Are you tired of feeling lost in the world of music genres and styles?
Do terms like “trap,” “emo,” or “shoegaze” leave you scratching your head?
Fear not, because in this article, we will be exploring over 100 music genres and styles in an easy-to-understand manner.
Whether you’re a music lover, musician, or simply curious about the vast landscape of music, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse genres and styles that exist today.
From classic genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop to newer sub-genres like vaporwave and future bass, we’ll cover it all.
We’ll also delve into the histories and influences behind each genre, as well as provide examples of key artists and songs to check out.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the world of music and discover new artists and genres to add to your playlist.
So, whether you’re a fan of old-school rock and roll or experimental electronic music, get ready to expand your musical horizons with our guide to 100+ music genres and styles explained.
1. Pop
Pop is short for “popular music,” and it’s a genre that encompasses a wide variety of music that is intended to be appealing to a large audience.
Pop songs are usually catchy, upbeat, and easy to dance or sing along to.
Pop music often features electronic instruments and a focus on melody and hooks, and it’s often associated with mainstream commercial success.
2. Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a genre of music that originated in African American and Latino communities in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s.
It’s characterized by its use of rhythmically spoken lyrics, often accompanied by a beat or instrumental track.
Hip-hop often addresses social and political issues, as well as personal experiences and emotions.
Hip-hop has evolved over time, with subgenres like gangsta rap, conscious rap, and trap music.
3. Rock
Rock is a genre of music that emerged in the United States in the 1950s, and it’s characterized by its use of electric guitars, drums, and bass.
Rock music often emphasizes live performance and is associated with rebelliousness and counterculture.
Rock has evolved over time, with subgenres like punk, metal, and alternative rock.
4. Electronic
Electronic music is a genre that’s produced using electronic instruments, like synthesizers and drum machines, rather than traditional instruments like guitars and drums.
Electronic music can encompass a wide range of styles, from ambient and experimental to dance and pop music.
5. R&B
R&B, short for “rhythm and blues,” is a genre of music that originated in African American communities in the United States in the 1940s.
It’s characterized by its use of soulful vocals, often accompanied by a smooth, grooving instrumental track.
R&B has influenced many other genres, including hip-hop, pop, and electronic music.6.
6. Country
Country music is a genre that originated in the southern United States and is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments like guitars, fiddles, and banjos.
Country music often tells stories of rural life and love, and it’s associated with traditional values and lifestyles.
7. Indie
Indie music is a genre that’s often associated with independent record labels and DIY music production.
It can encompass a wide range of styles, but it’s often characterized by its experimental or non-commercial sound.
Indie music often emphasizes authenticity and creativity over commercial success.
8. Metal
Metal music is a genre that’s characterized by its use of heavy, distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, and often complex instrumental arrangements.
Metal music often explores dark themes like death, violence, and social injustice, and it’s associated with a subculture of fans who value authenticity and individuality.
9. Jazz
Jazz is a genre of music that originated in African American communities in the southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s characterized by its use of improvisation, syncopation, and a focus on instrumental virtuosity.
Jazz has influenced many other genres, including rock, pop, and electronic music.
10. Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a genre of music that originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s.
It’s characterized by its use of a specific drum pattern called “dem bow,” as well as its fusion of dancehall reggae, hip hop, and Latin American music styles.
Reggaeton often features explicit lyrics and is associated with dancing and party culture.
11. Latin
Latin music refers to music that has its origins in Latin America or that incorporates elements of Latin American music styles, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia.
Latin music often features lively rhythms, percussion, and horns, and it’s associated with dance and celebration.
12. Funk
Funk is a genre of music that originated in African American communities in the United States in the 1960s and ’70s.
It’s characterized by its use of a strong, danceable groove, often featuring complex bass lines, brass instruments, and syncopated rhythms.
Funk has influenced many other genres, including hip-hop and electronic music.
13. Soul
Soul music is a genre that originated in African American communities in the United States in the 1950s and ’60s.
It’s characterized by its use of gospel-inspired vocals, often accompanied by a grooving instrumental track.
