Is Today’s Pop Music Essentially Teen Music?
The concept of pop music is broad and subjective. Everyone has their definition of what constitutes pop, whether it's popularity, catchiness, mainstream-ness, or an upbeat chorus. Pop music is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of artists, from indie icons like Robyn to contemporary superstars like Travis Scott.
Pop Music as Popular Music
Ultimately, pop music is popular music. Internationally, teens are the largest market for music, which makes it unsurprising that the music they listen to is often considered pop. However, it would be reductive to suggest that all pop music is for teens alone.
Evolution of Pop Music
When I was young in the 1970s and 1980s, pop/rock music catered to both teens and adults. Even genres that might seem niche, like prog rock, were appreciated by a mature audience who demanded understanding and evaluation on an adult level. Contemporary music often offers a markedly different experience than what we had in earlier times.
Music from the 1960s and 1970s, such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, required deep thinking and appreciation rather than just being one-dimensional and catering to a young demographic. Bands and artists like these provided a more intellectual and rewarding experience, making them accessible to mature thinkers.
Current Pop Music as Fluff
Most pop music today can be described as feeling good and live in the moment, often characterized as "fluff." This doesn't diminish the enjoyment; after all, as a mature person, I still enjoy rock and pop music as much, if not more, than I did as a teen. These genres are art forms that reward repeated listens and deep appreciation.
It would be a mistake to assume that every mature listener who enjoys pop or rock music is doing so only for the sake of being trendy or rebellious. The universe of popular music is vast and wonderful, offering a unique experience for listeners of all ages.
Rock Music and Its Audience
Similarly, rock music, in both its broad and niche forms, has always been primarily intended for teens and early 20s. Very few rock musicians have ever aimed for an older crowd. This is understandable, as they were often themselves in their teens or early 20s when they started their bands.
As a refresher, let’s consider that even when you were a teen, you appreciated music that was relevant to your age group. There’s no reason this shouldn’t continue to be true for you now as a mature listener.
The true depth and richness of music, whether pop, rock, or anything else, lies in its ability to transcending age boundaries and touching the hearts of listeners at different stages of life.
So, can pop music today be considered essentially teen music? In one sense, yes, given the target audience and the current trends. But the diversity and complexity of music mean that it offers more than just surface-level pleasure. It serves as a gateway to deeper emotional and intellectual experiences.
Conclusion
Pop music today may be consumed more widely by younger audiences, but its essence and appeal extend beyond this demographic. Whether you're a teenager or a mature listener, there’s plenty to enjoy and appreciate in this ever-evolving genre.
As a mature listener, you can love and appreciate pop music for its simple enjoyment without feeling like you're missing out on anything deeper. The universe of popular music is diverse, and it can be a lifelong love affair.