimes tricky, lyrics. British bands like The Zombies, The Moody Blues, and Procol Harum got this started, and then American artists like Carly Simon, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon helped make it popular.
12. Sunshine Pop
Sunshine pop is a kind of pop music that started in Southern California in the mid-1960s. It mixes feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for the beauty of the world. It’s like easy-listening music with a sunny, happy vibe. Some lesser-known musicians made this music, taking inspiration from famous acts like The Mamas & the Papas and the 5th Dimension. The Beach Boys were a big influence too, but their own music wasn’t always typical of this genre. Sunshine pop was most popular between 1966 and 1968.
13. Teen Pop
Teen pop is a type of pop music made for, marketed to, and promoted to young people, especially preteens and teenagers. It’s like a polished version of bubblegum pop with catchy melodies and lyrics. This music became big in the late 1990s and early 2000s with boy bands like the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, girl groups like the Spice Girls, and solo artists like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake. Some people say it lacks depth and is too manufactured.
14. Wonky Pop
Wonky pop is a kind of pop music that’s known for using unusual sounds and electronic music techniques. The songs can be experimental, with things like unusual rhythms, key changes, and repetitive beats that don’t follow the usual pop music patterns. The term “wonky pop” was coined in 2007 by a British music journalist to describe the music of artists like Múm. It can include electronic, indie pop, synth-pop, art pop, dream pop, R&B, and more.
15. Ambient Pop
Ambient pop is a mix of ambient music and pop music. It’s all about combining the chill, atmospheric style of ambient music with the catchy melodies and beats of pop. This genre started in the early 1990s with artists like The Orb, Global Communication, and The KLF. Later, artists like Air, Björk, and Dido made it even more popular. Ambient pop stands out because it’s more focused on melodies and catchy hooks, and it’s often dreamy and emotional. British music journalist Simon Reynolds first used the term “ambient pop” in 1998 to describe this unique blend of sweet pop melodies and ambient textures.
16. Country Pop
Country pop is like a mix of country and pop music. It started in the mid-1950s with artists like Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, and The Browns. These musicians blended the sounds and stories of country music with the catchy tunes and themes of pop music.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, country pop evolved with artists like Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash. They added a more polished sound influenced by pop music. You could hear strings, horns, and traditional country instruments like steel guitars and fiddles.
The 1980s went back to a more traditional country sound with artists like Randy Travis, George Strait, and Reba McEntire. Then in the 1990s, country pop made a comeback with folks like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and Faith Hill.
The 2000s continued the trend with artists like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Lady Antebellum.
17. Dancehall Pop
Dancehall pop is a blend of dancehall and pop music. It got its start in the late 1980s with artists like Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, and Ninjaman. They mixed the sounds and themes of dancehall music with the production and lyrics you’d find in pop music.
As the 1990s rolled in, dancehall pop artists like Sean Paul, Mr. Vegas, and Beenie Man found mainstream success with a more polished sound influenced by pop. They used synthesizers, drum machines, and autotune vocals to create their unique sound.
The 2000s saw a continued rise in popularity for dancehall pop artists like Rihanna, M.I.A., and Vybz Kartel.
18. Folk-Pop
Folk-pop is like a musical blend of folk and pop, bringing together the sounds and stories of folk music with the catchy tunes and themes of pop. It all began in the mid-1960s when Bob Dylan released his album “Bringing It All Back Home,” fusing elements of folk and pop music.
Moving into the early 1970s, artists like Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, and Carole King found mainstream success with a more polished sound influenced by pop. This meant better production values and more commercial songwriting.
As we transitioned into the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a return to more traditional folk sounds, with artists like The Waterboys, The Pogues, and Enya making their mark.
Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s, and folk-pop had another resurgence with artists like Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, and Norah Jones.
19. Hip Pop
Hip pop combines the essence of hip hop and pop music. It began in the early 1990s when artists like LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Arrested Development, and House of Pain merged the sounds and themes of hip-hop with the production values and lyrical themes of pop music.
By the mid-1990s, hip pop artists like Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, and Jay-Z found mainstream success with a more polished sound influenced by pop. This included R&B and soul influences and samples from pop songs.