Soul music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and social justice.
14. Blues
Blues music originated in African American communities in the southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s characterized by its use of a specific chord progression and a focus on vocal expression and instrumental improvisation.
Blues music often explores themes of hardship, loss, and survival.
15. Classical
Classical music is a genre of music that has its origins in Western art music traditions, dating back to the medieval period.
It’s characterized by its use of complex harmonies, instrumentation, and form, often featuring orchestras, choirs, and solo instrumentalists.
Classical music has a rich history of composers and performers, and it’s often associated with cultural and intellectual sophistication.
16. Folk
Folk music is a genre that’s characterized by its connection to traditional and rural cultures, often featuring acoustic instruments like guitars, banjos, and fiddles.
Folk music often tells stories of ordinary people and their experiences, and it’s associated with themes of community, history, and heritage.
17. Punk
Punk is a genre of music that originated in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1970s.
It’s characterized by its use of fast, aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and shouted or snarled vocals.
Punk music often explores themes of rebellion, anti-authority, and social criticism.
18. Alternative
Alternative music is a catch-all term that refers to music that falls outside of mainstream commercial genres.
It can encompass a wide range of styles, including rock, punk, electronic, and folk music.
Alternative music often emphasizes independent or DIY production and an anti-commercial ethos.
19. K-Pop
K-Pop, short for Korean pop, is a genre of music that originated in South Korea in the 1990s.
It’s characterized by its fusion of pop, hip-hop, electronic, and R&B music styles, often featuring complex choreography and colorful visuals.
K-Pop has become a global phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base and a distinct youth culture.
20. House
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the 1980s.
It’s characterized by its use of repetitive beats, synthesizers, and samples from other songs.
House music often features a soulful or uplifting vibe and is associated with club and rave culture.
21. Techno
Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit in the 1980s.
It’s characterized by its use of repetitive beats, synthesized melodies, and a focus on the hypnotic effects of sound.
Techno has evolved over time, with subgenres like acid techno, minimal techno, and Detroit techno.
It’s often associated with underground and avant-garde culture.
22. Ska
Ska is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the 1950s and ’60s.
It’s characterized by its use of upbeat rhythms, horn sections, and a strong offbeat emphasis.
Ska music often features socially conscious lyrics and has influenced many other genres, including reggae and punk rock.
23. Reggae
Reggae is a genre of music that also originated in Jamaica in the 1960s.
It’s characterized by its use of offbeat rhythms, guitar skanks, and a focus on socially conscious lyrics that often address political and social issues.
Reggae has become a global phenomenon, with artists like Bob Marley becoming cultural icons.
24. Disco
Disco is a genre of dance music that originated in the United States in the 1970s.
It’s characterized by its use of a strong, steady beat, and synthesized instrumentation, and often features lush orchestration and vocal harmonies.
Disco music was associated with the dance club scene and had a significant impact on popular culture.
25. Gospel
Gospel music is a genre that originated in African American communities in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s characterized by its use of Christian themes and lyrics, often accompanied by call-and-response vocals and lively instrumentation.
Gospel music has influenced many other genres, including soul and R&B.
26. Ambient
Ambient music is a genre that emphasizes atmosphere and texture over traditional melodic structures.
It often features slow, drifting soundscapes created through the use of synthesizers, samples, and other electronic sound sources.
Ambient music is often associated with relaxation and meditation.
27. Experimental
Experimental music is a genre that often defies categorization, as it’s characterized by its willingness to challenge traditional musical conventions and explore unconventional sounds and techniques.
It often features elements of improvisation, noise, and unconventional instrumentation, and is associated with avant-garde and underground music scenes.
28. Grunge
Grunge is a genre of rock music that originated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It’s characterized by its use of heavy guitar distortion, angst-ridden lyrics, and a raw, stripped-down sound.
Grunge has had a significant impact on popular culture and influenced many other genres, including alternative rock.
29. Psychedelic
Psychedelic music is a genre that emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by its use of mind-altering sounds and instrumentation, often inspired by drug experiences.
It often features elements of improvisation, experimentation, and unconventional song structures, and is associated with countercultural movements.
