The Most Popular Decade of Music, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the decade you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:34
Music often serves as a time capsule, capturing the essence and emotions of a given period. Over the years, various decades have introduced distinct sounds and genres, each resonating with different groups of listeners. Ranking these musical eras offers a unique opportunity to see which sounds have stood the test of time and continue to influence modern artists and fans alike.
By casting your vote for the best decade in music, you contribute to a collective reflection on the soundtrack of our lives. This ranking not only sparks discussions among music lovers but also helps define what makes each decade's music special and influential. Your participation helps paint a clearer picture of music's evolving landscape and its impact on culture and trends.
What Is the Most Popular Decade of Music?
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161votesThe 1980s was the era of pop music, with the rise of MTV and the emergence of iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. The decade also saw the birth of hip hop and the rise of new wave and synthpop.The 1980s costume is inspired by the fashion and trends of the 1980s decade. It is a nostalgic representation of the vibrant and iconic style of that era, characterized by bold colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and unique fashion choices.
- Fashion Trends: Bright neon colors, shoulder pads, acid-washed jeans, leg warmers, big hair, and oversized accessories.
- Music Influence: Incorporation of rock, pop, and new wave music genres, influencing fashion choices and overall style.
- Makeup: Heavy makeup, including colorful eyeshadows, bright blush, bold lipsticks, and prominent eyeliner.
- Hairstyles: The popularity of hairstyles like big teased hair, mullets, crimped hair, perms, and the iconic 80s high side ponytail.
- Fashion Icons: Influential figures such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, and Boy George who shaped the fashion scene of the 1980s.
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231votesThe 1970s was a period of great diversity in music, with the emergence of classic rock, funk, disco, and punk rock. Iconic artists like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie released some of their most memorable work during this decade.The 1970s were a significant decade in the history of music, characterized by the emergence of various influential genres and artists.
- Genre diversity: The 1970s saw the rise of diverse genres such as disco, funk, punk rock, progressive rock, glam rock, and reggae.
- Influential bands/artists: Iconic bands and artists like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Bee Gees, ABBA, and Earth, Wind & Fire were prominent during this era.
- Progressive rock: Prog rock bands like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson pushed the boundaries of rock music with intricate compositions and experimental sounds.
- Disco fever: Disco became a global sensation, with artists like Donna Summer and Bee Gees dominating the charts and influencing popular culture.
- Punk revolution: Punk rock emerged as a rebellious and energetic movement, with bands like Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Ramones challenging mainstream music.
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329votesThe 1990s saw the rise of alternative rock and grunge, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden dominating the airwaves. The decade also saw the emergence of hip hop and R&B, with artists like Tupac, Biggie, and TLC achieving widespread success.The 1990s refers to the decade spanning from 1990 to 1999, which is often considered one of the most influential and diverse eras in popular music. It was marked by the rise of various genres and the emergence of iconic artists.
- Grunge: The Seattle-based alternative rock genre that gained popularity with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
- Boy bands and pop: The era witnessed the rise of boy bands like Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, as well as the dominance of pop icons such as Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
- Hip-hop and rap: The 90s saw the golden age of hip-hop and rap, with artists like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Dr. Dre making significant contributions.
- R&B: The decade produced numerous R&B stars like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Destiny's Child.
- Electronic and techno: The rise of electronic music and techno genres with acts like The Prodigy, Daft Punk, and The Chemical Brothers.
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431votesThe 1960s was the decade of the Beatles, who revolutionized popular music with their innovative sound and style. The decade also saw the rise of folk music, psychedelic rock, and soul music, with iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Aretha Franklin leaving an indelible mark on the music world.The 1960s was a vibrant and transformative decade for music, marked by the emergence of various influential genres and the rise of iconic musicians. This era saw a significant cultural and social shift, with music playing a central role in expressing and shaping the mood of the time.
- Rock and Roll: The 1960s witnessed the evolution of rock and roll, with bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who achieving immense popularity.
- Folk Music: Folk music gained prominence, led by artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Simon & Garfunkel, who used their lyrics to reflect social and political issues of the era.
- Motown: The Motown sound reigned supreme, with artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye introducing a blend of soul, pop, and R&B.
- Psychedelic Rock: Psychedelic rock gained popularity, thanks to bands like The Doors, Pink Floyd, and Jefferson Airplane, who incorporated experimental sounds and mystical lyrics.
