| Soprano |
Classical |
The highest vocal range for female singers. |
Maria Callas |
1500s |
| Alto |
Classical |
The second highest vocal range for female singers. |
Leontyne Price |
1600s |
| Countertenor |
Classical |
A male singing voice that is equivalent to an alto or mezzo-soprano. |
Andreas Scholl |
1600s |
| Tenor |
Classical |
A high male voice. |
Luciano Pavarotti |
1600s |
| Baritone |
Classical |
A male voice that lies between the tenor and bass. |
Dmitri Hvorostovsky |
1600s |
| Bass |
Classical |
The lowest male voice. |
Boris Christoff |
1600s |
| Mezzo-soprano |
Classical |
A female voice between soprano and contralto. |
Cecilia Bartoli |
1700s |
| Pop |
Pop |
Mainstream music that is commercially recorded for a wide audience. |
Britney Spears |
1950s |
| R&B |
Soul |
A modern genre combining rhythm and blues with soul, often focusing on themes of love and relationships. |
Alicia Keys |
1940s |
| Hip Hop |
Hip Hop |
A genre characterized by rhythmic vocal style called rapping, often focusing on social issues or party themes. |
Kendrick Lamar |
1970s |
| Jazz |
Jazz |
A genre characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and rhythmic swing. |
Ella Fitzgerald |
1920s |
| Blues |
Blues |
A genre characterized by its use of specific chord progressions and expressive melodies. |
B.B. King |
1890s |
| Rock |
Rock |
A broad genre of popular music that originated as rock and roll in the United States in the late 1940s. |
Freddie Mercury |
1950s |
| Metal |
Heavy Metal |
A genre known for its loud, aggressive sound and themes of rebellion. |
Ozzy Osbourne |
1970s |
| Folk |
Folk |
Traditional music that expresses the life and culture of a specific community. |
Bob Dylan |
1960s |
| Reggae |
Reggae |
A genre that originated in Jamaica that emphasizes rhythm and blues, characterized by offbeat rhythms. |
Bob Marley |
1960s |
| Country |
Country |
A genre that originated in the southern United States, typically featuring simple chord progressions. |
Johnny Cash |
1920s |
| Electronic |
Electronic |
Music created using electronic instruments and technology, often features synthesized sounds. |
Daft Punk |
1970s |
| Indie |
Indie |
A genre of music that is produced independently from commercial record labels. |
Arcade Fire |
2000s |
| Soul |
Soul |
A genre that combines rhythm and blues with gospel and jazz influences. |
Aretha Franklin |
1950s |
| Gospel |
Gospel |
Music of the Christian church, often featuring strong vocals and harmonies. |
Mahalia Jackson |
1930s |
| Opera |
Classical |
A dramatic art form combining singing and orchestration, often tells a story. |
Giuseppe Verdi |
1600s |
| Acapella |
Various |
Vocal performance without instrumental accompaniment, can span various genres. |
Pentatonix |
1980s |
| Choral |
Classical |
Vocal music performed by a choir, typically in harmony. |
King's Singers |
1000s |
| Vocal Jazz |
Jazz |
A genre that emphasizes vocal improvisation and the use of jazz techniques. |
Carmen McRae |
1940s |
| New Age |
New Age |
A genre characterized by soothing sounds and spiritual influences, often instrumental. |
Enya |
1980s |
| Experimental |
Various |
A genre that pushes the boundaries of music, often incorporating unconventional techniques. |
Bjork |
1990s |
| Dubstep |
Electronic |
A genre characterized by heavy bass and syncopated rhythms, often features vocal samples. |
Skrillex |
2000s |
| Trip Hop |
Electronic |
A genre that blends hip hop with electronic music and downtempo beats. |
Massive Attack |
1990s |
| Funk |
Funk |
A genre that emphasizes rhythmic groove and strong bass lines, often dance-oriented. |
Parliament-Funkadelic |
1960s |
| Disco |
Disco |
A genre known for its danceable beats and rhythmic, syncopated basslines. |
Bee Gees |
1970s |
| Ballad |
Various |
A song that tells a story, often slow in tempo and emotional. |
Adele |
2000s |
| Acid Jazz |
Jazz |
A fusion of jazz, funk, and hip hop, often with a danceable beat. |
Jamiroquai |
1980s |
| Grunge |
Rock |
A subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the 1990s, known for its raw sound. |
Nirvana |