30. World Music
World music is a catch-all term that refers to music that has its origins in traditional, non-Western cultures.
It encompasses a wide range of styles, including African, Latin American, and Asian music.
World music often features unique instrumentation and rhythms and is associated with cultural exchange and diversity.
31. Dance
Dance music is a genre that’s designed to be played in clubs and other dance venues, characterized by its use of repetitive beats and electronic instrumentation.
It encompasses many sub-genres, including house, techno, and trance, and is often associated with rave and club culture.
32. Trap
Trap is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the southern United States in the early 2000s.
It’s characterized by its use of heavy bass, 808 drum machines, and sparse, repetitive beats.
Trap lyrics often focus on topics such as drug use, street life, and materialism.
33. Heavy Metal
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that’s characterized by its use of heavily distorted guitars, fast-paced rhythms, and powerful vocals.
Heavy metal often features dark or aggressive themes and has many sub-genres, including thrash metal, death metal, and power metal.
34. Hard Rock
Hard rock is a subgenre of rock music that’s characterized by its heavy use of distortion and amplified instrumentation, including electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums.
Hard rock often features strong, anthemic choruses and has many sub-genres, including glam rock, punk rock, and heavy metal.
35. Singer-Songwriter
Singer-songwriter is a genre of music that’s characterized by its focus on the songwriting and storytelling of the artist.
It often features acoustic guitar, piano, and other stripped-down instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on the lyrics and vocals.
Singer-songwriters often perform in intimate, acoustic settings.
36. Salsa
Salsa is a genre of Latin American music that originated in the 1960s and ’70s in New York City.
It’s characterized by its use of Afro-Cuban rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and a focus on danceability.
Salsa often features a large ensemble of musicians, including horns, percussion, and keyboards.
37. J-Pop
J-Pop is a genre of popular music that originated in Japan in the 1990s.
It’s characterized by its use of electronic instrumentation, catchy melodies, and colorful visuals.
J-Pop often features high-pitched vocals and is associated with anime and other Japanese pop culture.
38. Funk Rock
Funk rock is a genre that combines elements of funk and rock music.
It’s characterized by its use of groovy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and guitar riffs.
Funk rock often features a large ensemble of musicians, including horns and keyboards.
39. Grime
Grime is a genre of electronic music that originated in the United Kingdom in the early 2000s.
It’s characterized by its use of aggressive beats, fast-paced rap vocals, and heavy basslines.
Grime often addresses issues such as social inequality and political issues.
40. Industrial
Industrial is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the 1970s and ’80s.
It’s characterized by its use of harsh, abrasive sounds and lyrics that often address themes of industrialization and technology.
Industrial often features heavily processed vocals and a focus on sound manipulation.
41. New Wave
New Wave is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It’s characterized by its use of synthesizers, electronic drums, and new recording technologies.
New Wave often features quirky, catchy melodies and is associated with the fashion and culture of the time.
42. Post Punk
Post-punk is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It’s characterized by its use of angular guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and a focus on atmospheric, moody soundscapes.
Post-punk often incorporates elements of punk rock but with a more experimental and artistic approach.
43. Dubstep
Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom.
It’s characterized by its use of heavy basslines, glitchy rhythms, and sparse arrangements.
Dubstep often features samples of other music and sound effects, with a focus on creating a deep, immersive listening experience.
44. Orchestral
Orchestral music refers to any music that’s composed or arranged for a symphony orchestra.
It’s characterized by its use of multiple instruments, including strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
Orchestral music can encompass many different styles and genres, from classical music to film scores.
45. Shoegaze
Shoegaze is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It’s characterized by its use of ethereal, distorted guitar sounds, dreamy vocals, and a focus on creating a dense, layered sound.
Shoegaze often incorporates elements of other genres, such as punk, post-punk, and dream pop.
46. Dream Pop
Dream pop is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the 1980s.
It’s characterized by its use of ethereal, dreamy sounds, and soft, often whispered vocals.
