What is the Definition of Pop Music?

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Pop music is a genre of popular music that originates from popular culture. The term “pop” was first used in the early 1950s to describe the new sound of rock and roll, which had just become distinctly different from its counterparts such as jazz, soul, and classical music. Pop music is typically defined by its bright melodies, catchy refrains, and accessible structures. It tends to draw heavily on traditional musical styles like blues and folk but often combines them with other genres such as rap or country in order to create a blend of various influences within one piece of music. While some modern pop songs may contain references to current events or social issues, most tend to focus on more universal topics such as love, loss, relationships and heartache.

Popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Beyoncé are some examples of musicians who currently work in this genre today. Since it was first established in the mid-20th century, pop music has always been dominated by young people; therefore teens are historically both the primary consumers and creators of this type of music. Additionally, the genre’s broad commercial appeal has made it an important fixture on radio airwaves around the globe for decades. At its core however pop’s main purpose is to provide simple yet effective melodies that resonate with listeners no matter their age or location.