Pop – A style of music that emphasizes catchy melodies and accessible lyrics.
Pop music is a popular music genre that emerged in the mid-1950s in the US and UK. It is often used interchangeably with the term “popular music,” but it specifically refers to a genre that is commercial, accessible, and often ephemeral. While pop music has encompassed various styles throughout history, it is typically characterized by short to medium-length songs with repeated choruses and hooks that are easy to dance to.
Pop music is distinguished from chart music, which includes any music that appears on record charts, by its identifiable characteristics. These characteristics often include a basic song format with a verse-chorus structure, and rhythms or tempos that are easy to dance to. Pop music often borrows elements from other genres, including rock, urban, dance, Latin, and country, to create a distinct sound that appeals to a wide audience.
Example
Here are a few examples of popular pop songs:
- “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo
- “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
- “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
- “Peaches” by Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar and Giveon
- “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat ft. SZA
These songs all have the characteristics of pop music that we discussed earlier, such as catchy choruses and easy-to-dance-to rhythms, and they have been widely popular among audiences.