Dream pop often incorporates elements of other genres, such as shoegaze and post-punk, with a focus on creating a dreamy, atmospheric listening experience.
47. Progressive
Progressive music is a genre that’s characterized by its focus on pushing the boundaries of traditional musical structures and incorporating elements from different genres.
Progressive music often features complex rhythms, unconventional song structures, and a focus on instrumental virtuosity.
48. Avant-garde
Avant-garde music is a genre that’s characterized by its focus on experimentation and breaking with traditional musical conventions.
Avant-garde music often incorporates elements from different genres, such as jazz, classical music, and electronic music, with a focus on creating new and unique sounds.
49. Symphonic Metal
Symphonic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that’s characterized by its use of orchestral arrangements and symphonic instrumentation.
Symphonic metal often features operatic vocals, complex song structures, and a focus on creating a grand, cinematic listening experience.
50. Black Metal
Black metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that’s characterized by its use of fast tempos, distorted guitar sounds, and a focus on creating a dark, atmospheric listening experience.
Black metal often features raspy, growled vocals, and is associated with themes such as Satanism and paganism.
51. Doom Metal
Doom metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that’s characterized by its slow, heavy rhythms and down-tuned guitars.
Doom metal often features mournful, introspective lyrics, and a focus on creating a heavy, brooding atmosphere.
52. Thrash Metal
Thrash metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the early 1980s.
It is characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive rhythms, and harsh vocals.
Thrash metal often features complex guitar riffs, solos, and a focus on speed and technicality.
Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax are some of the most famous examples of the genre.
53. Math Rock
Math rock is a genre of rock music that is known for its intricate and complex rhythms, time signatures, and song structures.
It often features unconventional rhythms, irregular time signatures, and complex arrangements.
Math rock bands often use dissonant guitar chords and have a strong emphasis on instrumental virtuosity.
Bands like Don Caballero and Battles are often cited as pioneers of the genre.
54. Surf
Surf music is a genre of rock music that originated in California in the early 1960s.
It is characterized by its fast-paced, upbeat rhythms and its use of reverberation and guitar effects that simulate the sound of waves.
Surf music often features instrumental compositions and is associated with surfing culture.
Some of the most famous surf bands include The Beach Boys and Dick Dale.
55. Stoner Rock
Stoner rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1990s.
It is characterized by its heavy, fuzzy guitar riffs, and slow tempos, and often features repetitive, droning rhythms.
Stoner rock often has a strong emphasis on the low end of the frequency spectrum, with bass and drums playing a prominent role.
Bands like Kyuss and Sleep are some of the most famous examples of the genre.
56. Garage
Garage rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1960s.
It is characterized by its raw, unpolished sound, and its simple song structures.
Garage rock often features distorted guitar riffs, a fast-paced rhythm section, and vocals that are often shouted rather than sung.
Bands like The Sonics and The Stooges are some of the most famous examples of the genre.
57. Krautrock
Krautrock is a genre of experimental rock music that originated in Germany in the late 1960s.
It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments, unconventional song structures, and a focus on improvisation and experimentation.
Krautrock bands often incorporate elements of jazz, funk, and psychedelia into their music.
Some of the most famous Krautrock bands include Can and Kraftwerk.
58. Baroque
Baroque music is a style of Western classical music that originated in Europe in the 17th century.
It is characterized by its ornate and intricate melodies, its use of counterpoint and polyphony, and its emphasis on harmony and instrumental technique.
Baroque music often features instruments such as the harpsichord, the violin, and the flute, and is known for its grandeur and complexity.
Famous Baroque composers include Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
59. Chiptune
Chiptune, also known as 8-bit music, is a genre of electronic music that originated in the 1980s.
It is characterized by its use of sound chips from vintage video game consoles and home computers, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Commodore 64.
Chiptune music often features simple, catchy melodies and a focus on nostalgia and retro gaming culture.
Famous chiptune artists include Anamanaguchi and Bit Shifter.
60. Celtic
Celtic music is a genre of folk music that originated in the Celtic regions of Western Europe, such as Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany.
It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, the bagpipes, and the harp, and often features storytelling lyrics that draw from Celtic mythology and folklore.
