Music has always been a reflection of the times. The anthems of each era give us a medium through which we can observe the social, cultural and technological shifts that have taken place over the years. From 60s funk and soul to 2000s indie rock, every decade gives birth to new notes. Emerging artists and shifting genres give a snapshot of what life was like, what boundaries were pushed and what conventions were broken. Music has touched every life, and by tuning in to the most popular sounds of each decade, we can begin to understand how.
We begin in the 50s with the rise of rock n’ roll. Originating from rockabilly, a blend of country music with rhythm and blues, rock n’ roll gained traction with teens of the time. This genre encouraged rebellion against authority, mainly within middle-class society. Beyond that, this music united kids of all racial backgrounds, tearing down systemic barriers and encouraging the celebration of black artists such as Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. Of course, one of the most notable musicians of the time was Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock n’ Roll”, who wrote hits such as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock”. Characterized by his extravagant outfits and suggestive dance moves, Elvis attracted hordes of fans wherever he performed and was a sensation among American youth. Despite the disapproval of older demographics, Elvis and rock n’ roll shaped the 50s with messages of young love and freedom.
Next in line, the 60s made history as one of the most revolutionary decades in music. This was a time of groundbreaking new artists and music styles, notably folk, rock and electronic music. The Beatles saw their rise to fame in the 1960s, coining the “Beatlemania” phenomenon, which continued until the band broke up in 1970. Other influential artists, like The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones, surfaced during this time and quickly became popular among a variety of audiences. Major musical breakthroughs in combination with an extreme wave of social reform brought by the Civil Rights Movement helped to give the 60s its title as the “Counterculture Decade.”
The 70s introduced an energetic era of disco and soul tunes. EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner Barbra Streisand, next to vocalists such as the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan took the spotlight. Songs by these artists reflected America’s social climate at the time. The country was knee-deep in its involvement in the Vietnam War, and though major fights for civil equality had been won in the previous decade, activists in the 1970s continued to crack down on anti-discrimination efforts. Music at this time also encouraged gay pride, with ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” becoming one of many anthems among the LGBTQ+ community. People found solace and relatability buried in the lyrics that discussed these social concerns, marking the 70s as one of the greatest decades in musical history.
The 80s emphasized performance and theatrics just as much as music itself. The birth of MTV and the popularization of music videos encouraged big sounds and large performances. Some essential genres of the 80s include pop, hip-hop, new wave and hair metal, which were brought to listeners by iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Run DMC and Guns n’ Roses. With consumers now able to view artists on TV, music began to influence fashion and cast a bright spotlight on celebrity life. Technology pushed music to audiences across the globe, which allowed musicians to raise support for humane causes and host charity concerts such as “Band-Aid”, “Live Aid” and “We Are The World.”
Pop, Hip-Hop, Rap and Rock found their rise in the 1990s. Delivered by artists such as Whitney Huston, Madonna, Nirvana, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg, these unique sounds made for a spunky and upbeat era of music. The turn of the 90s flipped the industry upside-down as charts began to display a more diverse musical palate. Sub-genres also emerged from the dominant trends; notably, conscious rap and gangsta rap took a stand on the podium. The former became known for deliberately challenging cultural, social and political norms, while the latter is characterized by its aggressive production style. Teenage listeners valued this new music for its rebellious and spirited nature, allowing for the embrace of sounds that had previously been marginalized and reshaping the recording industry forever.
As the new century began, so did a revolutionary age of music. Moving into the 2000s, boy bands and sensational soloists stormed the stage with infectious pop star energy. Tracks featuring artists like Britney Spears, Usher, *NSYNC, Beyonce and Amy Winehouse were guaranteed national chart-toppers. While many of these musicians are still active in the industry today, their careers reached a peak during this decade. Popular artists owned their songs with a unique confidence that seeped into everything, from the lyrics to the backtrack and the choreography they performed live on stage. While these songs first shaped the 2000s, they are still some of the most widely recognized and enjoyed hits.
Keeping with the momentum, the 2010s brought major changes to the world of song. Global developments in technology showed no signs of stopping, and they continued to mold the ways music was distributed and portrayed. Streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube Music created new ways for fans to listen to and interact with their favorite artists. These platforms also aided up-and-coming musicians who hoped to be discovered and collaborate with others. Pop, Hip Hop, Indie and Rap were popular genres of this time, with artists such as Adele, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé rising in the ranks. The 2010s also shaped the industry with innovative memes, Tik Toks and other social media content, which were responsible for worldwide spikes in music exposure and popularity.
We arrive in the early 2020s, which delivered a tough blow to the music industry. COVID-19 led to worldwide concert cancellations, but by 2023, the global music industry had generated $28.6 billion in revenue, and the US music industry $17.1 billion, both being record highs. So far, the decade has given birth to iconic new artists – such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii – as well as supporting past performers in new endeavors, like SZA, Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars. Supported by popular streaming platforms, several artists have transitioned from one genre to the next, introducing “genreless music”. Some artists we have seen gaining extreme popularity are Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar, Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler the Creator.
Music may be ever-changing, but its ability to inspire and shape generations endures. Fueled by talented artists and impressive technology, music continues to mirror the world around us. No matter the decade, it remains a universal language – one with the power to draw a tear and a smile in the same breath, expressing what words alone cannot.
