Trends in Music Blog

Visual Representation of Trends

2008-05-05T19:36:00.005-04:00

Trends in Music Evaluation

2008-05-05T18:42:00.002-04:00

After reviewing the 20+ entries on this blog I can give a more formal analyis of the trends found in music today. First, I would like to say that this was different from any other project I have done in the past, yet very interesting. This blog allowed me to listen to songs I may have never listened to and exposed me to many new and up and coming artists. I have to say I enjoyed doing this whole blog process. . . if it hadn't been for this project I don't know if I would have ever started my own blog.

As for the trends in music and what is popular on the radio, I have to say that Pop music is once again popular. For the majority of the Billboard charts I looked at a different Pop song seemed to be the number one song each week. This varied only when I discussed songs that topped genre specific charts such as Modern Rock Songs. From this I would have to say that while different genre of music are popular (rock, hip hop, R&B) Pop seems to take the cake. I guess thats why they call it POPular music. Haha (readers are supposed to laugh there)

Lastly, I observed that female artists had a lot to do with this. Over the span of this blog, female artists dominated the charts with their hit singles. Thus, I believe that while female artists are not the only artists to produce Pop music, they have a great influence on its success.

I also want to add that new, up and coming female artists are the chart toppers nowadays. Gone are the days of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, a new batch of female artists lead by Leona Lewis are now the most popular and successful.

5 and Counting . . .

2008-05-05T18:10:00.002-04:00

This weeks charts are dominated by Leona Lewis and her smash hit "Bleeding Love". Not only does she have the number one single in the Hot 100, but this week she also tops the Pop 100, Hot Digital Tracks, Hot Digital Songs, and Pop 100 Airplay charts. This is pretty impressive and soldifies "Bleeding Love" status as a hit single.

Leona is also establishing herself as a strong, successful female artist.

Last Day of Blog

2008-05-05T18:04:00.002-04:00

This marks the last official day of blog entries, as this project is due tomorrow and I have another final and practice before I present this. I don't know these last couple of entries will be the very last ones for this blog. I'll probably stop for a bit and then pick it back up to see how the what transitions music has taken and what are its new trends.

Hot Digital Songs

2008-04-28T23:17:00.000-04:00

No 1 This Week:

Madonna ft/ Justin Timberlake- 4 Minutes

Genre: Pop

04/28/08

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Digital+Songs

This song fits the typical hit song formula- popular artist(s), catchy lyrics and upbeat rythm and beats. Thus, it is only normal that it is so popular among music lovers and on the radio. Madonna seems to always reinvent herself with every new album she releases. After some time off, she is back, aided by Justin Timberlake, with a catchy and upbeat track. However, unlike the track states "we only have 4 minutes" the song itself is longer than 4 Minutes. . . a fact I found to be interesting. For anyone who has not heard this song, I suggest you do and then judge for yourself. Which do you prefer- Old School Madonna or New Madonna? Post your comments!

Video Link to "4 Minutes" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfUjfioAnKY

Emotions / Thoughts through Pictures:

Hot 100 Airplay

2008-04-28T21:56:00.000-04:00

No. 1 This Week:

Usher - Love in the Club

Genre: R&B

04/28/08

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+100+Airplay

It does surprise me that this song - a combination between a love song/ ballad and dance track - has topped the charts. Usher is back on the radio with his typical catchy love songs. The song features a catchy chorus that after a few listens is easy to song along to. The track also does a good job of showcasing the artist's singing ability. However, I'm not sure how easy it is to find love in a club. . . I guess it may happen sometimes.

Link to "Love in the Club" video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqqY07OZWps

Emotions / Thoughts through Pictures:

Billboard Hot 100

2008-04-28T21:41:00.001-04:00

No. 1 This Week

Lil' Wayne - Lollipop

Genre: Hip Hop

04/28/08

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_

display.jsp?g=Singles&f=The+Billboard+Hot+100

I listened to this song for the first time just a few minutes ago so I could type up this entry. I guess the reason for it is because I normally don't listen to this genre of music. I found the song to be somewhat dull and didn't really like the lyrics. The artist chooses to express certain lyrics that I do not really agree with. On account of this I found myself not really paying attention to what was being said. Lastly I would have to say that of all the songs I have reviewed for this blog so far, this is my least favorite.