- Protest Songs: The 1960s witnessed a surge in protest songs, particularly related to the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, with artists like Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke contributing to this genre.
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520votesThe 2000s saw the rise of pop punk and emo, with bands like Green Day, Blink-182, and My Chemical Romance achieving mainstream success. The decade also saw the continued dominance of hip hop and R&B, with artists like Eminem, Beyonce, and Jay-Z achieving widespread success.The 2000s, also known as the 2000-2009 decade, was a period of diverse musical styles and genres that rose to prominence. It marked the transition from analog to digital music production and distribution.
- Popularity: The 2000s witnessed the rise of pop music as a dominant genre, with artists like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake gaining massive worldwide fame.
- Alternative Rock: Alternative rock music continued to be popular during this decade, with bands like Linkin Park, Coldplay, and Green Day achieving great commercial success.
- R&B and Hip-Hop: R&B and hip-hop also flourished in the 2000s, with artists such as Beyoncé, Usher, Eminem, and Jay-Z becoming major stars in their respective genres.
- Boy Bands and Girl Groups: The 2000s marked the resurgence of boy bands and the emergence of successful girl groups, including NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, and Pussycat Dolls.
- Digital Music Revolution: The advent of digital music and the rise of file-sharing platforms like Napster revolutionized the way music was consumed and distributed.
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63votesThe 1950s was the decade of rock and roll, with artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard pioneering the sound. The decade also saw the emergence of doo-wop and R&B, with iconic artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke achieving widespread success.The 1950s was a pivotal decade in the history of music, characterized by the emergence of various influential genres and the rise of rock and roll.
- Rock and Roll: The 1950s witnessed the birth and popularization of rock and roll, a genre that fused elements of rhythm and blues, country, and gospel music.
- Electric Guitar: The electric guitar gained prominence in the 1950s, enabling musicians to create new sounds and driving the evolution of rock and roll.
- Rise of Doo-Wop: Doo-Wop, a vocal-based rhythm and blues genre, gained popularity in the 1950s with prominent groups like The Platters and The Drifters.
- Crooners and Ballads: The 1950s saw the rise of renowned crooners like Frank Sinatra and the resurgence of romantic ballads, which became hugely popular.
- Influence of Country Music: Country music became mainstream in the 1950s, with country artists such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline making significant contributions.
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73votesThe 1930s was the era of big band and swing music, with iconic artists like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie leading the way. The decade also saw the emergence of crooners like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, who would go on to become some of the biggest stars of the 20th century.The 1930s was a decade marked by various music genres, reflecting the cultural and social changes during the Great Depression. It was a time of experimentation and growth in the music industry, with the emergence of new styles and technologies.
- Swing Era: The 1930s saw the rise of swing music, characterized by its energetic rhythms and big-band orchestras.
- Jazz: Jazz continued to evolve, with the development of subgenres such as Dixieland, swing, and bebop.
- Blues: Blues music thrived during this decade, with artists like Robert Johnson and Lead Belly gaining popularity.
- Popular Songs: Many timeless and iconic songs were released in the 1930s, including 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?'
- Crooners: The 1930s introduced the era of the crooners, who popularized romantic ballads and smooth vocal styles.
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83votesThe 1940s was the era of swing music, with big band leaders like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey achieving widespread success. The decade also saw the emergence of bebop and the rise of the jazz singer, with artists like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald leaving an indelible mark on the music world.The 1940s was a significant decade in music history, known for its influential styles and transformative events. It was a period of innovation, resilience, and the birth of iconic genres.
- Big Band Swing: This genre gained immense popularity in the 1940s, characterized by energetic, large ensembles playing jazz and dance music.
- Jazz: Continuing the legacy of the 1930s, jazz played a vital role in defining the sound of the 1940s, with notable artists like Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker emerging.
- Bebop: This style of jazz evolved in the mid-1940s, featuring complex harmonic progressions and improvisation, marking a departure from the big band era.
- Crooners: Male singers with smooth, mellow voices became popular in this era, with artists such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby captivating audiences.
- The Great American Songbook: The 1940s saw the rise of timeless standards composed by legends like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin.
