The Most Popular Decade of Music, Ranked

Choose the decade you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 06:47
Music often serves as a cultural barometer, measuring shifts in trends, technology, and societal values. By examining which musical decade is favored, we gain insights into how different generations and demographics respond to and reflect on the sounds of past eras. This evokes a broader understanding of the evolution of music and its impact over time. Our site offers an interactive way to engage with this historical soundscape by allowing you to vote for what you consider the most influential decade of music. As votes accumulate, real-time rankings provide a collective perspective on which periods have resonated the most with our audience. Your participation directly shapes the outcome, offering a personalized connection to the history of music.

What Is the Most Popular Decade of Music?

  1. 1
    73
    points
    1980s

    1980s

    The 1980s saw the rise of pop icons and the advent of MTV, which revolutionized the music industry.
    • Iconic Artists: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince
    • Popular Genres: Pop, rock, hip-hop, metal
  2. 2
    42
    points
    1960s

    1960s

    The 1960s were a time of musical revolution, with the rise of the Beatles, the British Invasion, and psychedelic rock.
    • Iconic Artists: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones
    • Popular Genres: Rock, soul, psychedelic
  3. 3
    42
    points
    1970s

    1970s

    The 1970s are known for the birth of disco, punk rock, and the continuation of rock's dominance.
    • Iconic Artists: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, ABBA
    • Popular Genres: Rock, disco, punk
  4. 4
    38
    points
    1990s

    1990s

    The 1990s introduced grunge, Britpop, and the golden age of hip-hop.
    • Iconic Artists: Nirvana, Tupac, Spice Girls
    • Popular Genres: Grunge, hip-hop, pop
  5. 5
    28
    points
    2000s

    2000s

    The 2000s were marked by the rise of digital music, pop stars, and reality TV-made musicians.
    • Iconic Artists: Beyoncé, Eminem, Coldplay
    • Popular Genres: Pop, hip-hop, indie
  6. 6
    13
    points
    2010s

    2010s

    The 2010s saw the rise of streaming services, diverse music genres, and global pop stars.
    • Iconic Artists: Taylor Swift, Drake, Adele
    • Popular Genres: Pop, hip-hop, EDM
  7. 7
    3
    points
    1920s

    1920s

    The 1920s, known as the Jazz Age, brought jazz into the mainstream and introduced the concept of the modern band.
    • Iconic Artists: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith
    • Popular Genres: Jazz, blues
  8. 8
    2
    points
    1950s

    1950s

    The 1950s marked the birth of rock 'n' roll and the beginning of modern pop music.
    • Iconic Artists: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash
    • Popular Genres: Rock 'n' roll, jazz, blues
  9. 9
    1
    points
    1930s

    1930s

    The 1930s were marked by the Great Depression, but saw the rise of swing and the golden age of Hollywood musicals.
    • Iconic Artists: Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Fred Astaire
    • Popular Genres: Swing, big band, jazz
  10. 10
    1
    points
    1940s

    1940s

    The 1940s were dominated by World War II, leading to big bands and the golden age of swing.
    • Iconic Artists: Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington
    • Popular Genres: Swing, jazz, blues

Missing your favorite decade?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular decade of music. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Year is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4207 views
  • 243 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Year once every 24 hours. The rank of each Year is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Decade of Music

1980s
Rank #1 for the most popular decade of music: 1980s (Source)
The most popular decade of music saw a surge of creativity and change. Artists and bands pushed boundaries, blending different sounds and styles. This period marked the rise of new genres that influenced future music. The impact of these changes still resonates today.

During this time, technology played a key role. New recording techniques and instruments emerged. Musicians experimented with these tools, creating fresh and innovative sounds. This experimentation led to the birth of iconic tracks that remain popular.

The music scene also saw a shift in how people consumed music. Radio stations played a crucial role. They introduced audiences to new songs and artists. Music television channels also gained popularity, showcasing music videos that added a visual element to the music experience.

Concerts became larger and more elaborate. Artists performed in front of massive crowds. These live shows created a sense of community among fans. They shared their love for the music and the artists who made it. This connection between artists and fans grew stronger during this decade.

Fashion and music went hand in hand. Musicians became style icons. Their looks influenced trends and inspired fans. This era saw bold and unique fashion choices that defined the culture of the time.

The decade was also a time of social change. Music reflected these changes. Lyrics often addressed important issues. Songs became anthems for movements and causes. Artists used their platform to speak out and make a difference.

Record sales soared during this period. Albums became more than just collections of songs. They told stories and conveyed messages. Fans eagerly awaited new releases from their favorite artists. These albums often topped charts and broke records.

Collaboration was another hallmark of this era. Artists from different genres worked together. These collaborations produced some of the most memorable music. They showed that music could bring people together, regardless of background.

The influence of this decade extended beyond music. It shaped film, television, and other forms of art. The sounds and styles of this time left a lasting mark on popular culture. Even today, the music from this era continues to inspire new generations of artists.

In summary, the most popular decade of music was a time of innovation and change. Technology, fashion, and social movements all played a part. The music created during this period remains influential. It set the stage for future developments in the industry. Fans and artists alike still celebrate the sounds and styles that defined this unique time.

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