20. House-Pop
House-pop is where the beats of house music meet the catchiness of pop. It kicked off in the early 1990s with artists like CeCe Peniston, Crystal Waters, and Black Box.
As the mid-1990s arrived, house-pop artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston gained mainstream popularity with a more polished sound influenced by pop. This sound was characterized by danceable beats, uplifting lyrics, and big production values.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a return to more traditional house sounds with artists like David Guetta, Air, and Daft Punk.
And in the 2010s, house-pop once again became popular with artists like Lady Gaga, Calvin Harris, and Zedd.
21. Jazz Pop
Jazz pop combines the soul of jazz and the catchiness of pop music. It all started in the early 1950s when Frank Sinatra released “In the Wee Small Hours,” blending jazz and pop elements.
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole hit the mainstream with a polished sound influenced by pop. This meant swinging rhythms often performed by big bands and smooth crooning vocals.
The mid-1960s brought a return to more traditional jazz with avant-garde, free jazz, and fusion.
In the 1970s and 1980s, artists like Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea dabbled in pop elements in their work.
And then in the 1990s and 2000s, artists like Norah Jones, Diana Krall, and Michael Bublé brought jazz pop back to the mainstream with a polished, pop-influenced sound.
22. Pop-R&B
Pop-R&B blends the magic of R&B with the allure of pop music. This subgenre began in the early 1990s with artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and TLC.
As the mid-1990s rolled in, pop-R&B artists like Puff Daddy, Boyz II Men, and Mariah Carey found mainstream success with a polished sound that incorporated soulful vocals, pop samples, and big production.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a return to more traditional R&B sounds with artists like Usher, Aaliyah, and R. Kelly.
In the 2010s, pop-R&B made a strong comeback with artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and Justin Bieber.
23. Pop Rock
Pop rock fuses the spirit of rock with the charm of pop music. This genre gained popularity in the 1950s, thanks to artists such as Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, and The Beatles.
In the 1960s, pop rock artists like The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones achieved mainstream success with a more polished sound influenced by pop and rock. This meant catchy melodies often played on electric guitars and keyboards, along with straightforward lyrics about love and teenage emotions.
The 1980s brought a pop rock resurgence with artists like Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, and Guns N’ Roses. While in the 1990s and 2000s, pop rock once again captured the hearts of music lovers with acts like Matchbox Twenty, Sheryl Crow, and Avril Lavigne.
Furthermore, there are various subcategories of Pop Rock, which we’ll explore down:
Baroque Pop
Baroque pop is where the elegance of baroque music meets the catchiness of pop. It all started in the mid-1960s with The Beatles’ album “Rubber Soul,” which mixed elements of baroque music with pop.
As we moved into the late 1960s and early 1970s, artists like The Beach Boys, Kate Bush, and The Zombies found mainstream success with a more polished sound influenced by baroque pop. This era’s music featured intricate melodies played on keyboards and guitars, and the lyrics often delved into complex themes, with a focus on love and teenage emotions.
Cowboy Pop
Cowboy pop marries the essence of country music with the appeal of pop. This genre found its footing as the 2000s unfolded, carried by artists such as Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Garth Brooks.
As we ventured into the mid-2000s, cowboy pop found new stars in musicians like Cut Worms, Baby Jey, and Kenny Chesney. Their music had a polished touch influenced by pop, yet it retained country instrumentation, often featuring electric guitars and keyboards. Themes of love and heartbreak were prevalent in this era.
Emo Pop
Emo pop blends the deep feelings of emo music with the catchy tunes of pop. It started in the early 2000s with artists like Dashboard Confessional, The Get Up Kids, and Jimmy Eat World.
As we moved into the mid-2000s, emo pop artists such as Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, and My Chemical Romance achieved mainstream success with a sound influenced by pop punk and power pop. Their songs often delved into subjects of romance and heartache, typically played using electric guitars and keyboards.
Indie Pop
Indie pop weaves the indie rock spirit with the allure of pop music. This unique musical trend came into its own during the early 2000s, driven by the likes of The Strokes, The White Stripes, and The Vines.
