Music is ever-changing and as new generations grow, new styles of music and a revival of older music come into circulation. Every person is a product of their environment. Whether it’s extracurricular activities, culture, or people in your life, it shapes the person you are. In many lives, music is an outlet or a way to relax. It’s a resource for individuals to focus, enjoy, or to calm themselves.
As many people say, history repeats itself. This applies to music as well. Recently there has been a spike in older music reviving. This is mostly due to social media platforms like TikTok and other media like television. The nostalgic feeling and genuine sound of it resonates with people and is becoming more desirable as taste evolves. In fact, older songs have been reaching spots in top charts as young and old fans grow.
In movies and series, such as Stranger Things and The Goldbergs, there is an uprising of settings in the 80s and 90s that have shifted the narrative to a retro vibe becoming desirable.
As of right now, artists like Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Drake, SZA, and Billie Eilish dominate the music industry. Their music is enjoyed by all age groups but are predominantly listened to and made popular by Gen Z (1997-2012). Genres like hip-hop, rap, pop, and R&B tend to have great success and performances with listeners and in the charts.
Sophomore Grant Monday is an avid music listener and has strong preference in his taste.
“I like 2000s hip-hop and a little bit of new country music. It has great rhythm, flow, and lyricism,” comments Monday.
Country music has also been making a big splash on charts. Since 2020, country music has become significantly more popular among Gen Z. Artists like Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, and Megan Moroney have driven this appeal for country music. The authentic feel of the lyrics and music by those artists are peaking the interest of these young listeners.
Sophomore Madison Knapp has always had a connection with country music.
“I grew up listening to country, and it describes real life situations,” Knapp shares.
While R&B and rap are popular genres amongst younger people (Gen Z), pop remains highly listened to with all age groups. According to studies done by theharrispoll.com, pop music is listened to by 83% of Gen Z and Millennials (1981-1996). Pop music has dominated charts and the industry for decades, and it continues to be a dominant genre in society.
But there are still major differences between the two generations.
Due to the fact that Millennials grew up with radio broadcasting and channels like MTV, their music tastes tend to be mainstream and favorite artists are well-known. These artists include people like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Imagine Dragons, and Adele.
Gen Z, however, has been surrounded by social media and streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube. This in turn, leads to more niche artists and underground music being listened to. Even though many still listen to familiar and popular artists, it is more common to see small artists be discovered and listened to with Gen Z than older generations.
Most underground music listeners are those who frequently use TikTok and Snapchat. They are also the largest group of people who listen to non-white ethnic groups.
You can also see a spike in international music with the recent generations. Thanks to large platforms like TikTok and Instagram, music’s impact is much more widespread than in the past. Recently, genres like Latin, Caribbean, and K-pop music are seeing new success in the United States. About 51% of music listeners have listened to or frequently listen to international music. This new global awareness has diversified many playlists and daily music.
While many things remain different with the two generations, one thing remains true. Music is seen as a reflection of who people are. Eighty-five percent of listeners consider music, whether it’s lyrics or rhythm, as relatable.
But every person has their own reason for what music means to them.
Many Carolina Forest High School students mentioned that music is like therapy for them. It’s a way to express themselves and disconnect from the world. It is rejuvenating and helps one to focus and concentrate on work.
Junior De’onna Edeards-Leray mentions, “It helps me get through my feelings.”
Senior Kendall Reynolds adds, “I use music to help focus, when I’m upset or stressed about the day, and sometimes instrumental music for when I’m reading.”
Music is so individual and meaningful to every person. No person has the exact same music taste. However, nearly every person listens to music intentionally or unintentionally every day. Music has a huge impact on a person, boosting moods, allowing people to focus, or getting a break from stress and work are all significant ways music influences people.