Link to the Lollipop Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h7-M2_sNOU

Emotions/ Thoughts through Pictures:

Music Genre: Latin Pop

2008-04-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

Latin Pop is pop music from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Hispanic American artists who sing in languages spoken in Latin America, mainly Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Other European singers who come from countries where Spanish or Portuguese are not spoken, usually Italians, are often considered Latin Pop artists. Latin Pop is usually marked by polished productions while incorporating unobtrusive Latin rhythms and instrumentation into tracks

Latin Pop mixes pop with a wide variety of Latin American or Iberian rhythms such as salsa, samba, cumbia, norteña, merengue, banda, tex-mex, flamenco, tango, reggaeton, vallenato, and reggae. More recently, Latin Pop has also included hip hop contributions. It first reached a global audience through the work of vocalist Ritchie Valens in the late 1950s; in later decades, Julio Iglesias, the versatile Gloria Estefan, and the revolving-door teen idol group Menudo carried the style forward. More recently Enrique Iglesias, Luis Miguel, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Thalía, Paulina Rubio, Selena,and Ivete Sangalo, have brought Latin Pop to millions of people around the globe.

Evolution of Latin Pop

Music Genre: Hip Hop

2008-04-24T19:53:00.000-04:00

Hip hop is both a cultural movement and a genre of music developed in New York City in the 1970s primarily by African Americans and Latinos. Since first emerging in The Bronx and Harlem, the lifestyle of hip hop culture has today spread around the world. The four historic "elements" of hip hop are: MCing (rapping), DJing, urban inspired art/tagging (graffiti), and b-boying (or breakdancing).

During the 1980's, hip hop also embraced the creation of rhythm by using the human body, via the vocal percussion technique of beatboxing. Early pioneers such as Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Buffy from the Fat Boys made beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using their mouth, lips, tongue, voice, and other body parts. "Human Beatbox" artists would also sing or imitate turntablism scratching or other instrument sounds.

In the 1990s, gangsta rap became mainstream, beginning in about 1992, with the release of Dr. Dre's The Chronic.As the decade progressed, hip hop has transformed from the more or less "old school" rhythmic rap to a more melodic hip hop that has the elements of jazz, classical, pop, reggae, and many other genres. Hip hop also gave birth to subgenres such as snap music and crunk. Hip hop influences also found their way into mainstream pop during this period as well.

Evolution of Hip Hop:

Music Genre: Rock

2008-04-24T19:36:00.000-04:00

Rock music is a form of popular music with a prominent vocal melody, accompanied by guitar, drums, and bass. Many styles of rock music also use keyboard instruments such as organ, piano, mellotron, and synthesizers. . Rock music usually has a strong back beat, and often revolves around the guitar, either solid electric, hollow electric, or acoustic.

Rock music has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly, which evolved from blues, country music and other influences. In the 1970s, rock developed a number of subgenres, such as soft rock, heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and punk rock. Rock subgenres that emerged in the 1980s included synthpop, hardcore punk and alternative rock. In the 1990s, rock subgenres included grunge, Britpop, indie rock, and nu metal. Furthermore, a group of musicians specializing in rock music is called a rock band or rock group. Many rock groups consist of a guitarist, lead singer, bass guitarist, and drummer, forming a quartet.

Origins: United States during the 1940's

Typical Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard

*One of the best selling music forms since the 1950s

Evolution of Rock:

Music Genre: R&B

2008-04-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

Rhythm and blues (also known as R&B or RnB) is a popular music genre combining jazz, gospel, and blues influences, first performed by African American artists.

In 1947, the term rhythm and blues was coined as a musical marketing term in the United States by Jerry Wexler of Billboard magazine. It replaced the term race music, which originally came from within the black community, but was deemed offensive in the postwar world.

By the 1970s, the term rhythm and blues was being used as a blanket term to describe soul and funk. In the 2000s, the initialism R&B is almost always used instead of the full rhythm and blues, and mainstream use of the term usually refers to contemporary R&B, which is a modern version of soul and funk-influenced pop music that originated as disco faded from popularity.

Origins: The United States in the 1940's.

Stylistic Origins: Jazz, blues, Pop music, and gospel music

Evolution of R&B:

Music Genre: POP

2008-04-24T13:56:00.000-04:00

POP

Pop music is music charted by the number or sales, plays, etc., that the work receives. It is not a particular genre or style of music, simply that which is the most popular for the tracked period of time. Most commercial music of any genre is composed with deliberate intent to appeal to the majority of its contemporaries, but, unless extremely popular in its own genre, it must to appeal to a wider audience to appear on the Pop charts.

Originated back in England during the 1950's - "In contrast to genres with clear origins and a traceable evolution, pop developed, and continues to expand, as a haphazard merging of styles. Pop is an amalgam of successive fashions, of elements of many differing styles that have been successful over the years and have ended up incorporated into the genre."

Recent history: Pop became truly international in the nineties, with hits coming from diverse and distant locations. Female singers have had a big influence on the pop music in the first decade of the twentieth century, with soulful ballads, hip hop pieces and dance tracks

Evolution of Pop Throughout History:

Genre of Music

2008-04-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

Before I continue posting any new entries about the singles topping this weeks charts, I wanted to include a few posts on this blog about the genre of music that is currently being played on the radio. These posts may help readers understand (if they don't already know) what a particular genre of music is and some examples of artists and songs. Hope you enjoy.

