If you had to put together a pop music playlist to listen to while traveling, which songs would you choose?
Pop music is an expanding universe when it comes to genres and the creation/recovery of sounds. Despite this, it is possible to understand these nuances to find more music you might like and create amazing playlists!
Discover pop in its sonic diversity in this dictionary with its main genres and subgenres:
Mainstream Pop
Mainstream pop music is a genre of popular music with an origin that is difficult to determine, as it is a cross-genre style that developed from a variety of sources over a period of time. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all popular music and includes diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were roughly synonymous terms until the late 1960s, for example, when they became increasingly differentiated from one another.
Generally, pop music is understood as commercially recorded music intended to appeal to a mass audience, with a focus on singles rather than albums, and is generally distributed via radio, television, and the internet. It's characteristically catchy, simple and short, with a lighter approach to melodies and lyrics. Pop music has been dominated by the American music industry and, since the mid-1960s, the British music industry.
The most popular pop music artists of recent decades have been Madonna, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and the Spice Girls. More recent established artists in the genre include Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.
Dua Lipa – Love Again
Alternative Pop
Alternative pop music is a musical genre that emerged in the 1980s as an alternative to mainstream pop music. The genre is characterized by a more experimental and less commercial sound, and includes artists such as REM, Talking Heads, The Cure and Depeche Mode.
Alternative pop music gained popularity in the 1990s, with the emergence of bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, who led the grunge movement. In the 2000s, the genre evolved to include artists like The Strokes, The White Stripes and The Killers, who brought a more 1980s revival sound.
Currently, the genre is constantly evolving, incorporating elements from other musical genres, such as hip-hop, electronica and indie rock. Artists like Lorde, Haim and Vampire Weekend are some of the main representatives of contemporary alternative pop music.
Indie Pop
Indie pop is a subgenre of popular music that originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. It combines elements of punk rock, new wave and alternative rock.
Initially defined by its DIY aesthetic, indie pop has evolved to include a wide range of styles and influences, from guitar-based pop to synthesizer-driven electronica.
The genre is generally characterized by the use of traditional pop music structures and melodies, as well as a focus on personal and emotional themes.
Although the style is often associated with independent record labels, many major labels have signed indie pop artists in recent years. O Indie pop has also been adopted by the mainstream pop music world and rock, with many artists incorporating elements of the genre into their music.
The term “indie pop” was first used in the late 1970s by the British music magazine NME to describe the music of bands such as the Buzzcocks, Slits and Undertones.
Lana Del Rey – High By The Beach
Popular Brazilian Music
Brazilian popular music is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. From samba and bossa nova, through MPB and axé, to funk and hip hop, Brazil has a little bit of everything to offer.
Samba is perhaps the best-known form of popular music in Brazil. Originating from carnivals and samba schools, samba is a mix of African rhythms with the Latin rhythm of choro. Bossa nova is a calmer and more romantic form of samba, created in the 1960s.
Known for its happy and engaging rhythm, which invites you to dance, Brazilian popular music has its roots in African and European music brought by enslaved people and immigrants, respectively.
The artists who stood out most in Brazilian popular music throughout history are Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Astrud Gilberto, Elis Regina and Gal Costa.
Pop rock
Pop rock is a genre of popular music that combines elements of rock music and pop music. It usually has a heavy guitar sound, strong melodies and a catchy hook.
The term “pop rock” was first used in the early 1960s to describe the music of bands such as the Beatles and the Beach Boys. As the 1960s progressed, pop rock became increasingly popular, with bands such as the Byrds, Zombies and Kinks achieving commercial success.
In the 1970s, pop rock continued to be popular, with artists such as David Bowie, Queen and Elton John achieving global success. The genre has also spawned several subgenres, such as power pop and new wave.
The 1980s saw renewed interest in pop rock, with artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince achieving huge success. In the 1990s and 2000s, pop rock remained popular, with artists such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake achieving global success.