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97votesThe 2010s saw the continued dominance of hip hop and R&B, with artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar achieving widespread success. The decade also saw the rise of indie rock and electronic dance music, with bands like Arcade Fire and Daft Punk achieving mainstream success.The 2010s is a decade of music that saw a tremendous shift in the industry with advancements in technology and the rise of streaming platforms. It featured a diverse range of genres and artists, reflecting the influence of various trends and movements within the music scene.
- Genre Diversity: Wide range of genres including pop, hip hop, electronic, rock, and more
- Streaming Dominance: Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music gained popularity, reshaping the way music was consumed
- Social Media Influence: Artists leveraged social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to engage with fans and promote their music
- Collaborations: Increasing number of collaborations between artists from different genres
- Influence of EDM: Electronic Dance Music (EDM) gained mainstream popularity with festivals and DJs like Avicii and Calvin Harris
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105votesThe 1920s was the era of jazz music, with artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bix Beiderbecke pioneering the sound. The decade also saw the emergence of crooners like Rudy Vallée and Bing Crosby, who would go on to become some of the biggest stars of the 20th century.The 1920s, also known as the 'Roaring Twenties', was a decade of significant cultural and social change, characterized by the emergence of new music genres and cultural movements.
- Jazz: The 1920s saw the rise of jazz music, which became immensely popular and reshaped the music landscape.
- Dance craze: The decade witnessed the popularization of dance styles like the Charleston, which became a symbol of the lively and exuberant spirit of the era.
- Prohibition: The period of Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933) contributed to the rise of illegal nightclubs (speakeasies) where people gathered to enjoy live music and dance.
- Radio broadcasting: The 1920s saw a boom in radio broadcasting, leading to increased accessibility and popularity of music through radio waves.
- Tin Pan Alley: Tin Pan Alley, a collection of New York City music publishers and songwriters, played a vital role in the production and distribution of popular sheet music during this era.
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Ranking factors for popular decade
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Sales and chart performanceAnalyzing record sales, album sales, and singles sales can give a good indication of popularity during a particular decade. Comparing chart performances of songs and albums can also help in determining which decade had more popular music.
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Cultural impactUnderstanding the cultural impact of the music during a specific decade is essential. The music should have influenced society, contributed to social changes, and spawned new musical genres and subcultures.
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Innovation and creativityThe decade should have witnessed a significant amount of innovation and creativity in music, leading to the emergence of new genres, styles, and forms of musical expression.
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Awards and recognitionAnalyzing the number and variety of awards and recognitions received by artists and their music during the decade is another crucial factor. This can include Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, and other significant awards.
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Critical acclaimThe perception of music critics and their reviews and ratings can help determine the popularity and significance of music during a particular decade.
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Concert attendance and live performancesConcerts and live performances are an essential aspect of the popularity and impact of music. Comparing ticket sales, concert attendance, and the number and size of music festivals during different decades can offer insights into the popularity and cultural impact of those music periods.
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Longevity and influence on future generationsThe music from a particular decade should have a lasting impact and continue to influence musicians and listeners in the years and decades that follow. Songs and albums from a decade should have staying power and be considered classics or influential pieces in the history of music.
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Listeners' preferences and nostalgiaPublic opinion and people's memories of a decade play a significant role in determining its popularity. People often have a strong emotional connection to the music from a particular decade, influencing their perception of the period's music.
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Streaming and online engagementIn today's digital age, streaming numbers, online engagement, and social media activity around music is a helpful indicator of the popularity of a particular decade's music. Data from streaming platforms (like Spotify, Apple Music), views on YouTube, and online discussions can provide insights into the decade's popularity.
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Radio airplayAnalyzing how frequently songs from a particular decade are played on radio stations may also give an indication of continuing popularity and the impact of that decade's music.
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
- 3160 views
- 157 votes
- 10 ranked items
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.
More information on most popular decade of music
The world of music has undergone a massive transformation over the decades. With each decade, new genres, styles and artists have emerged, creating a diverse and exciting musical landscape. From the swinging 60s to the grunge-filled 90s, every decade has left its mark on the world of music. But which decade stands out as the most popular? The answer to this question is subjective and varies depending on personal preference. However, by analyzing the trends and popularity of music over the years, it is possible to identify the most popular decade of music. Let's dive into the musical history and explore the most beloved decade of music.
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