Pop 100 Airplay

2008-04-17T20:34:00.000-04:00

No. 1 This Week

Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown

'No Air'
Genre: Pop

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Pop+100+Airplay

This week Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown top the Billboard Pop 100 Airplay chart. However, this is not the only song that Chris Brown had topped this chart with. Last week, Brown was in the number 1 slot with his hit single, "With You". When I first listened to this song a few weeks I didn't really like it at first because I thought it was another song about a couple proclaiming that they can not live without the other. But after listening to it a few more times I caught on to what has made this track so popular. I don't know whether it is the beat, the vocals, or the factor that it is neither a ballad nor a dance song, but the track just seems to work. The collaboration between Sparks and Brown is a great marketing strategy and has made the song a smash hit. This types of collaborations are seen quite frequently nowadays with many recording companies trying to cash in on the success that comes when combining two hit artists together. This tactic is not always successful, however in 'No Air' it just seems to work.

'No Air' Video link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icv6DgZ-9O4

Emotions/Thoughts through Pictures:

Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks

2008-04-17T20:08:00.000-04:00

No. 1 This Week

3 Doors Down

'Its Not My Time'

Genre: Rock

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Mainstream+Rock+Tracks

I just heard this song for the first time before typing this blog entry and downloaded because I liked it. Its a rock song and a bit different from what is currently on the radio. The track has a harder side to it, but at the same time is radio friendly. This is another hit from 3 Doors Down, who are not quite mainstream but no where near a one hit wonder, and this track supports their musical talent. The track talks about not backing down or giving up and transmits a strong and positive message.

The video for 'Its Not My Time' is not available at the current moment, but here is a link to some footage of the shooting/ making of the video, including an on set look at the video and behind the scenes footage- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnF8sNq5a6A

Emotions/Thoughts through Pictures:

The Billboard Hot 100

2008-04-17T19:43:00.000-04:00

Leona Lewis

'Bleeding Love'

Genre: Pop

04/17/08

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=The+Billboard+Hot+100

Although I've already discussed Leona Lewis' 'Bleeding Love' on a previous blog entry, this week she tops the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and claims the title of the number 1 single in America. Readers can look at my previous entry concerning my thoughts and reaction to this song. However, I would like to make the observation that it appears that female artists continue to reign at the top of the Billboard charts. We'll see if this continues to be the case throughout the remainder of this blog process.

Here's a link of Leona Lewis performing her hit single "Bleeding Love" on Good Morning America enjoy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOxeDzQi-8g

Furthermore, for any interested here is a link with further information of Leona including here life story and discography - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leona_Lewis

Hot Modern Rock Tracks

2008-04-11T14:44:00.000-04:00

No. 1 This Week
Puddle of Mud 'Psycho'
Genre: Rock

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/

charts/chart_ display.jsp?g=Singles&f

=Hot+Modern+Rock+Tracks

I found this song to be quite interesting. It is definitely very different from the previous songs I have listened to for this blog. First off, it is the first rock song featured and is the only track (so far) that has been recorded by a group and not a solo artist. This track sounds dark and very different from what is currently on the radio and topping the charts. Yet, it serves as almost a breath of fresh air among a clutter of love songs and dance tracks. 'Psycho' discusses an issue that many people in our society would prefer not to address. In the track the lead singer addresses the fact that he may be in fact be crazy and an actual "psycho". I was initially taken aback when I heard this and thought to myself, "who in the world would actually admit to themselves and others that they may be crazy". I found this a bit shocking and interesting at the same time. Perhaps this is no longer such a taboo topic and people are willing to admit to themselves that they may have a problem and seek help for themselves. If this were the case, then I believe, it would be a major step in our society.

The meaning of Psycho- informal a psychopath; a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior

'Psycho Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU_JyGBDeIc

Thoughts/ Emotions through pictures:

Pop 100

2008-04-11T14:13:00.000-04:00

No. 1 this Week:
Leona Lewis 'Bleeding Love'
Genre: Pop

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/
chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Pop+100

'Bleeding Love' is yet another song about what seems to be a complicated love or relationship. This is an example of how love songs have and will continue to remain in popular music and is a topic that never gets old. I feel that it means that no matter what happens or what a person does to another, love will always be there. However I do not know if I fully agree with this. How could you continue to love someone that hurt you? Or is that the meaning of love? Should an individual be able to forgive someone and continue to love them no matter what? I guess this question is left up to personal
experience and for everyone to decide for themselves.

'Bleeding Love' video link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-ctIC65PV0

Thoughts/ Emotions through pictures:

New Week

2008-04-11T13:31:00.000-04:00

This entry signifies a new week in this blog process. After viewing the charts from this new week there are been a few changes but nothing very radical. 'Touch My Body' continues to hold the No. 1 Spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Furthermore, from the songs reviewed from last week, 'Love Song' and 'Bubbly' continue to hold the top spots in their respective charts. Thus, these female artists continue to hold their reign over the charts and radio waves.

