Teens and Music: A Comparative Look at Musical Preferences Across Decades

When we think of teenage music preferences, modern youth often have a strong aversion towards mainstream rock, in favor of genres like pop, hip hop, RB, and electronic dance music (EDM). However, this trend is not as pronounced in the past. This article explores the musical tastes of teens in the 1960s and 1990s, comparing them to contemporary preferences.

The 1960s: An Era of Musical Diversity and Cultural Impact

As a teenager in the 1990s, I, along with many of my peers, would smoke marijuana and listen to jazz, detesting the likes of Britney Spears and other mainstream pop artists. However, it's important to recognize that music was far more diverse and varied during the 1960s. This era saw the rise of iconic artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. Each of these artists contributed to a rich musical landscape that included rock, soul, RB, and folk.

British Invasion vs. Mainstream Rock

During the 1960s, the so-called "British invasion," led by artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, marked a significant shift in music culture. These bands not only influenced the music scene but also the youth culture of the time. The 1960s were also the era of Motown, which brought a unique blend of RB and pop to the forefront, led by artists such as The Four Tops and Diana Ross. Many teens listened to these songs, often sung with jazz influences, but predominantly as pop and RB.

It's also worth noting that jazz was not as prevalent among teens as it might be today. The closest a teenager might have come to jazz in the 1960s was through artists like Frank Sinatra, who occasionally sang jazz but never dominated the youth scene during that decade. The iconic novel On the Road by Jack Kerouac does provide insight into jazz being a significant part of the 1950s and early 1960s music scene, but it was not the predominant choice for most teens.

The 1990s: A Time of Music Revolutions

Fast-forward to the 1990s, and the music landscape had changed dramatically. This decade saw the rise of grunge, which emerged from a counter-culture movement and eventually gained mainstream popularity. Artists like Nirvana and Soundgarden became household names, admired and reviled all at once. The 1990s were also the era of Britpop, led by bands like Oasis and Blur in the UK. In the United States, alternative rock and post-grunge bands like Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters gained massive popularity.

Mainstream Rock and Its Critics

For many teenagers today, the idea of mainstream rock is a contentious one. Most youth in contemporary times listen to pop, hip hop, RB, EDM, and trap music. The 1990s saw a blurring of genres, as grunge and alternative rock often blended with elements of hip hop and RB. However, this trend is not universal, and there are still niche groups who prefer rock music, much like the "3 weird chicks" who smoked pot and listened to jazz.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Musical Tastes

The music tastes of teenagers have evolved significantly over the decades. While the 1960s saw a diverse mix of rock, soul, RB, and folk, with jazz playing a significant yet not dominant role, the 1990s saw a shift towards alternative rock and pop. Today, the music scene is even more diverse and predominantly driven by genres like pop, hip hop, RB, and EDM. This article aims to provide a historical and comparative perspective on the evolution of teenage music preferences.