Genre Research - Pop

Pop music is a mainstream style of music that is normally targeted at a younger audience from 3- 20+ years of age. Pop songs usually consist of short simple songs that utilize new technological innovations to create a variation of existing themes of music.

Characteristics of Pop
- it appeals to a general audience, no niche audiences
- commonly uses the "verse-chorus" form or the "thirty two bar" form
- focuses on melodies and catchy hooks
- the lyrics are simple and reflect common themes such as "love" and "relationships"
- the chorus contrasts melodically, rhythmically and harmonically with the verses

Styles of Pop
Adult Contemporary- Pop music which is generally rock based aimed at 18-45 year olds
Baroque - a combination of classical music and rock'n'roll
Bubblegum - Pop music aimed at pre-teens and teenagers
Christian - Pop music which is based on the Christian faith
Dance - dance oriented music with pounding beats
Hip- Pop - a fusion of the vocal style of pop with Hip-Hop
Pop Punk - combination of Punk and Pop
Pop Rock - a mix of catchy light lyrics on guitar based songs
Pop soul - soul music performed by "White" artists
Teen - solely aimed at teenagers, combines dance, R&B, Hip-Hop,Country, Rock with Pop

Pop  Icons

• Aerosmith
• The Beatles
• Mariah Carey
• Celine Dion
• Whitney Houston 
• Michael Jackson
• Elton John 
• George Michael
• Madonna 
• Kylie Minogue 
• Elvis Presley 
• Rihanna 
• Britney Spears 
• The Spice Girls