Some say cultural or societal events affect music, so we will go through the years and see what is going on, the music that was popular and see what you think regarding this.
2024 WAS MARKED BY SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL, SOCIETAL, AND MAJOR EVENTS THAT SHAPED THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:
Historic Elections: In 2024, people in more than 60 countries, representing almost 50% of the world’s population, went to the polls. Notably, voters in Mexico and the United Kingdom selected new leaders, while a former U.S. president was elected to a second term in the White House.
U.S. Presidential Election: The U.S. presidential campaign was characterized by intense debates over cultural issues such as immigration and growing racial and ethnic diversity.
CULTURAL AND SOCIETAL TRENDS:
Fashion and Internet Trends: The fashion industry experienced dynamic changes, with brands leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to engage Gen Z and millennial audiences. The “deinfluencing” movement gained traction, encouraging consumers to reevaluate their purchasing habits in favor of sustainable consumption.
Pop Culture: In 2024, pop culture reflected a significant desire for escapism and feel-good moments amid a challenging year. Major trends included “Brat summer” and an obsession with celebrity lookalike contests. Comforting and familiar franchises like “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and “Moana 2” brought whimsy and joy to audiences.
GLOBAL EVENTS:
Climate Change Awareness: The year 2024 witnessed significant climate events, including record-breaking heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes, prompting a global awakening to the realities of climate change. The COP29 summit in Nairobi saw nations pledge historic investments in renewable energy, signaling a collective commitment to a sustainable future.
Technological Advancements: Researchers at Google DeepMind announced the development of AlphaFold 3, an AI model capable of predicting the structures of almost all biological molecules and modeling their interactions, marking a significant milestone in artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
These events and trends collectively defined 2024 as a year of significant political shifts, cultural transformations, and global challenges, leaving a lasting impact on societies worldwide.
IN 2024, THE BILLBOARD HOT 100 YEAR-END CHART RANKED THE TOP 100 SONGS BASED ON THEIR PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. HERE ARE THE TOP 40 SONGS FROM THAT LIST:
- “Lose Control” – Teddy Swims
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
- “Lovin on Me” – Jack Harlow
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “Million Dollar Baby” – Tommy Richman
- “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves
- “Too Sweet” – Hozier
- “Stick Season” – Noah Kahan
- “Cruel Summer” – Taylor Swift
- “Greedy” – Tate McRae
- “Like That” – Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar
- “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- “Please Please Please” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “Agora Hills” – Doja Cat
- “Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan
- “Saturn” – SZA
- “Snooze” – SZA
- “Paint the Town Red” – Doja Cat
- “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
- “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
- “Water” – Tyla
- “Feather” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Ariana Grande
- “Austin” – Dasha
- “Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
- “Cowgirls” – Morgan Wallen featuring Ernest
- “Pink Skies” – Zach Bryan
- “Thinkin’ Bout Me” – Morgan Wallen
- “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé
- “Is It Over Now?” – Taylor Swift
- “Miles on It” – Marshmello and Kane Brown
- “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart” – Taylor Swift
- “Wild Ones” – Jessie Murph and Jelly Roll
- “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
- “Carnival” – ¥$: Ye and Ty Dolla Sign featuring Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti
- “Houdini” – Eminem
- “Wanna Be” – GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion
IN 2024, THE BILLBOARD ALTERNATIVE AIRPLAY YEAR-END CHART HIGHLIGHTED THE MOST-PLAYED SONGS ON ALTERNATIVE RADIO STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. WHILE THE COMPLETE LIST OF THE TOP 40 SONGS IS NOT READILY AVAILABLE, NOTABLE TRACKS THAT ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT AIRPLAY INCLUDE:
- “ONE MORE TIME” – blink-182
- “Landmines” – The Smashing Pumpkins
- “Beautiful People (Stay High)” – Glass Animals
- “Neon Pill” – The Black Keys
- “Rainbow” – Kesha
- “Stargazing” – The Kid LAROI
- “The Emptiness Machine” – Muse
- “That’s How I’m Feeling” – The 1975
- “Dopamine” – BØRNS
- “Sad in Carolina” – The Lumineers
For a comprehensive list of the top 40 songs, you can refer to the Billboard Alternative Songs Year-End Chart for 2024 at billboard.com.
IN 2024, THE ROCK MUSIC SCENE FEATURED A BLEND OF ESTABLISHED ARTISTS AND EMERGING TALENTS, DELIVERING TRACKS THAT RESONATED WITH BOTH CRITICS AND AUDIENCES.