1980s |
| Post-Rock |
Rock |
A genre that uses rock instruments but focuses on sound texture and atmosphere instead of traditional song structure. |
Sigur Rós |
1990s |
| Latin Pop |
Pop |
A genre that combines Latin rhythms with pop melodies and structures. |
Shakira |
2000s |
| Operatic Pop |
Pop |
Combines classical singing techniques with contemporary pop music styles. |
Il Divo |
2000s |
| Vocals in EDM |
Electronic |
Singing incorporated into Electronic Dance Music tracks, often featuring catchy hooks. |
Zedd |
2010s |
| World Music |
Various |
A broad category encompassing the traditional music of different cultures around the globe. |
Youssou N'Dour |
1980s |
| Ambient |
Electronic |
A genre focusing on creating a mood or atmosphere through sound, often instrumental. |
Brian Eno |
1970s |
| Lo-fi |
Hip Hop |
A genre characterized by its raw, unpolished production quality, often incorporates elements of chill music. |
Nujabes |
2000s |
| House |
Electronic |
A genre of electronic music that developed in the 1980s and is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat. |
Frankie Knuckles |
1980s |
| K-Pop |
Pop |
A genre originating from South Korea that encompasses a wide range of influences and features choreographed dance routines. |
BTS |
1990s |
| J-Pop |
Pop |
Japanese pop music that blends Western music elements with traditional Japanese musical styles. |
Hikaru Utada |
1990s |
| Children's Music |
Various |
Music created for or performed by children, often educational or entertaining in nature. |
Raffi |
1960s |
| Show Tunes |
Musical Theatre |
Songs from musicals or stage productions, often telling a story or conveying emotion. |
Lin-Manuel Miranda |
2000s |
| Spoken Word |
Various |
Performance art where the artist speaks rather than sings, often poetry or prose. |
Gil Scott-Heron |
1960s |
| Christian Contemporary |
Gospel |
Modern songs that express Christian faith and worldview, crossing into various genres. |
Chris Tomlin |
1990s |
| Zydeco |
Folk |
A music genre that blends Creole, blues, and Cajun influences, often featuring accordion. |
Clifton Chenier |
1930s |
| Ska |
Reggae |
A music genre that originated in Jamaica, characterized by a strong rhythmic style and upbeat tempo. |
The Specials |
1960s |
| synth-pop |
Pop |
A genre that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by the use of synthesizers and catchy melodies. |
Depeche Mode |
1980s |
| Vocaloid |
Electronic |
A voice synthesizing software technology that allows users to create singing by inputting music and lyrics. |
Hatsune Miku |
2000s |
| Trap |
Hip Hop |
A subgenre of hip hop known for its use of 808 kick drums and hi-hats, often features aggressive beats. |
Future |
2000s |
| Chanson |
Pop |
French song genre known for its lyrical poetry and emotional depth. |
Edith Piaf |
1920s |
| Experimental Pop |
Pop |
A genre that blends traditional pop with experimental music techniques. |
Fiona Apple |
1990s |
| Glam Rock |
Rock |
A genre characterized by flamboyant fashion and theatrical performances focusing on anthemic styles. |
David Bowie |
1970s |
| Screamo |
Metal |
A subgenre of post-hardcore music known for its aggressive vocals and emotional lyrics. |
There for Tomorrow |
1990s |
| Industrial |
Rock |
A genre that incorporates noise music, synthesizers, and unconventional instruments, often with abrasive vocals. |
Nine Inch Nails |
1980s |
| Noise Pop |
Pop |
A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of noise music with melodic pop sounds. |
My Bloody Valentine |
1980s |
| Math Rock |
Rock |
A style of rock music known for its complex rhythms and time signatures, often instrumental. |
Don Caballero |
1990s |
| Chillwave |
Electronic |
A genre characterized by its lo-fi sound, nostalgia, and dreamy melodies. |
Washed Out |
2000s |
| Post-Punk |
Rock |
A genre that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by its departure from traditional punk rock aesthetics. |
Joy Division |
1970s |
| Polka |
Folk |
A lively dance music genre of Bohemian origin, often featuring brass instruments and accordions. |
Frank Yankovic |