By the mid-2000s, indie pop artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire, and The Shins gained mainstream recognition with a more polished sound influenced by alternative rock and chamber pop. Their songs often featured complex lyrics about love and relationships, typically played on electric guitars and keyboards.
Jangle Pop
Jangle pop infuses the charm of pop music with the whimsy of jangle pop. It emerged in the early 1980s with R.E.M.’s album “Murmur,” which blended pop elements with jangle pop.
As we moved into the late 1980s and early 1990s, artists like The Stone Roses, The La’s, and Oasis found mainstream success with a more refined sound influenced by jangle pop. During this time, the music was characterized by infectious tunes produced with electric guitars and keyboards. Lyrics often delved into themes of love and relationships.
Pop Metal
Pop metal melds the vigor of heavy metal with the allure of pop music. It came to life in the mid-1980s with Jon Bon Jovi’s album “Slippery When Wet,” which intertwined heavy metal with pop.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Bon Jovi reached mainstream stardom with a more polished sound influenced by hard rock and glam metal. This era was marked by distorted guitars, drum machines, and power ballads.
Pop Punk
Pop punk marries the raw essence of punk rock with the catchiness of pop music. It emerged in the mid-1990s with Green Day’s album “Dookie,” which intertwined punk rock with pop.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, artists like Blink-182, Sum 41, and New Found Glory gained mainstream recognition with a more polished sound influenced by pop punk and power pop. This music era of the 1960s was often defined by brisk tempos, melodies played on electric guitars and keyboards, and lyrics focused on love and relationships.
Power Pop
Power pop is a genre that fuses the vitality of pop music with the spirit of power pop. It made its debut in the late 1960s with The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” which blended pop with power pop.
In the 1970s, artists such as Cheap Trick, The Knack, and Big Star achieved mainstream success with a more refined sound influenced by glam rock and hard rock. Often referred to as the “Guitar and Keyboards” period, this era featured catchy songs performed on electric guitars and keyboards, frequently addressing themes of love and relationships.
24. Pop-soul
Pop-soul, a captivating subgenre of pop music, seamlessly merges the vibrant elements of pop with the emotional depth of soul. It took flight in the early 1960s when Marvin Gaye’s groundbreaking album, “What’s Going On,” beautifully entwined the realms of pop and soul.
As the late 1960s transitioned into the early 1970s, luminaries like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye brought pop-soul into the mainstream spotlight. Their sound, influenced by funk and disco, embraced a symphony of horns, strings, electric guitars, and keyboards. The lyrics often delved into the complex world of love.
Beach
Beach pop, a sun-soaked subgenre of pop music, artfully marries the carefree spirit of pop with the laid-back vibes of beach culture. Its genesis can be traced back to the early 1960s when The Beach Boys’ album “Surfin’ Safari” fused pop music with the quintessential sounds of the beach.
As the late 1960s flowed into the early 1970s, luminaries like Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and The Beach Boys brought beach pop to the masses. Their music, influenced by Motown and funk, was characterized by infectious melodies played on electric guitars and keyboards, often serenading themes of love.
25. Psychedelic pop
Psychedelic pop, a whimsical subgenre of pop music, artfully fuses the enchanting sounds of pop with the mind-bending themes of psychedelic music. Its inception dates back to the mid-1960s when The Beatles released their iconic album, “Revolver,” seamlessly blending the worlds of pop and psychedelia.
As the late 1960s flowed into the early 1970s, music legends like The Beach Boys, The Doors, and Pink Floyd introduced a more refined and mainstream version of psychedelic pop, enriched with the influences of psychedelia and rock. Their music was a tapestry of spirited guitars, sitars, and keyboards, often serenading themes of love.
Hypnagogic pop
Hypnagogic pop, an entrancing subgenre of pop music, melds the soothing sounds of pop with the dreamy themes of hypnagogic music. The genre first emerged in the late 1980s with My Bloody Valentine’s groundbreaking album, “Loveless,” which beautifully united pop and hypnagogic elements.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, luminaries like Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, and Bethany Curve brought hypnagogic pop into the mainstream. Their music, influenced by dream pop and shoegaze, featured ethereal guitars and keyboards, often serenading themes of love in a hypnotic and otherworldly way.