HERE ARE SOME TOP ROCK SONGS FROM 2024:
- “ONE MORE TIME” – blink-182
- “Landmines” – The Smashing Pumpkins
- “Beautiful People (Stay High)” – Glass Animals
- “Neon Pill” – The Black Keys
- “Rainbow” – Kesha
IN 2024, THE COUNTRY MUSIC SCENE WAS MARKED BY SEVERAL STANDOUT TRACKS THAT RESONATED WITH AUDIENCES AND ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT CHART SUCCESS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP COUNTRY SONGS FROM THAT YEAR: IN 2024, THE COUNTRY MUSIC SCENE WAS MARKED BY SEVERAL STANDOUT TRACKS THAT RESONATED WITH AUDIENCES AND ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT CHART SUCCESS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP COUNTRY SONGS FROM THAT YEAR:
HERE ARE SOME TOP COUNTRY SONGS FROM 2024:
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
- “I Had Some Help” – Morgan Wallen and Post Malone
- “World on Fire” – Nate Smith
- “Cowgirls” – Morgan Wallen
- “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley and Riley Green
IN 2024, THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC SCENE FEATURED SEVERAL STANDOUT SONGS THAT RESONATED WITH AUDIENCES AND ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT ACCLAIM. HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP CHRISTIAN SONGS FROM THAT YEAR:
HERE ARE SOME TOP CHRISTIAN SONGS FROM 2024:
- “HAPPY” – Eric Champlin and Haylie Allcott
- “You Say” – Lauren Daigle
- “Who Am I” – NEEDTOBREATHE
- “Reckless Love” – Cory Asbury
- “What A Beautiful Name” – Hillsong Worship
IN 2024, THE MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED NOTABLE SHIFTS IN GENRES AND STYLES, REFLECTING BOTH THE EVOLUTION OF MUSICAL TASTES AND THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS. KEY TRENDS INCLUDED:
Fusion of Genres: Artists increasingly blended diverse musical styles, creating hybrid genres that appealed to a broader audience. Notably, the fusion of folk, EDM, and hip-hop gained prominence, offering fresh and innovative sounds.
Revival of Classic Styles: There was a resurgence of 1980s-style pop, characterized by synth-heavy melodies and nostalgic aesthetics. This revival resonated with both older and younger generations, bridging the gap between past and present musical influences.
Rise of Regional Genres: Genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano gained significant international attention, reflecting a global appreciation for diverse musical traditions. These genres not only enriched the global music landscape but also influenced mainstream artists and producers.
Integration of Technology: Advancements in technology led to the incorporation of AI-generated music and innovative production techniques. This integration allowed for more experimental sounds and personalized music experiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional music creation.
Emphasis on Authenticity: There was a noticeable shift towards acoustic and organic sounds, with artists favoring real-life samples and live instrumentation over heavily processed tracks. This trend highlighted a desire for authenticity and emotional connection in music.
These developments in 2024 underscore the dynamic nature of the music industry, where innovation and tradition converge to shape the listening experiences of a diverse global audience.
IN 2024, THE MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED NOTABLE SHIFTS IN GENRE POPULARITY:
GENRES THAT INCREASED IN POPULARITY:
Country Music: Country music reached new heights, with artists achieving global streaming success and expanding their audiences.
Latin Music: Genres like reggaeton, Brazilian funk, and Afrobeats continued to spread across borders, gaining significant international attention.
Dance-Pop: Dance-pop maintained its mainstream appeal, with artists like Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift incorporating elements of house and disco into their music.
GENRES THAT DECREASED IN POPULARITY:
Classic Rock: Classic rock experienced a decline, with genres like hardcore punk also waning in popularity.
Electronic Dance Music (EDM): While still present, EDM’s dominance in the music scene decreased as other genres gained prominence.
These trends reflect the dynamic nature of the music industry, where audience preferences evolve, leading to shifts in genre popularity.
IN 2024, POPULAR MUSIC REFLECTED SEVERAL KEY THEMES THAT RESONATED WITH CULTURAL AND SOCIETAL EVENTS:
Genre Fusion and Crossovers: Artists increasingly blended genres, notably with hip-hop artists venturing into country music. A prime example is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which spent 19 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, highlighting the trend of hip-hop artists embracing country elements.
Personal Reflection and Societal Challenges: Pop and hip-hop artists delved into personal narratives and societal issues, creating music that resonated with listeners facing global challenges. This introspective approach provided a soundtrack to the year’s events, offering both solace and solidarity.
Revival of Classic Styles: There was a resurgence of 1980s-style pop, characterized by synth-heavy melodies and nostalgic aesthetics. This revival resonated with both older and younger generations, bridging the gap between past and present musical influences.
Emphasis on Authenticity: A noticeable shift towards acoustic and organic sounds emerged, with artists favoring real-life samples and live instrumentation over heavily processed tracks. This trend highlighted a desire for authenticity and emotional connection in music.
These themes underscore the dynamic interplay between music and the cultural landscape of 2024, reflecting both the challenges and innovations of the year.
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THESE TOPICS FROM THE FOLLOWING SOURCES:
- Top Songs and Music Genres of 2024:
- Trends in Music Genres and Styles:
- Cultural and Societal Influences on Music:
- Technological Advancements in Music:
- Landr
- Axis
These platforms provide in-depth articles, charts, and analyses to keep you updated on music trends and insights.