There are over 41 primary genres of music, with over 300 genres worldwide. These students primarily listen to different music. Studies show this year currently the most popular genres are R&B, rock, and pop. Here at West our students have different opinions. After interviewing some students, we’ve got our top three genres our students listen to. The most popular genres from West High school currently are Hispanic music, pop music, and K-pop. A genre that was not popular among the students was country music, it was described as “annoying, bad,” overall, not everyone’s cup of tea. Moving on to our popular options.
Hispanic music is a genre popular among our Hispanic students, regardless of whether you understand the language or not, you can’t lie that they have catchy beats and vibes. They all sound different for example they have Latin pop/ hip hop, norteña, cumbia, reggaeton, bachata, tango, etc.
Currently the popular artists of this genre are Peso Pluma, Ivan Cornejo, Karol G., Bad Bunny, and more. All these artists have made it onto billboard charts and have more than a billion streams. This genre is loved about 9.4% of people listen to this genre worldwide. What makes this genre unique is it has “a diverse synthesis of musical traditions with a taste for freedom and experimentation.”
Pop music is mainstream music, popular amongst all students. These types of songs are played in public stores, malls, restaurants, and salons. When I say everywhere I mean it. A little overplayed but still enjoyable to listen to, rather than something you don’t know. Our most listened to artists of this genre are SZA, Tyler the Creator, Taylor Swift, Oliva Rodrigo, Harry Styles, etc. These artists have lots of successful music, sold out concerts, and are nominated for Grammys. The United States holds an annual award show called the Grammys presenting awards to artists “to recognize spectacular work in the music industry.”
K-pop is Korean popular music, with different styles of rock, hip-hop, R&B, and disco. This genre is very different from what were used to, it’s more mainstream now. Before it was one of the most hated because it’s in a language many are not used to. The first K-pop song to be known worldwide came out in 2012, Gangnam Style.
Having over 4.9 billion views on YouTube, no other K-pop artist has surpassed that but have broken other records. Like BTS, Blackpink, EXO, Twice, NewJeans, and many more. This genre has “achieved great success and have a dedicated fanbase worldwide.” To this day it’s still considered different but not being able to understand doesn’t the language doesn’t mean it’s not good music, you just have to keep your options open.