26. Space age pop
Space age pop, a captivating subgenre of pop music, seamlessly melds the sounds and themes of pop with the futuristic vibes of space age music. The journey of this genre commenced in the late 1950s when Les Baxter’s groundbreaking album, “Music from Outer Space,” harmoniously intertwined pop melodies with the cosmic influences of space age music.
As the 1960s unfolded, music luminaries like Martin Denny, Les Baxter, Bob Thompson, and The Spotnicks propelled space age pop into the mainstream. Their music, peppered with influences from surf rock and spy movie soundtracks, exuded a polished charm that resonated with audiences.
27. Synth-pop
Synth-pop, an electrifying subgenre of pop music, weaves the sounds and themes of pop with the futuristic, synthesized beats of synth-pop music. The inception of this genre traces back to the early 1980s when Gary Numan’s album “Telekon” elegantly blended pop melodies with the innovative sounds of synth-pop.
As the late 1980s and early 1990s unfolded, musical visionaries like Depeche Mode, Erasure, and Pet Shop Boys catapulted synth-pop into the mainstream. Their music, influenced by the world of electronic dance music, radiated a polished and futuristic allure that resonated with listeners.
28. Worldbeat
Worldbeat, a rich subgenre of pop music, entwines the sounds and themes of pop with the diverse and global influences of world music. The genesis of this genre dates back to the late 1980s, ignited by Paul Simon’s iconic album “Graceland.” This album masterfully blended the realms of pop music with the rich tapestry of world music.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, artists like Peter Gabriel, David Byrne, and Manu Chao propelled worldbeat into the mainstream. Their music, infused with the vibrant rhythms of Afro-pop, Latin melodies, and reggae vibes, achieved a refined and worldly sound that resonated with a diverse audience.
29. Experimental pop
Experimental pop is a genre of popular music that thrives on pioneering production techniques, boldly shattering traditional musical constraints. It ventures into uncharted territory, employing avant-garde methods like musique concrète, aleatoric compositions, and an eclectic mishmash of sounds within the realm of mainstream music.
Among the innovators and trailblazers of this genre stand musical luminaries like The Beach Boys, The Flaming Lips, Animal Collective, and the enigmatic Björk. This genre has also been closely aligned with musical mavericks such as the iconoclastic Frank Zappa, the idiosyncratic Captain Beefheart, and the ethereal Syd Barrett.
30. Hyperpop
Hyperpop, a pop music offshoot, is marked by its extravagant embrace of Auto-Tune, synthesizers, and a plethora of electronic wizardry. This sonic voyage began its course in the early 2010s, heralded by Clams Casino’s Instrumentals mixtape. This boundary-pushing work seamlessly melded the realms of trap music and pop sensibilities.
As time marched on into the late 2010s and early 2020s, luminaries like 100 gecs, A. G. Cook, SOPHIE, and Charli XCX propelled hyperpop into the mainstream spotlight with a more refined sound. This evolution drew inspiration from electropop and the infectious rhythms of club music.
31. Industrial Pop
Industrial pop, a captivating subgenre of pop music, masterfully marries the vibrant melodies and themes of pop with the stark production aesthetics and thought-provoking lyrics of industrial music. The origins of this musical fusion trace back to the early 1980s, with Depeche Mode’s groundbreaking album, “Speak & Spell,” where pop and industrial elements coalesced seamlessly.
With the passage of time, the late 1980s and early 1990s bore witness to the rise of artists like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, and Rammstein. These luminaries ushered industrial pop into the mainstream arena, imbuing it with a more refined sound influenced by the pulsating rhythms of electronic body music and the darker tones of gothic rock.
32. Noise Pop
Noise pop is a type of pop music that mixes catchy tunes with weird and noisy sounds. It got going in the early 1980s when The Jesus and Mary Chain released “Psychocandy.” They combined pop and noisy music in a cool way.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride made noise pop more popular. They made it smoother and took some ideas from shoegaze and dream pop music.
