Pop music has always been the genre that pulled me in and made me really pay attention to artists in the 21st century. I still remember the first time I got hooked on those upbeat, preppy sounds—suddenly I knew names, voices, and styles that stuck with me. People love to call pop the “common” genre, but honestly? Not really! Pop has grown into so many exciting variations—pop rock, alternative pop, city pop, dance-pop, electropop, indie pop… even cringe pop (yep, that’s a thing). Every artist brings their own version, and it just keeps evolving.
The fun part is, pop never really stays in one lane. One minute I’m watching Sabrina Carpenter own the VMAs with “Tears,” and the next I’m blown away by Doja Cat’s retro vibes on “Jealous Type.” Then there’s Dua Lipa’s disco revival, Charli XCX’s experimental edge, and Olivia Rodrigo’s mix of pop-punk angst and heartbreak. You’ve got The Weeknd with his 80s synth-pop, Billie Eilish’s moody minimalism, and Ariana Grande’s flawless vocals—all proof that pop can be glossy, edgy, nostalgic, or futuristic, all in the same playlist.
Every decade has its flavor, and right now feels like a golden era where global influences, viral trends, and superstar moments collide. You can jump from NewJeans’ Y2K sparkle to Taylor Swift’s storytelling, then find yourself dancing to BTS—all pop, all completely distinct.
What keeps me coming back, though, is how pop sneaks up on you. I’ll be scrolling through a playlist and suddenly go, “Wait, that’s pop??” It’s a genre that refuses to be boxed in—and that’s why it’ll always have a place in every playlist. Pop isn’t just “general” anymore; it’s bigger, brighter, and more diverse than ever.
Written by Andie de Guzman
When you want to get lost in the details of music – featuring artists like Wilco • Destroyer • Karen O & Danger Mouse • Pinetrees • D’angelo • Erykah Badu • Faye Webster
“Slipping Away” is a soulful masterpiece from LEISURE (a talented band from New Zealand) that plays with pop, psychedelia, and r&b sounds. When I first listened to this song, I felt like I was in a trance because of how smooth and mesmerizing the production is.
Tracks to share with friends, to play in your room as loud as you can and get attention. – from the Music to Loop Forever audioverse – featuring artists like Ghastly • Robin Schulz • Prismo • R.I.O. • KAAZE • Matthew Koma
Pop tracks that are singable or danceable by most millennials – from the Music to Loop Forever audioverse – featuring artists like Julia Michaels • Luke Christopher • Pharrell Williams • OneRepublic • Sara Bareilles • Becky G • Julia Michaels • K’NAAN
A COOL mix of dreamy alternative-pop – featuring artists like Frank Ocean • Tame Impala • Childish Gambino • Empire of the Sun • Flume • The Marias • Two Feet • The Neighbourhood
The work of Frank Zappa spans three decades and contains 60 plus albums. On top of all that, he is completely unique compared to most rock musicians that came out of the 60’s and 70’s. A “Where to Start” playlist seems very necessary for one to dive into the ingenious world of Zappa.
All the right vibes needed to get your summer started – featuring artists like Glass Animals • Bear Ghost • UPSAUL • SZA • Gabe Kubanda • The Mowglis • MGMT • The Maine
It will simply make you the best version of yourself – featuring artists like Imagine Dragons • Muse • Julia Michaels • Lauv • Tove Lo • Sia • Queen
This playlist is filled with women that have proven that stereotype wrong. In fact, they have squashed it, showing that to be a mother is to be a matriarch. Rock like a mother. Featuring artists like Imogen Heap • Tori Amos • Sia • Mary Jennings • I Am Snowangel • Halsey • Adele