The Most Popular Era of Music, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the era you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:36
Music eras have always been an intriguing aspect of cultural history, shaping and reflecting the dynamics of societal shifts. Evaluating which period might be the most influential or beloved can spark lively discussions and provide valuable insights into the collective preferences of music lovers.
By participating in voting for the most popular music era, individuals contribute to a broader understanding of trends and influences that have resonated through time. This interactive process not only offers a way to affirm personal favorites but also helps to paint a clearer picture of the historical impact of different musical timelines.
What Is the Most Popular Era of Music?
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146votesThe 1980s saw the rise of pop music, new wave, and electronic music. Iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince dominated the charts during this era.
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225votes
Jim Chute · CC BY-SA 3.0The 1960s
Various artistsThe 1960s saw the birth of rock and roll, with bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors becoming household names. The era also saw the rise of soul and Motown music.The 1960s was a revolutionary era of music that witnessed the emergence of various influential genres and artists. It was marked by immense cultural and social changes, and music became a powerful tool for expressing these sentiments.- Genre diversity: The 1960s saw the rise of multiple influential genres such as rock and roll, pop, soul, folk, psychedelic rock, and R&B.
- British Invasion: British bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who gained immense popularity globally, influencing the music scene.
- Woodstock Festival: The legendary Woodstock Festival of 1969 symbolized the counterculture movement and featured iconic performances by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
- Motown sound: Motown Records produced chart-topping soul and R&B hits from artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and The Temptations.
- Folk revival: The folk music revival led by artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez brought sociopolitical themes to the forefront of popular music.
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323votes
The 1990s
Various artistsThe 1990s saw the emergence of alternative rock and grunge, with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden becoming popular. Hip hop also continued to rise in popularity during this decade.The 1990s was a decade that was defined by diverse musical genres and iconic artists. It was a time when alternative rock, hip hop, and pop music surged in popularity, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. The 90s saw the rise of influential bands, solo artists, and groups, showcasing a rich and varied musical landscape.- Grunge Movement: Emergence of grunge music style, led by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam
- Electronica: Increasing popularity of electronic music genres, such as techno and house
- R&B and Hip Hop Golden Age: Dominance of R&B and hip hop artists like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and TLC
- Pop Music Powerhouses: Pop stars like Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Britney Spears achieving immense success
- Boy Bands Craze: The era of boy bands like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Boyz II Men
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414votesThe 1970s saw the rise of disco, funk, and punk rock. Iconic artists such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and ABBA dominated the charts during this era.
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517votesThe 2000s saw the emergence of pop punk and emo, with bands such as Green Day and Fall Out Boy becoming popular. The era also saw the rise of R&B and hip hop artists such as Beyonce and Jay-Z.The 2000s, also known as the 2000's or the 2000's decade, refers to the period from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009, in which various music genres became hugely popular. This era marked the transition from physical media dominated music consumption to the rapid rise of digital music platforms.
- Popularity of Pop Music: Pop music became a dominant force, with artists like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake achieving massive success.
- Rise of Hip Hop and R&B: Hip hop and R&B genres gained prominence, with artists like Eminem, Jay-Z, Usher, and Rihanna making significant impact.
- Alternative Rock and Pop Punk: Alternative rock bands like Green Day, Coldplay, and Linkin Park, as well as pop punk bands like Blink-182, brought a unique sound and attracted a large following.
- Emo and Post-Hardcore: Emo and post-hardcore music saw increased popularity, with bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Paramore gaining a dedicated fanbase.
- Electronic Dance Music (EDM): EDM gained momentum during this era, with artists like Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and David Guetta introducing electronic beats to the mainstream.
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611votes
The 1950s
Various artistsThe 1950s saw the birth of rockabilly and rock and roll, with artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard becoming popular. The era also saw the rise of doo-wop and rhythm and blues.The 1950s, also known as the post-war period or the Fabulous Fifties, was a groundbreaking era in the history of popular music. It witnessed the emergence of various influential genres and significant advancements in recording technology.- Rock 'n' Roll: The 1950s witnessed the rise of the Rock 'n' Roll genre, which combined elements of rhythm and blues, country music, and gospel. Artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard became iconic figures, shaping the direction of popular music for future generations.
- Teen Culture: The era saw the rise of the teenager as a distinct demographic, with music serving as an essential part of their identity. Teenagers embraced rock 'n' roll, adopting it as their anthem and forming a rebellious counterculture.
- Golden Age of Doo-Wop: Doo-wop, a subgenre of vocal group harmony, gained popularity during the 1950s. Characterized by smooth harmonies and romantic lyrics, doo-wop groups such as The Platters, The Drifters, and The Coasters dominated the charts.
- The Birth of Pop Standards: The 1950s marked the establishment of pop standards as a commercially successful genre. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Doris Day produced hit songs that became timeless classics.
- Mainstream Country Music: The era witnessed the rise of mainstream country music, often characterized by simple lyrics and a blend of popular music elements. Influential country artists of the 1950s include Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash.
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78votesThe 2010s saw the rise of electronic dance music (EDM), with artists such as Calvin Harris and Avicii becoming popular. The era also saw the continued dominance of pop music and the emergence of new genres such as trap and cloud rap.