33. Progressive Pop
Progressive pop is like a mix of regular pop music with the complex and creative approach of progressive rock. Think of it as a blend of catchy tunes with more intricate music. This musical journey started back in the late 1960s when The Beatles released their famous album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” They kind of kicked it all off by combining pop and progressive rock.
Then, in the 1970s, bands like Supertramp, Electric Light Orchestra, and Genesis made progressive pop even more popular. They made it smoother and took some ideas from art rock and symphonic rock.
34. Avant Pop
Avant-pop is a form of popular music that loves to experiment and break the usual musical rules. Imagine using some really strange and creative techniques in popular songs, like making music from everyday sounds or mixing different styles in a catchy way.
Artists known for this include The Beach Boys, The Flaming Lips, Animal Collective, and Björk. This genre has also been linked to creative minds like Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, and Syd Barrett. It’s all about pushing the boundaries in music.
35. Bitpop
Bitpop is a kind of pop music that’s all about using old-school 8-bit synthesizers and sounds from video games. This musical trend got its start in the early 2000s when Anamanaguchi dropped their album “Power Supply.” They cleverly mixed chiptune music with pop, creating something unique.
As time rolled on into the late 2000s and early 2010s, artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Kero Kero Bonito, and YACHT gave bitpop a more refined sound. They took inspiration from electropop and synth-pop to make it even catchier.
36. Britpop
Britpop is a music and cultural movement that sprang to life in the mid-1990s in Britain. It was all about celebrating British culture and creating lively, more upbeat alternative rock. This was a response to the darker themes in the grunge music from the United States and the shoegaze scene in the UK.
The Britpop wave not only made British alternative rock really popular but also played a big part in a broader cultural movement known as “Cool Britannia.” It brought back the vibes of the Swinging Sixties and the groovy British guitar pop from that era.
37. Chamber pop
Chamber pop is like a special flavor of pop music that brings in classical instruments like violins, cellos, and horns. The story of this genre kicks off in the mid-1960s when The Beach Boys dropped their album “Pet Sounds.” They cleverly mixed pop and the grandeur of chamber music.
Then, as we moved into the late 1960s and early 1970s, bands like The Beatles, The Zombies, and 10cc made chamber pop even more popular. They polished it up and got some artistic inspiration from art rock and symphonic rock.
38. Dream pop
Dream pop is a kind of alternative rock and neo-psychedelia that bloomed in the 1980s. It’s all about creating a dreamy atmosphere and rich textures rather than just catchy tunes. This genre sometimes borrows elements from pop music, but it ditches the usual pop song structure for more experimental and collage-like sounds.
Think of artists like Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, Beach House, and Purity Ring as dream pop creators. They’re known for weaving sonic dreams that transport you to otherworldly realms.
39. Futurepop
Futurepop is a musical style born in the early 1990s, fusing the electronic beats of synth-pop with the edgy sounds of electro-industrial. It all began with albums like Nitzer Ebb’s “Ebbhead” and Front 242’s “Tyranny (For You).”
As we moved into the late 1990s and early 2000s, artists like VNV Nation, Covenant, and Apoptygma Berzerk took this genre to new heights. They polished the sound, drawing inspiration from synth-pop and the mesmerizing rhythms of trance music, and became quite popular.
40. Swamp pop
Swamp pop, born in the 1950s within the heart of Louisiana’s swampy landscapes, is a musical concoction blending the soul of rhythm and blues, the twang of country, and the energy of rock and roll.
Among the legends of swamp pop, you’ll find names like Johnnie Allan, Rod Bernard, and the vibrant ensemble known as Cookie and the Cupcakes.
In summary, the world of pop music is a vast realm with numerous subgenres, each offering a distinct and captivating sound. In this exploration, we’ve delved into the unique tones of four popular pop subgenres: Britpop, chamber pop, dream pop, and futurepop. Each possesses its own signature flavor, making them well worth a listen for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience. Try them out, and you could stumble upon a newfound favorite.