Hot Adult Contemporary

2008-04-07T21:15:00.000-04:00

#1 This Week

Colbie Caillat 'Bubbly'

Genre: Pop

Of the songs I have listened to and discussed on this blog so far, this track is the most "feel good" and "perky". It is somewhat of a corky love song but at the same time very catchy and easy to listen to. I have known about this song for many months now having listened to it many times on the radio. I believe this song has potential of placing someone in a good mood while listening to it and have come to this conclusion through personal experience. I remember listening to this song (on the radio) on my way to morning track practice and although it was really early (6 in the morning) and I knew that I would have to run a workout in a few minutes, I couldn't help but feel a "bubbly" feeling inside.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Adult+Contemporary+Tracks

'Bubbly' Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PWfB4lurT4

Thoughts/Emotions:

Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks

2008-04-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

#1 Song of the Week

Sara Bareilles 'Love Song'

Genre: Pop

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart

_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Adult+Top+40+Tracks

After listening to 'Love Song' I am hesistant to describe it as a love song as its title would describe it. I feel as though Bareilles' is trying to convey the idea that a relationship should not be about what one has to do, but instead of what one chooses to do. The song conveys the idea that actions of love come from within and should not be forced. Bareilles' stresses this idea throughout the track by repeating "I'm not going to write you a love song, cuz you ask for it, cuz you need one". Thus, leading me to get the feeling that love should be sincere and come from the heart. 'Love Song' is a catchy and upbeat song that is easy to listen to yet different from traditional pop songs that can be heard on the radio nowadays.

'Love Song' video link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR5xv3pt7KI

Thoughts/ Emotions:

Link to further information about 'Love Song', its video and treatment and its chart performance- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Song_(Sara_Bareilles_song)

Hot 100 Airplay

2008-04-06T19:16:00.000-04:00

#1 This Week
Chris Brown 'With You'

Genre: R&B

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_

display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+100+Airplay

This is your typical love song where the guy is talking about how much he loves the girl he is with and his feelings towards her. Yet, Chris Brown offers a more modern twist on the traditional subject of love. This single is not the same old sappy love song that most of us have become accoustomed to. On the contray, it is one of the more upbeat ballads currently on the airwaves and quite catchy. I had already heard this song many times before this entry, as it is constantly played on various radio stations and is very popular. I found this song to be enjoyable, very catchy and can understand why it has become so popular. The subject of Brown's song is something that I would have usually associated with a female artist as it is almost the norm to hear female artists sing about this topic, yet sounds refreshing and modern coming from a male. At one point in the song, Brown declares his sincere love - "you know that I won't lie, you know that I will try, be your everything" - and portrays the idea that men can also be dedicated to their relationships.

With You video link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqumjziPTzk

Thoughts / Emotions evoked by the Song:

The Billboard Hot 100

2008-04-06T17:55:00.000-04:00

#1 This Week

Touch My Body by Mariah Carey Genre: R&B/Pop

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=The+Billboard+Hot+100

For the first entry of my blog I chose to analyze the No. 1 song of The Billboard Hot 100, Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body'. This is currently the top single in America having the highest amount of radio airplay and online downloads. I personally had not taken the chance to listen to this song closely until I downloaded it for the puspose of this project. After listening to the track a few times I did not become a very big fan. Although, Carey is attempting to evoke a sense of sexuality and temptation throughout the entire song by repeating "touch my body" I found the song to be somewhat bland. The song does not feature Carey's signature vocals and is neither an upbeat dance track or an emotional ballad. Even though, I did not particulary like the track, it must have a strong sense of appeal throughout the country, as it has claimed the number one spot. Hopefully, next week's Hot 100 will feature a track I am more interested in.

Touch My Body Video link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ISECfO9hNc

Thoughts while listening to this Song/ Emotions Evoked Afterwards

Purpose of Blog

2008-04-06T17:16:00.001-04:00

For my Digital Arts Time Based class we were assigned to create a blog on a subject of our choosing and maintain and actively update the blog throughout the course of the project. For my blog I have chosen to discuss current trends in music. The purpose of the blog is it display the current trends in popular music from week to week. I will look at what are the most popular songs of the week, calling on billboard.com for assistance, and then go on to analyze these songs. This will be done through images and pictures, explorations of emotions evoked by the particular track, discussion of the performing artist(s), and external links providing further information on the song, artist and musical news. Through this, I hopefully be able to examine the current trends of music in America and understand which genre of music is most popular in our current day of age.

Below is the link to billboard.com where you find the weekly updated musical charts that will serve as the source of my song selections. On this website, you can find charts displaying the top 100 songs in the country, the top selling albums, and even rank listings by genre of music.
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/index.jsp