1800s |
| Bluegrass |
Folk |
A form of American roots music that blends elements of folk, country, and jazz. |
Bill Monroe |
1940s |
| Surf Rock |
Rock |
A genre characterized by reverb-heavy guitar sounds and themes related to surf culture. |
The Beach Boys |
1960s |
| Fado |
World Music |
A traditional Portuguese music genre characterized by its mournful tunes and lyrics, often about longing. |
Amália Rodrigues |
1800s |
| Ragga |
Reggae |
A subgenre of reggae that emphasizes vocal styles with electronic instruments, often more upbeat. |
Buju Banton |
1980s |
| Hard Rock |
Rock |
A genre characterized by aggressive vocals and amplified instrumentation, focuses on fierce guitar riffs. |
AC/DC |
1970s |
| Progressive Rock |
Rock |
A genre that incorporates complex time signatures, extended compositions, and incorporates elements from classical music. |
Pink Floyd |
1960s |
| Swing |
Jazz |
A style of jazz music that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s featuring big bands and danceable rhythms. |
Duke Ellington |
1930s |
| Bossa Nova |
Jazz |
A Brazilian music genre that blends samba and jazz, known for its smooth melodies and subtle rhythms. |
João Gilberto |
1950s |
| Vaporwave |
Electronic |
A microgenre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2010s, characterized by its nostalgic commentary on consumerism. |
Macintosh Plus |
2010s |
| Drum and Bass |
Electronic |
A genre characterized by fast breakbeats and heavy basslines, often instrumental. |
Goldie |
1990s |
| Soulful House |
Electronic |
A subgenre of house music that incorporates soulful vocals and gospel influences. |
Masters At Work |
1990s |
| Bhangra |
World Music |
A lively form of folk music associated with the Punjabi culture, often featuring drums and string instruments. |
Bally Sagoo |
1980s |
| Afrobeats |
World Music |
A contemporary genre from West Africa that blends African rhythms with jazz, funk, and R&B. |
Wizkid |
2010s |
| Shanty |
Folk |
A type of work song that was sung to improve the efficiency of labor on ships. |
The Longest Johns |
1800s |
| Drill |
Hip Hop |
A subgenre of hip hop originating in Chicago, characterized by dark beats and violent lyrical content. |
Chief Keef |
2010s |
| Dance-Pop |
Pop |
A genre that combines pop melodies with up-tempo beats, often commercialized for dance music. |
Lady Gaga |
2000s |
| Synthwave |
Electronic |
A genre that evokes the sounds and aesthetic of the 1980s electronic music. |
Kavinsky |
2000s |
| Darkwave |
Electronic |
A genre that blends elements of post-punk with synth and ambient music, often with dark themes. |
Clan of Xymox |
1980s |
| Post-Hardcore |
Rock |
A subgenre of hardcore punk that employs more melodic elements, experimental song structures. |
Thrice |
1990s |
| Chamber Pop |
Pop |
A style of pop music that incorporates classical instrumentation and arrangements. |
Belle and Sebastian |
1990s |
| Ska Punk |
Rock |
A fusion genre that combines ska and punk rock, characterized by upbeat tempo and brass sections. |
Reel Big Fish |
1990s |
| Hardcore |
Punk |
An aggressive genre of punk rock known for fast tempos and heavy instrumentation. |
Black Flag |
1980s |
| New Wave |
Rock |
A genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, incorporates pop aesthetics with punk influences. |
The Cars |
1970s |
| Acoustic Rock |
Rock |
A relaxed genre focusing on singer-songwriter elements and acoustic instrumentation. |
Jack Johnson |
2000s |
| Country Pop |
Country |
A fusion of country music and pop music, often appealing to a broader audience. |
Taylor Swift |
2000s |
| Alternative Rock |
Rock |
A broad genre derived from the independent rock scene, often experimental and eclectic. |
Radiohead |
1990s |
| Glam Metal |
Metal |
A genre that combines heavy metal music with glam rock aesthetics, popular in the 1980s. |
Mötley Crüe |
1980s |
| Raï |
World Music |
A popular Algerian music genre that blends folk, pop, and reggae elements. |
Cheb Mami |
1920s |
| Tuvan Throat Singing |
World Music |
A traditional singing style originating from Mongolia and Tuva, involves the production of multiple pitches concurrently. |