Celtic music has a distinctive sound that is often upbeat and energetic.
61. Renaissance
Renaissance music is a style of Western classical music that originated in Europe during the period of that same name (approximately 1400-1600).
It is characterized by its use of vocal harmony, complex polyphony, and a focus on secular themes such as love and beauty.
Renaissance music often features instruments such as the lute and the harpsichord and is known for its elegant and refined sound.
62. Bossa Nova
Bossa nova is a genre of Brazilian music that emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
It is characterized by its use of smooth, melodic rhythms and its fusion of samba and jazz influences.
Bossa nova often features soft, romantic lyrics and is known for its relaxing, laid-back sound.
Famous bossa nova artists include Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.
63. Merengue
Merengue is a genre of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic.
It is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms, with a 2/4 time signature, and its use of instruments such as the tambora, guira, and accordion.
Merengue often features call-and-response vocals and is known for its festive, high-energy sound.
64. Cumbia
Cumbia is a genre of music and dance that originated in Colombia and is popular throughout Latin America.
It is characterized by its use of a distinctive rhythm that emphasizes the first and third beats of each measure.
Cumbia often features a combination of live and electronic instruments and is known for its lively, danceable sound.
65. Bachata
Bachata is a genre of music that originated in the Dominican Republic.
It is characterized by its use of the guitar and bongo drums, as well as its often romantic lyrics.
Bachata has evolved over time and has incorporated influences from other genres, such as R&B and pop.
Famous bachata artists include Romeo Santos and Aventura.
66. Ragtime
Ragtime is a style of music that originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
It is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and use of piano and other instruments such as the banjo and saxophone.
Ragtime is often associated with early jazz music and has a distinctive sound that is both lively and melodic.
67. Big Band
Big band music is a genre of jazz that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s.
It is characterized by its use of large ensembles, typically featuring brass and woodwind sections, and its emphasis on swing rhythms.
Big band music often features instrumental solos and is known for its lively and energetic sound.
Famous big band leaders include Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
68. Lounge
Lounge music is a genre of popular music that emerged in the mid-20th century.
It is characterized by its smooth, relaxed sound and often features easy-listening arrangements of popular songs.
Lounge music often includes elements of jazz, bossa nova, and other genres and is often associated with upscale bars and lounges.
69. Soft Rock
Soft rock is a subgenre of rock music that is characterized by its mellow, laid-back sound.
It often features a strong focus on melody and harmony, with simple and straightforward lyrics.
Soft rock is generally associated with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and James Taylor.
70. Power Pop
Power pop is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1970s.
It is characterized by its energetic, catchy melodies and its use of harmonies and backing vocals.
Power pop often features a blend of influences from British Invasion-era rock and roll, 1960s bubblegum pop, and 1970s punk and new wave.
Some notable power pop artists include The Beatles, The Raspberries, and Cheap Trick.
71. Post Rock
Post-rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1990s.
It is characterized by its use of non-traditional rock instrumentation, such as strings, horns, and electronics, as well as its emphasis on dynamics, texture, and atmosphere.
Post-rock often features long, instrumental compositions with a focus on building tension and creating a sense of atmosphere.
Some notable post-rock artists include Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sigur Rós, and Explosions in the Sky.
72. New Age
New Age is a genre of music that emerged in the 1970s.
It is characterized by its use of ambient soundscapes, synthesizers, and acoustic instruments to create a relaxing and meditative atmosphere.
New Age music often incorporates elements of world music, folk, and classical music.
Some notable New Age artists include Enya, Yanni, and Kitaro.
73. Easy Listening
Easy listening is a genre of music that emerged in the 1950s.
It is characterized by its relaxed and melodic sound, with a focus on vocal performances and orchestral arrangements.
Easy listening often features covers of popular songs and standards, as well as original compositions.
Some notable easy-listening artists include Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Barbra Streisand.
74. Motown
Motown is a genre of soul music that emerged in the 1960s.
It is characterized by its use of catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and tight vocal harmonies.
