For decades, the music scene has consisted of a few common genres and subgenres that attract a lot of attention. Today, we can’t really say we are listening to pop music without being more precise about what we think of. It’s the same with rock, hip-hop, jazz, etc. Artists really love to test the boundaries and see how far they can get.
There are more than 1,000 defined subgenres derived from known genres, experiments, hybrid approaches, and vocal techniques.
So, let’s say a few words about some of the most interesting subgenres people love most:
Trip-Hop
When people listen to the term “Trip-Hop,” they instantly know it is something atmospheric, slow, and borderline psychedelic. Now, imagine a really slow song, combining hip-hop, R&B, soul, and electronic music. Often it’s accompanied by heavy bass, bold drumbeat, and clean vocals. Artists use elements of rock, rap, and folk to create an even deeper and transcending impression.
If you love Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky, you already love this authentic UK music fusion named trip-hop.
Synth-Pop
Synth-pop referred to the late 70s when popular synthesizers replaced a lot of instruments in music creation. It’s a subgenre of new wave music (which is also a subgenre we will cover later). Synth-pop combines pop rhythm with progressive rock, disco, and electronic music.
You may already love some synth-pop artists, like Pet Shop Boys, A-Ha, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and MGMT. Even Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue use synth-pop elements in their music.
Latin Trap
Latin trap is an authentic combination of rap, Latin music sounds, and reggaeton. It was initially popular in Puerto Rico, where most Latin trap artists come from. We can say that right now, this hybrid genre is a global sensation. You can attend so many concerts and festivals. If you check ticket services, you can easily find available Karol G, Ozuna, Rosalia, or Bad Bunny tickets 2022. People love this genre because of its unique elements, the Spanish language, and talented artists.
When you see stars like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Cardi B collaborating with Latin trap singers, it’s all clear how influential this hybrid genre is.
Also, many other artists deserve mentions, like Becky G, Anitta, Anuel AA, J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Fuego, etc.
Acid Jazz
Acid jazz is a jazz genre with funk, soul, hip-hop, and even trip-hop elements. If you know Jamiroquai, then you know exactly what acid jazz is. It’s also similar to jazz-funk and neo-soul since they share many recognizable elements.
When it was first represented in the UK clubs, it was a psychedelic fusion of jazz and other styles. It later became popular outside the UK.
While Jamiroquai is an acid jazz pioneer, we can also mention Brand New Heavies, Galliano, Stereo MCs, etc. While popularity declined over the years, many listeners are still loyal to this style.
Bubblegum Pop
Bubblegum pop is a mix of pop and rock and roll music. The sound is catchy, and the video spots are colorful. The target audience was the US teens back in the 60s and 70s. It’s named bubblegum because it was intended to be fun, entertaining, and even humorous for teenagers.
When you listen to some bubblegum pop music, you feel like you are at a children’s festival. One of the most popular songs is “Yummy Yummy Yummy” by the Ohio Express, and of course, “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies.
This subgenre is still alive for those who know how to appreciate it. Sadly, it never got really popular, even though some more serious genres derived from it.
Nu Metal
Nu metal is a subgenre of another subgenre. It’s a part of the big alternative metal group. Nu metal uses heavy metal music as a base and adds elements of alternative rock, funk, hip-hop, pop, industrial, and grunge.
It was really popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. Bands like Korn, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Papa Roach, P.O.D., and Staind are part of this scene.
We can say it’s unique enough to stand alone as a separate genre, which is now an inspiration to electronic pop stars. Artists like Grimes and Poppy often use nu-metal elements in their songs.
Just like a few of the mentioned genres, nu-metal also declined in the late 2010s, as many bands embraced other genres and subgenres.
Europop
Europop refers to European pop music. Even though it was inspired by classic pop, European stars used many unique elements, even folklore ones, to create an authentic scene that rocked in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Most of the tracks were pop mixed with other genres.
Europeans still remember and love bands and artists like Eiffel 65, Spice Girls, Aqua, Backstreet Boys, DJ BoBo, Roxette, Alcazar, Modern Talking, and many others. Some gained global popularity, while others decided it was enough from the music.
Today, many popular songs are sampled from Eurodance’s greatest hits.
Do you have more subgenres or hybrid genres to add? Which ones are your favorites?