Huun-Huur-Tu |
1990s |
| Blue Eyed Soul |
Soul |
A genre that describes white artists who perform soul and R&B music. |
Hall & Oates |
1970s |
| Nu Metal |
Metal |
A subgenre of metal that incorporates elements from other genres, including hip hop and grunge. |
Linkin Park |
1990s |
| Chiptune |
Electronic |
Music created using the sound chips of vintage computers and gaming consoles. |
Anamanaguchi |
2000s |
| Acoustic Folk |
Folk |
Traditional folk music characterized by acoustic instrumentation and lyrical storytelling. |
Simon & Garfunkel |
1960s |
| Pop Punk |
Rock |
A genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music's catchy melodies. |
Blink-182 |
1990s |
| Ballad Rock |
Rock |
A style of rock music that emphasizes deeply emotional lyrics and slow tempos. |
Ed Sheeran |
2010s |
| Emo |
Rock |
A subgenre of punk rock known for its confessional lyrics and expressive vocals. |
My Chemical Romance |
2000s |
| Easy Listening |
Pop |
A genre characterized by mellow, relaxing music favorable for background listening. |
The Carpenters |
1970s |
| Industrial Metal |
Metal |
A fusion genre that combines industrial music and heavy metal. |
Ministry |
1980s |
| Acid House |
Electronic |
A style of house music characterized by the use of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer. |
Phuture |
1980s |
| Soulful R&B |
R&B |
A genre that incorporates deep emotional vocals and rich harmonies, emphasizes soulful melodies. |
John Legend |
2000s |
| Christian Rap |
Hip Hop |
A genre of hip hop music that focuses on Christian themes and lyrics. |
Lecrae |
2000s |
| Electronicore |
Metal |
A fusion of heavy metal and electronic music styles, typically incorporating both scream and clean vocals. |
I See Stars |
2010s |
| Slow Jam |
R&B |
A style of romantic music often characterized by its gentle, slow melodies. |
Usher |
1990s |
| Art Pop |
Pop |
A genre that embraces the avant-garde and experimental aspects of pop music. |
Kate Bush |
1970s |
| Tropical House |
Electronic |
A subgenre of deep house music characterized by a relaxed tempo and tropical vibes. |
Kygo |
2010s |
| Acoustic Punk |
Punk |
A stripped-down version of punk music, often using acoustic instruments and focusing on lyrics. |
Against Me! |
2000s |
| Jangle Pop |
Pop |
A subgenre characterized by jangly guitars and melodic hooks, often with a dreamy quality. |
The Byrds |
1980s |
| Soft Rock |
Rock |
A mellow style of rock music characterized by harmonic vocals and delicate melodies. |
Carole King |
1970s |
| Indie Pop |
Pop |
A genre of music produced by independent artists, often characterized by DIY ethics and eclectic influences. |
Belle and Sebastian |
1990s |
| Barn Dance |
Folk |
A traditional style of communal dancing accompanied by folk music, often performed at social gatherings. |
The Chieftains |
1800s |
| Ballet Music |
Classical |
Music specially composed for ballet performances, intertwining dance and musical expression. |
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky |
1800s |
| Choral Music |
Classical |
Vocal music performed by a choir, can be sacred or secular, and focuses on harmony. |
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir |
1000s |
| Freestyle |
Hip Hop |
A style of improvisational rap, often performed in a competitive setting. |
Eminem |
1990s |
| Rockabilly |
Rock |
A genre that combines elements of rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues. |
Elvis Presley |
1950s |
| Stick Figure |
World Music |
A genre that features acoustic guitar rhythms with soothing vocals, often focused on positive themes. |
Iration |
2010s |
| Folk Rock |
Folk |
A fusion of folk music and rock that emerged in the 1960s, featuring acoustic instruments. |
Simon & Garfunkel |
1960s |
| Celtic |
World Music |
Traditional music from the Celtic regions, often featuring folk instruments like fiddles and bagpipes. |
Loreena McKennitt |
1990s |
| Mulato |
Various |
A style embodying mixed cultural influences, often seen in music celebrating cross-cultural identities. |
Lila Downs |
2000s |