Britney Spears – I Love Rock 'N' Roll
PowerPop
Power pop is a subgenre of pop music that is characterized by strong melodic hooks and a guitar-based sound. Power pop often incorporates elements of punk rock and new wave, and is sometimes called “jangle pop.”
The genre developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and reached its peak of popularity in the mid-1970s. Power pop bands such as Big Star, Cheap Trick, The Knack, and Raspberries were influential in shaping the sound of the music pop in the 1970s.
In the 1990s and 2000s, power pop experienced a renaissance with bands like Weezer, Fountains of Wayne and The Rentals.
Power pop is defined by its strong melodies and hooks, and its guitar-based sound. Power pop songs are often short and to the point, with catchy choruses that are easy to sing along to.
Weezer – Island In The Sun
Dream Pop
Dream pop is a subgenre of alternative rock and neo-psychedelia that developed in the late 1980s. Dream pop mixes a dreamy, atmospheric sound with pop melodies and often ethereal vocals. It originated in the UK and the US and reached its peak of popularity in the early 1990s.
Dream pop bands often use synthesizers and effects pedals to create a dense, atmospheric sound. Reverb-filled guitars and ethereal vocals are common features of the genre. The lyrics often deal with themes of love and loss, and are often vague and dreamlike.
Dream pop reached its commercial peak in the early 1990s with bands such as Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins. However, the genre has continued to evolve and produce new sounds into the 21st century. Artists like Beach House, M83, and Grimes have all been influenced by dream pop and have helped keep the genre relevant.
Grimes – New Gods
Latin Pop
Latin pop is a fusion of Latin American music and Western pop music. Latin American pop music has its roots in the music of Latin America, including music from countries such as Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Latin American pop music has also been influenced by music from the United States, including rock'n'roll, jazz and hip hop.
The first star of Latin American pop music was Mexican singer-songwriter Luis Miguel, who achieved international success in the 1980s and 1990s with his blend of Latin pop and traditional Mexican music. Miguel was followed by a wave of Latin American pop stars, including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
In the early 21st century, Latin American pop music became increasingly popular in the United States, thanks to the success of artists such as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull, also becoming well known in other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. .
Anitta, Maluma – El Que Espera
Soft Pop
Soft pop is a subgenre of pop music that includes ballads and mid-tempo songs with soft, often emotional lyrics. He was popular in the late 1960s and 1970s and is often associated with artists such as Carole King, Barbra Streisand, and Neil Diamond.
Soft pop songs are typically slower than other pop songs, with a moderate tempo of 60 to 80 beats per minute. The lyrics are often emotional and personal, dealing with themes such as love, heartbreak and relationships. The melodies are often simple and catchy, with a focus on vocal hooks. Instrumentation is typically light, with acoustic guitars, pianos and strings being common.
Some famous soft pop songs are “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand, “You've Got a Friend” by Carole King and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.
Lady Gaga – Hold My Hand
Pop Soul
Pop soul is a musical genre that mixes elements of soul music and pop music. The term was created in the 1990s to describe the music of artists such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. It is characterized by a melodic and emotional vocal style, and a danceable and engaging beat. The main instruments are the guitar, bass, drums and keyboard.
Rihanna – Love On The Brain
Electronic Pop
Electronic pop is a musical genre that mixes elements of pop and electronic. Its emergence took place in the 1990s, with the increased use of synthesizers and samplers in music. It is characterized by a catchy, danceable beat and melodic vocals.
Its main exponents are DJs and music producers, such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia.
Alok, Bruno Martini feat. Zeeba – Hear Me Now
Country Pop
Country pop is characterized by being a mix of country and pop, with a predominance of country. Generally, the songs are slow and melodious, with lyrics that talk about love, longing and country life.
The genre began to become popular in the 1970s, with artists such as Glen Campbell, John Denver and Anne Murray. In the 1980s, country pop gained momentum with the success of artists such as Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Garth Brooks.
Currently, country pop is one of the most popular musical styles in the world. Some of the best-known artists in the genre are Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum.
Miley Cyrus – Inspired
