Why Pop Music Is So Incredibly Popular
Why is pop music so immensely popular? It’s been the main genre in music for what it feels like forever. And doesn’t look like anything is going to change any time soon. While other genres go through rises and falls in popularity, Pop remains the king. So, what’s its secret? In short:
- Pop music has 3 key characteristics that make it the most successful genre of all. They are:
- Extremely relatable lyrics and themes.
- Super catchy and easy to enjoy melodies.
- Huge diversity within the genre.
Think about it for a moment. When you narrow it down, Pop music’s popularity secret lies in its incredibly relatable lyrics, super catchy melodies, and amazing diversity within the genre itself. It is the easiest genre for the wider audience to connect with, enjoy, and find a sub-genre that resonates perfectly with their taste.
Of course, there are other factors and reasons why this is the go-to genre for most people. For example Pop music enjoys unrivaled accessibility – it is being played everywhere, all the time. No matter what part of the world you are in, you will hear the same hits blasting from TV, Radio, Web, advertisement, etc.
Universal Appeal
Universal appeal of pop songs is undeniable. But why does pop music have this effect on us? Well, for starters the lyrics and the themes that it touches upon are super relatable.
Pop music focuses on everyday life’s big moments and emotions in ways that anyone can relate. The genre’s bread and butter is exploring personal matters like love, breakups, desires, everyday emotions, friendships. We can all associate with this, because these themes mirror our own experiences.
So, when pop artists use their own stories to write songs, they resonate with huge audiences. This shared human experience is what makes pop music so easy to relate to.
Catchiness Of The Melodies
Ever caught yourself humming a tune you just can’t get out of your head? Sometimes for hours or even days. I certainly have. Sometimes even against my will. I guess we’ve all been there. But that’s one of the Pop’s genre main strengths – catchy melodies. Pop music creates songs that stick – they just keep replaying in our heads long after the music stops.
The trick is in simple, it’s repetitive structures and rhythms of pop songs. They are often super simple, and combined with light beats make this music extremely easy to remember. And if the lyrics are simple enough you end up singing these songs on your way from work, in a sower, during breakfast…
Accessibility
No point in denying it – pop’s everywhere. From radio stations, to TV shows and movie soundtracks. From sports events to advertisement reels.
This accessibility makes it easy for these catchy tunes and relatable lyrics to become even more popular. They are on the constant rotation in the background. I feel for you, metal fans, you can’t escape it 
No other genre can boast a similar presence in our everyday life. Pop melodies are truly hard to forget, and very easy to enjoy.
Diversity Within The Genre
Pop music’s diversity is one of the reasons why it never gets old and why it’s so widespread. The genre is a mix of sounds, stories, and cultures. It blends and incorporates new beats, other genres, and influences from across the globe. Each artist adds something from their part of the world, from their heritage. Pop is just a perfect style for that wild mix of diversity.
Here are some examples of how different Pop music can be:
And with this mix we have so many sub-genres of pop that literally anyone can find music that resonates with them. You like hip hop? Modern pop scene can offer plenty of artists who add it in their songs. Or maybe you like soul music? No problem – the genre has just as many superstars who throw elements of soul to their music. You got the idea.
Production and Quality
We can argue on the level of quality and talent in the modern music industry. But behind the most popular catchy pop tunes stand the art of production. And it’s hard to deny that Pop often has a really high-quality production.
This perfect way of mixing together beats, notes, and vocals to make a song very listenable and memorable. That’s what pop producers do so well.
It is not easy to accomplish, by the way. If you think it is – try making a hit yourself. Who knows, maybe you are the next big superstar!
Media and Marketing
Social media is the new titan for music promotion. A catchy clip or a viral reel can catapult a track from obscurity to the top playlists. It’s instant and it’s global. That’s how stars are born overnight these days.
And marketing campaigns are there to boost this even further. Billboards, sponsored posts – marketing will get you eventually. Big budgets are spent to promote some songs and artist behind them every day.
Pop Icons
Talking about artists, let’s not underestimate the power of the connection the audiences have with superstars of the genre. Pop icons have always been some of the most recognized celebrities in the world. Even if you are not into music, you most likely heard the names of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and alike.
Through social media and live performances they gain more fans today then ever. And the more popular they get, the more exposure their music gets, and therefore the more people get to hear them.
Evolution and Trends
Another reason for pop genre dominance is that it always changes. It never stands still. Cultural shifts new technologies, new tastes – all this influences the genre and pushes its evolution. Pop hits from 60s are so much different from popular songs of the 80s and 90s. It’s a quite fascinating to see how the genre changed through the years.
Take a look at how hits from different eras sound so differently:
The 60s
The 70s
The 80s
The 90s
The 2000s
And the fact that Pop music from various eras is so distinctive adds to the genre’s overall richness. You can be a fan of 70s pop (or any other era), and never even touch modern stuff if you don’t like it. It’s so easy to find the style that fits your taste and preferences.
Conclusion
In essence, pop music’s global appeal stands on the shoulders of truly relatable lyrics, catchy tunes, and genre diversity. These elements combined deliver a musical experience like no other. Add to this such factors like evolution of the genre, the influence of Pop icons, marketing, production, accessibility and you have a recipe for the most popular music in the world.