Motown music often features a mix of influences from R&B, gospel, and pop music.
Some notable Motown artists include The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations.
75. Doo-Wop
Doo-wop is a genre of vocal-based rhythm and blues music that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s.
It is characterized by its use of close harmonies, nonsense syllables, and vocal improvisation.
Doo-wop often features a cappella arrangements, with little or no instrumentation.
Some notable doo-wop artists include The Drifters, The Coasters, and The Platters.
76. Rockabilly
Rockabilly is a genre of music that emerged in the 1950s.
It is characterized by its blend of rock and roll and country music, with a focus on upbeat rhythms, guitar solos, and driving bass lines.
Rockabilly often features a stripped-down, raw sound, with a mix of original compositions and covers of popular songs.
Some notable rockabilly artists include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins.
77. Americana
Americana is a genre of music that emerged in the 1990s.
It is characterized by its blend of American folk music, country, blues, and rock and roll.
Americana often features a focus on storytelling and traditional instrumentation, such as acoustic guitars, banjos, and fiddles.
Some notable Americana artists include Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and The Avett Brothers.
78. Roots
Roots music is a term that encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including folk, blues, bluegrass, and country.
Roots music is characterized by its focus on traditional and authentic sounds, often featuring acoustic instrumentation and raw, emotionally charged vocals.
Some notable roots artists include Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and Muddy Waters.
79. Country Rock
Country rock is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
It is characterized by its blend of country music and rock and roll, often featuring electric guitars, drums, and other elements of rock music alongside traditional country instrumentation.
Some notable country rock artists include The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
80. Gospel Blues
Gospel blues is a genre of music that emerged in the early 20th century.
It is characterized by its blend of traditional African-American gospel music with elements of blues music.
Gospel blues often features call-and-response vocals, handclaps, and other elements of traditional gospel music alongside the use of electric guitars and other instruments associated with blues music.
Some notable gospel blues artists include Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Blind Willie Johnson, and Reverend Gary Davis.
81. Samba
Samba is a genre of Brazilian music that originated in the early 20th century.
It is characterized by its infectious rhythms and upbeat, danceable melodies.
Samba often features call-and-response vocals, percussion instruments such as the tamborim and surdo, and the use of brass instruments such as trumpets and trombones.
Some notable samba artists include Cartola, João Gilberto, and Elis Regina.
82. Disco Polo
Disco polo is a genre of dance music that originated in Poland in the 1990s.
It is characterized by its use of electronic dance beats, catchy melodies, and simple, repetitive lyrics.
Disco polo often features a mix of influences from traditional Polish folk music and popular dance music from around the world.
Some notable disco polo artists include Boys, Akcent, and Bayer Full.
83. Hardcore
Hardcore is a subgenre of punk rock that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It is characterized by its fast, aggressive sound, often featuring shouted vocals and heavily distorted guitars.
Hardcore often features a DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos, with bands self-releasing their music and booking their own tours.
Some notable hardcore bands include Black Flag, Minor Threat, and Bad Brains.
84. Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the 1990s.
It is characterized by its blend of elements of hardcore punk and heavy metal, with a focus on intense, often complex guitar riffs and emotionally charged vocals.
Metalcore often features a mix of clean singing and screaming and may incorporate elements of other genres, such as electronic music or hip-hop.
Some notable metalcore bands include Killswitch Engage, Converge, and Trivium.
85. Post Hardcore
Post-hardcore is a subgenre of punk and hardcore music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s.
It is characterized by its experimental approach to songwriting, complex rhythms, and a mix of clean singing and screaming.
Post-hardcore often incorporates elements of other genres, such as emo, indie rock, and progressive rock.
Some notable post-hardcore bands include Fugazi, At the Drive-In, and Refused.
86. Death Metal
Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the 1980s.
It is characterized by its aggressive and often extreme sound, featuring fast tempos, deep growled or screamed vocals, and heavily distorted guitars.
Death metal often features lyrics that explore themes of death, violence, and the macabre.
Some notable death metal bands include Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and Death.
87. Grindcore
Grindcore is a subgenre of extreme metal that emerged in the 1980s.
