Music is a means by which we transmit feelings and emotions. This has experienced variations depending on the sociocultural context and the historical period, giving rise to a variety of musical genres.
Music is fun, but it can also be sadness, melancholy, social criticism, homage and even reminiscent of memories we have experienced. Music is the soundtrack of life and that is why centuries pass and music remains. Although his form has evolved, his essence remains the same, being able to stir the soul and tell stories of all kinds with which, sometimes, even one can feel identified.
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The diverse world of music
Although we talk about music in a generic way, the truth is that there are different types of music, which are called genres. A genre is determined by the type of sound media used , the function that music fulfills, what content makes it up, etc. We will also observe how different rhythms, structures and instruments are applied in each musical genre, which are given by the history and sociocultural origin of each one.
Music, therefore, is also a powerful cultural element, in such a way that it takes changing forms in each human community. Thus, music unites the members of a culture, it is a letter of introduction and an unmistakable sign of identity. Although different types of genres can be distinguished, there are actually musical works that could fit into several of them at the same time.
In other words, this classification is indicative, but in reality the different types of music can be mixed and combined. This synergy is what gives rise to the so-called fusion music, in which elements of different genres are intentionally combined. In this article we are going to review the different existing musical genres and their respective characteristics .
What musical styles exist?
Although there are many types of music genres, here we will collect the most essential ones, since otherwise our list could be excessively extensive.
1. Classical Music
It is one of the oldest musical genres, as its origins go back centuries. In fact, classical music started the way when it comes to making melodies. The height of this genre was the period between the 16th and 20th centuries . The basis of this type of music are the liturgical and secular musical traditions of the entire European region. Authors such as Mozart, Chopin or Beethoven stand out in this category.
2. Jazz
Jazz had its birth in African-American culture in the United States at the end of the 19th century. This genre, in turn, has countless subgenres, so its identification is not so simple, since it does not have the homogeneity of other musical styles. Improvisation and the use of off-beat notes predominate in this genre. In this style, the trumpeter Louis Armstrong or the internationally known Frank Sinatra stand out.
3. Flamenco
Flamenco is a type of traditional Spanish music, typical of the Andalusian region , a place where a great cultural wealth has always existed. This genre is especially linked to the gypsy community, which found in the voice and the guitar the two basic pillars for a melody full of feeling. Among the most outstanding flamenco artists are Paco de Lucía or Estrella Morente.
4. Salsa
This musical genre has its roots, mainly, in the Caribbean and Cuban culture. As with Jazz, it is a style with many variants depending on the area. The common feature of all of them is the use of abundant percussion (maracas, kettledrums…). Salsa has had great artists, where the incomparable Celia Cruz stands out.
5. Reggaeton
Undoubtedly the musical genre that has been talked about the most in recent years. Although nowadays music that does not fit into this genre is called reggaeton, the original has its roots in Puerto Rico . It started around the nineties due to the influence of other existing genres, such as hip hop. Reggaeton’s strong point (and what has made it such a phenomenon) are its catchy lyrics and its danceable sound that livens up any situation. One of the greatest representatives of this genre since its inception is Daddy Yankee.
6. Tango
Tango is a musical style with origins in Argentina, although it also has roots in some areas of Uruguay. This genre has gone through different stages, although essentially it offers melodies with intense lyrics that convey a lot of emotion. Among its star representatives we find Carlos Gardel or Mercedes Simone.
7. Rock
This genre began to emerge between the 1950s and 1960s in the United Kingdom . Its birth was influenced by other musical genres such as (known as R&B), country or folk. The most distinctive feature of rock is the use of certain instruments such as bass, drums, electric guitar or keyboard. Among the most prominent groups are Nirvana or The Beatles.
8. House
This genre was born in the early 1980s in the United States, specifically in Chicago. It is a type of electronic music influenced by disco music.
9. Pop
Pop music is another of the most commercial genres of all those we have discussed . This should come as no surprise, as its name is derived from the word “popular”. Within what is considered Pop we can find numerous subgenres, since it is a very heterogeneous style. Due to its breadth, it is very difficult to list stellar figures, although Michael Jackson was dubbed by some as the king of pop.
10. Punk
Punk is a genre closely related to Rock, as they share certain similarities. It began as a countercultural movement in the 1970s, which is why it has always been considered a genre with an independent style, alien to commercial and popular tastes and with a strongly marked identity. Among the groups that best represent Punk are, for example, the Sex Pistols.
11. Country
This type of music of American origin is one of the genres with the most marked identity. Its beginnings date back to the twenties, as a result of the combination of folk music from different European countries . This is because at that time there was a great wave of immigration, so the typical music of countries such as Ireland was mixed with other African-American styles already established in the country, such as blues.
The most traditional version of country uses instruments such as the guitar, the banjo, the double bass, the accordion, the harmonica or the violin, giving rise to a very characteristic melody. Country star representatives include Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks.
12. Funk
Funk was born in the 1960s as a more energetic and rhythmic variant of soul. Funk would be the antecedent of other dance-style musical genres, such as disco music. Prince is a good example of what constitutes this musical genre.
13. Disco
The disco genre began to become popular in the 70s in nightclubs , as the public wanted music with danceable rhythms. Although in the early days it was decided to offer people somewhat more energetic funk and soul melodies, this type of music soon began to take shape as a genre in itself. Madonna or Cher are two indisputable muses of disco music.
Conclusions
In this article we have reviewed the different types of existing musical genres. Music is a communication channel that allows certain feelings and messages to be transmitted . In addition, the form that it can take varies depending on the time, the sociocultural context or the needs of the people. All this has allowed that, throughout history and especially in the last century, numerous variants that are known as genres were born.
Each of the genres has unique characteristics in terms of rhythms, instruments used, lyrics and messages, etc. Although some are very identifiable because they have a very strong identity, others have given rise to countless subgenres and in a certain way have lost their initial style in favor of diversity. Although music can be classified in this way, in real life melodies and styles can be mixed and matched, so that the same musical work can be categorized into several musical genres at the same time.
In addition to all that has been said, as we can see, musical genres can become a product that covers a need. For this reason, some have become especially popular in the general public, since they have great appeal, catchy and danceable melodies and simple and easy to remember lyrics. In other cases, we find genres that stand out just the opposite, because they move away from common tastes and are presented as countercultural and independent alternatives.
Music can be a sign of identity for a given culture or social group , in such a way that it acts as a kind of glue between its members. Music is ultimately a reflection of human diversity. Although we all need music and we feel what it transmits to us, in every corner of the world it is interpreted in a unique and special way.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.