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85votes
The 1940s
Various artists and composersThe 1940s saw the rise of swing music, with artists such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman becoming popular. The era also saw the emergence of bebop and rhythm and blues.The 1940s was a significant era in music that reflected the cultural and social transformations during and after World War II. This decade witnessed the emergence of various music genres and the rise of influential artists.- Big Band Swing: Big band swing became immensely popular with bands led by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington.
- Jazz: Jazz music continued to evolve, with bebop gaining popularity and notable musicians including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie making significant contributions.
- Crooners: The crooner style of singing, characterized by smooth and sentimental vocals, gained widespread popularity, with artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra leading the way.
- Country: Country music flourished during this era with singers like Hank Williams, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers gaining popularity.
- Rhythm and Blues: The foundation for modern R&B was laid during the 1940s, with artists such as Louis Jordan playing a crucial role in its development.
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912votesThe 1930s saw the rise of big band and swing music, with artists such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie becoming popular. The era also saw the emergence of jazz standards.The 1930s was a significant era in the development of music, marked by various genres and influences. It witnessed the rise of jazz and swing music, as well as the continuation of popular music and the birth of folk music. The 1930s also saw the effects of the Great Depression on the music industry and the emergence of several notable musicians and bands.
- Genres: Jazz, Swing, Popular Music, Folk Music
- Influences: Blues, Ragtime, Traditional Pop
- Significant Musicians: Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby
- Important Bands/Orchestras: Glenn Miller Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
- Key Characteristics: Swing Rhythm, Improvisation, Ornamentation, Crooning
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103votes
Unknown (Bain News Service, publisher) · Public domainThe 1920s saw the birth of jazz, with artists such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington becoming popular. The era also saw the rise of blues and the emergence of dance music.The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade of significant cultural and social change. It was a period of booming economic growth, technological advancements, and a flourishing arts scene.- Jazz music: Jazz emerged as a dominant genre, known for its improvisation and syncopation.
- Dance crazes: The era was marked by popular dance crazes such as the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Lindy Hop.
- The Jazz Age: The 1920s was nicknamed 'The Jazz Age' due to the influence of jazz music.
- Radio broadcasting: The widespread availability of radios led to the popularization of music through radio broadcasts.
- Prohibition: The prohibition of alcohol led to the rise of speakeasies where jazz music was performed.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular era
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Sales and chartsAnalyzing the sales, chart performances, and streaming numbers of songs and albums during a specific era can provide a clear insight into its popularity. The increase in sales can indicate the public's interest in the music at that time.
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Cultural impactConsider the extent to which the music of a specific era influenced fashion, lifestyle, and societal behaviors. The more an era's music defined and impacted its generation, the more popular it might be considered.
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Innovation and creativityEvaluate the level of innovation and creativity that arose during the era, as this can be a key factor in determining its popularity. New and groundbreaking styles and genres, production techniques, or musical technologies developed during that time can make it more popular.
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LongevityAssess how well the music of a specific era has aged and if it remains popular today. Music that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed and revered by new generations can be deemed more popular.
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Awards and accoladesReview the number of awards and accolades received by the music of the era, such as Grammys, American Music Awards, and international recognitions. This can give an indication of the industry's perception of the quality and popularity of the music at the time.
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Media coverageThe amount of media coverage, including articles, documentaries, and prominent features in movies and TV shows, can reflect the popularity of an era of music.
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Influence on future musicExamine the influence of the music of a specific era on subsequent eras and artists. Music that has had a significant impact on the development of new styles and trends can be considered more popular.
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Concert attendance and live performancesHigh demand for concerts and live performances during a specific era can indicate the popularity of music at that time. Record-breaking tours and sold-out shows can serve as a measure of an era's popularity.
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Critical receptionConsider the reviews and expert opinions from music journalists and critics during the era, as well as in retrospect. Positive critical reception can make an era more popular.
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Online presence and fandomIn today's digital age, assess the era's presence on social media, music forums, and fan sites. A higher level of engagement and discussion around the music of a particular era can indicate a larger fan base and greater popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular era of music. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Age is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1598 views
- 163 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Age once every 24 hours. The rank of each Age is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular era of music
Music has been a part of human history for thousands of years. From the earliest forms of drumming and chanting to the complex compositions of modern orchestras, music has played a vital role in shaping our culture and society. Over time, different styles and genres of music have emerged, each with their own unique characteristics and influences.
When it comes to the most popular era of music, opinions vary widely. Some people might argue that the classical era of the 18th and 19th centuries, with its grand symphonies and operas, represents the pinnacle of musical achievement. Others might point to the rock and roll revolution of the 1950s and 60s, which brought a new energy and attitude to the music scene.
Still others might argue that the 1980s and 90s, with their groundbreaking innovations in electronic and hip hop music, represent the most exciting and influential era of music. Ultimately, the answer to the question of the most popular era of music depends on your personal tastes and preferences. At StrawPoll, we invite you to explore the rich history of music and cast your vote for your favorite era.
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