It is characterized by its short, fast, and aggressive songs, often featuring screamed or growled vocals and heavily distorted guitars.
Grindcore often features lyrics that address political or social issues and may incorporate elements of punk rock, hardcore, and industrial music.
Some notable grindcore bands include Napalm Death, Pig Destroyer, and Brutal Truth.
88. Speed Metal
Speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the early 1980s.
It is characterized by its fast tempos, complex guitar riffs, and high-pitched vocals.
Speed metal often features lyrics that explore themes of power, speed, and aggression.
Some notable speed metal bands include Judas Priest, Motorhead, and Helloween.
89. Darkwave
Darkwave is a subgenre of alternative and gothic rock that emerged in the 1980s.
It is characterized by its dark, brooding sound, often featuring atmospheric synthesizers, electronic percussion, and moody vocals.
Darkwave often features lyrics that address themes of isolation, despair, and existential angst.
Some notable darkwave bands include Clan of Xymox, The Sisters of Mercy, and Depeche Mode.
90. Noise
Noise is a genre of music that emerged in the 1970s and is characterized by its use of unconventional sounds and textures, such as feedback, distortion, and dissonance.
Noise often features a lo-fi aesthetic, and may incorporate elements of avant-garde, experimental, and industrial music.
Some notable noise artists include Merzbow, Whitehouse, and Sonic Youth.
91. Drone
Drone is a genre of music that is characterized by its use of sustained, low-frequency sounds or repetitive patterns.
It often features a minimalist aesthetic and may incorporate elements of ambient, experimental, and electronic music.
Some notable drone artists include Earth, Sunn O))), and Tim Hecker.
92. Minimal
Minimal music is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the early 1990s.
It is characterized by a stripped-down, minimalist sound, with simple rhythms and melodies, and an emphasis on repetition and subtle changes in texture and timbre.
93. Trance
Trance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the early 1990s.
It is characterized by a tempo of around 130 to 160 beats per minute, a melodic and uplifting sound, and the use of atmospheric pads and synthesizer leads.
Trance music is often associated with a trance-like state of mind induced by its repetitive and hypnotic rhythms.
94. Breakbeat
Breakbeat is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the mid-1980s.
It is characterized by a rhythmic pattern that uses a break in the drumbeat, which is then looped and repeated throughout the track.
Breakbeat music often features heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and samples from funk, soul, and jazz records.
95. Dub
Dub is a genre of electronic music that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s.
It is characterized by the use of reverb, echo, and other effects applied to recorded tracks, often featuring heavy basslines and a stripped-down, minimalistic sound.
Dub music is often associated with reggae and has had a significant influence on the development of other genres, such as hip-hop and electronic dance music.
96. Smooth Jazz
Smooth jazz is a genre of jazz that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It is characterized by a softer, more mellow sound than traditional jazz, with an emphasis on melody and rhythm.
Smooth jazz often features electric instruments, such as the guitar and keyboard, and is often associated with relaxation and easy listening.
97. Blues Rock
Blues rock is a genre of rock music that combines elements of blues and rock and roll.
It emerged in the late 1960s and is characterized by its use of electric guitar, bass, and drums, as well as its focus on blues-style melodies and chord progressions.
Blues rock often features a heavy, driving rhythm section and soulful vocals.
98. Southern Rock
Southern rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the Southern United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
It is characterized by its use of blues and country music influences, as well as its focus on vocal harmonies and guitar solos.
Southern rock often features a twangy guitar sound and lyrics that celebrate Southern culture and traditions.
99. Glam Rock
Glam rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the early 1970s, characterized by its flamboyant, theatrical style and its use of heavy makeup, glitter, and outrageous costumes.
It is often associated with artists like David Bowie, Queen, and Alice Cooper, and is known for its high-energy performances and catchy, anthemic songs.
100. Emo
Emo is a genre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1990s.
It is characterized by its emotional and confessional lyrics, which often deal with themes of heartbreak, alienation, and depression.
Emo music often features a mix of punk and indie rock influences, with an emphasis on melody and introspection.
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