Everyone has that one type of music they can’t live without. Whether it’s blasting rap on the bus ride home, vibing to chill to lo-fi while doing homework, or screaming lyrics to pop music in your room, music just gets us. But have you ever thought about how many different types there actually are? Music genres aren’t just labels, they’re like a little universe of sound, style and feeling. Exploring them is kind of like traveling the world without ever leaving your headphones. 

The whole world has a favorite music genre, and over the years, each one has changed in some way. Regardless if it’s the catchy beats of pop, the raw energy of rock, or the smooth vibes of R&B, music genres continue to evolve. From the early days of jazz to the rise of electronic sounds and modern hip hop, the music we listen to today is shaped by new trends, technology, and the cultural moments that define each era. It’s fascinating to think about how different the music we love now might sound if we went back a few decades. “My favorite music genre would have to be R&B. I think  it has changed over the years because as I grew up, so did my taste in music,” said Jimena Chavarria, a freshman here at OHS. 

Throughout music history, some artists and bands have dramatically changed their genres by pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds. For instance, The Beatles introduced innovative songwriting and studio techniques that redefined pop and rock music. Similarly, Nirvana brought grunge to the forefront, blending punk and heavy metal in a way that resonated with a generation, making a lasting impact on rock music. “I think Brent Faiyaz really shaped R&B, maybe I’m just biased because he is one of my favorite artists but I think he has really shaped R&B with his music,” said Vanessa Castillo, a freshman here at OHS. 

Social media and streaming services like Spotify have made discovering new music easier. With personalized playlists and recommendations, Spotify introduces us to new artists we might never have heard of before, while social media allows fans to share music quickly, helping songs go viral and reach a global audience.”I like how social platforms or any kind of music app helps the artist promote their music that way people can find out about them and stream them,” said Pamela Quiroz, a freshmen here at OHS.

Some people believe that older music genres, like jazz or disco, deserve a comeback. These styles had a unique vibe and impact on music that still resonates today. “Yeah ’90s music because it had a retro style and it’s way different from music now. They don’t make music like that anymore,” said Chavarria. 

Timeless music has a unique ability to connect with people, regardless of the era. Certain artists and songs seem to have an enduring appeal that keeps them relevant across generations.  “I think that Faye Webster will be popular in the future because her songs are really good,” said Mariem Almazraawi, a freshman here at OHS. 

The music world is becoming increasingly diverse,  with artists frequently blending different genres to create unique sounds. Crossover not only expands the audience but also allows musicians to experiment and push creative boundaries. “There have been many crossover songs between different genres like ‘I Could Fall in Love‘ by Selena which has a blend between R&B and Latin music,” said Chavarria. 

Pop music has become a huge part of mainstream culture for several reasons. One big influence is technology, like streaming services and social media, which make it super easy for people to listen to their favorite songs anytime. Another reason is how different genres mix together, artists blend styles like rock, hip hop, and electronic music, keeping pop fresh and exciting. “I think specific songs became more popular when TikTok came out because everyone dances to them, and I feel like that’s what makes the song more popular,” said Almazraawi. 

Different cultures have a huge impact on music genres all around the world today. When artists incorporate elements from their own backgrounds, they create unique sounds that really stand out. For example, Latin music has influenced pop and hip-hop, with catchy rhythms and vibrant beats that get everyone dancing. This blending of cultures not only enriches music but also helps people connect and appreciate different heritages. “I think that different cultures influence different music genres because young people love to remix or rebrand old things, so there are numerous examples of young artists sampling or remixing old music,” said Chelsea Carbajal, a freshman here at OHS.

Future music genres are likely to be even more creative and diverse than what we hear today. With technology advancing so quickly, artists will probably experiment with new sounds and mix different styles in ways we can’t even imagine yet. There are some cool new genres emerging, like hyper pop, which combines pop with electronic music and has really catchy, upbeat vibes. It’s exciting to think about what artists will come up with next and how they will keep pushing the boundaries of music. “I think that future genres will be more like rave music because it has that sense of electricity and I picture the future with everything being electrolyzed,” said Quiroz. 

Let us know what your favorite music genre is in the comments!