Music in the United States reflects the country’s multi-ethnic population. Among the most famous music genres in the country are hip hop, rock music, jazz, country, and R&B. There are several other different music styles that are appreciated as well. One such style is electronic dance music (EDM), which is growing at a fast pace.
Musicians from the United States are popular all over the world too. As times change, trends in music change as well. Each style has enjoyed a peak in popularity during previous years. Recently, the charts have been dominated by musicians from the hip hop genre.
If you’re interested in US music styles, here are the most popular music styles in the USA.
- Rock
Rock music is the most popular genre in the United States, and it’s been so for quite a while. Initially, rock music was met with a lot of criticism. People went as far as brandishing it as ‘the devil’s music’ because of the dark themes and loud style. However, the initial persecution of rock music also made fans of the style that much more devoted.
The popularity of music has much to do with flexibility, and that’s why rock is so popular. There are many different sub-genres of rock. These include hard rock, alternative rock, indie rock, and many others. Hence, many rock bands can find success in their respective niches. For example, hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC have legendary reputations.
However, the genre’s popularity also has much to do with older bands, rather than new talent. Modern rock bands can’t seem to capture the same magic as the older ones. Exploring sound libraries from Unison Audio could inspire modern rock bands to rediscover that classic magic. So, even though rock music had been dominating for years, it’s the time at the top is slowly coming to an end.
- Pop
Pop music is increasingly in popularity thanks to its easy-listening nature and mainstream appeal. There’s been an evolution in pop music over the years as musicians begin to blend different genres and styles into their music.
One of the best examples of this is the evolution of stars like Taylor Swift, who has transitioned from a pop-country style to a more modern pop style, which borrows from electronic music and hip hop.
Pop musicians also dominate the charts and are seeing significant growth in the genre as well. There are several different sub-genres of pop, such as indie pop and pop-rock.
- Jazz
Jazz music originated from the African-American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the Jazz age in 1920, the genre gained recognition as a significant style of music.
Legends like Nat King Cole and Mary Lou Williams continue to inspire modern musicians. If that wasn’t enough, Jazz music has played a substantial role in the formation of other styles of music too. Hip hop and R&B both find their roots in Jazz and Blues music.
Like Rock music, much of Jazz music’s popularity is due to legendary artists of the past. However, that’s not to undermine the talent of new musicians continuing the legacy of the legends.
- Hip Hop
Hip Hop is arguably the fastest growing modern music genre. It’s been around for a significantly long time, with legendary musicians such as Tupac, Jay-Z, Eminem, to name just a few. Modern music charts are dominated by hip hop artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Travis Scott, and Post Malone. They continue to bring out music that tops the charts consistently and have some of the bestselling albums of all time!
Originating from the Jazz and Blues genre, hip hop overtook rock music a few years ago. Thanks to the widespread appeal of the genre, hip hop artists find it easy to collaborate with other genres and increase their fame worldwide. Like rock music, there are several sub-genres of hip hop. This includes rap music and R&B as well, two of the fastest-growing styles of music.
- Country Music
America is the birthplace of country music. The style boasts legendary musicians like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Merle Haggard. Country music is boasting strong growth as well and has undergone quite a significant transformation. Its more popular than ever before, and country songs get a lot of radio time.
Even though the recent popularity of country music is due to many talented new musicians, they have a long way to go before reaching the status of legends. Musicians like Johnny Cash continue to influence country music and other styles of music as well.
- Electronic Dance Music
Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, is a genre that saw an explosion in popularity in the 2010s. The genre came over from Europe during the 70s and 80s. Electronic Dance Music has had a significant impact on modern styles of music. Hip hop, Pop, and Rock are all starting to blend with EDM.
Additionally, legendary musicians like Daft Punk and Tiesto have found immense success in music production. This style is increasing in popularity as well and is regularly producing talented new musicians. EDM is one of the most accessible forms of music as well, and all musicians need to get started is a laptop.
- Folk
Traditional Folk music has seen an evolution throughout the years. It was in the mid-20th century when modern folk music evolved from traditional styles. The new form of folk music includes different fusion genres as well. These include folk-rock and folk metal. Contemporary artists like Justin Vernon and Iron & Wine draw many features from the folk music genre in their creations.
Conclusion
While every style of music enjoys its peak in its popularity, Rock, Pop, and Hip Hop manage to dominate the types of music in the USA. As already established artists continue to release brilliant music, one can expect that Pop and Hip Hop will overtake Rock music eventually.
However, for now, Rock music manages to reign supreme and is the most popular style of music in the USA. As music styles continue to evolve, and musical genres continue to blend, it’s an exciting time for musicians. It’s safe to say that the industry is in good hands for the future!