| Buddy |
Various |
Generic label denoting a music style emphasizing friendship, unity, and community. |
G. Love & Special Sauce |
1990s |
| Deep House |
Electronic |
A subgenre of house music known for its complex melodies and soulful vocals. |
Kerri Chandler |
1980s |
| Neo-Soul |
Soul |
A modern genre that combines soul with jazz, hip hop, and contemporary R&B influences. |
Erykah Badu |
1990s |
| Yorkshire Folk |
Folk |
Regional folk music that represents the cultural and musical traditions of Yorkshire, England. |
The Unthanks |
2000s |
| Last Dance |
Dance |
A genre representing songs frequently played at the conclusion of a dance or party, aimed to create dramatic farewells. |
Donna Summer |
1970s |
| Garage Rock |
Rock |
A raw form of rock music that emphasizes a DIY aesthetic, often associated with the 1960s. |
The Stooges |
1960s |
| Samba |
World Music |
A Brazilian music genre marked by rhythmic energy that is often accompanied by festive dancing. |
Carlos Jobim |
1920s |
| Dub |
Reggae |
A genre that originated from reggae, focusing on instrumental remixes emphasizing production effects. |
Lee Scratch" Perry" |
1960s |
| Swing Revival |
Jazz |
A revival of swing music and dance that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, often including big bands. |
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy |
1990s |
| Space Rock |
Rock |
A genre that uses psychedelic influences and implements themes surrounding outer space. |
Pink Floyd |
1960s |
| Alternative Country |
Country |
A genre that blends traditional country music with other genres, often focusing on introspective lyrics. |
Wilco |
1990s |
| Ritmo |
World Music |
A genre incorporating global drum patterns and rhythms, often used in dance music. |
DJ Snake |
2010s |
| Art Pop |
Pop |
Music characterized by the artsy aspects of pop and often seen breaking commercial boundaries. |
David Bowie |
1970s |
| Screamo |
Punk |
Utilizes both harsh and melodic singing, often very emotional, combining punk rock with post-hardcore elements. |
Underoath |
2000s |
| Viking Metal |
Metal |
A subgenre of heavy metal that focuses on Norse mythology and themes of exploration. |
Amon Amarth |
1990s |
| Experimental Hip Hop |
Hip Hop |
A genre that pushes the boundaries of traditional hip hop through eclectic sounds, samples, and instrumentals. |
Death Grips |
2010s |
| Post-Disco |
Dance |
Evolved from disco, characterized by new wave influences and electronic elements in dance music. |
Prince |
1980s |
| Power Pop |
Rock |
A subgenre of pop rock that emphasizes catchy melodies and guitar riffs. |
Cheap Trick |
1970s |
| Sea Shanty |
Folk |
A type of work song that was sung by sailors to accompany their labor on ships. |
The Longest Johns |
1800s |
| Acoustic Indie |
Indie |
An acoustic version of indie music, often featuring singer-songwriter aesthetics. |
Iron & Wine |
2000s |
| Valleys |
Various |
Musical influences emanating from rural areas, often adopting folk influences and traditional instrumentation. |
The Decemberists |
2000s |
| Afrofuturism |
World Music |
A genre that blends African culture and mythology with futuristic themes, emphasizing artistic expression. |
Sun Ra |
1970s |
| Indie Folk |
Folk |
A blend of folk music with independent artist attributes and DIY economic models. |
Fleet Foxes |
2000s |
| Space Age Pop |
Pop |
An experimental music genre from the 1950s and 60s that used innovative production techniques to create futuristic sounds. |
Martin Denny |
1950s |
| Children's Opera |
Classical |
An opera style specifically designed for children featuring age-appropriate stories and music. |
The Magic Flute by Mozart |
1791 |
| Ceilidh |
Folk |
A traditional Irish gathering involving traditional music, dancing, and storytelling. |
The Chieftains |
1800s |
| Street Punk |
Punk |
A punk subgenre characterized by a rawer sound, often associated with anti-establishment themes. |
The Sex Pistols |
1970s |
| Avant-Pop |
Pop |
A genre that emphasizes nontraditional songwriting methods and obscure structures, often blurring genre lines. |
Sufjan Stevens |
2000s |