My Many Musical Styles: A Classification

May 25, 2020

Throughout the past several months of writing music reviews, curating monthly playlists, and discovering countless new artists and genres, I've always wondered: what is “my type” when it comes to music?

I have such a wide range of songs that I enjoy, it has seemed nearly impossible to actually put a title to my musical styles. But, this past week, as I was driving down the highway and letting my thoughts wander, I think I've finally put my finger on what the top categories are for me, in terms of music I enjoy the most.

Honest, Alternative Girl Pop

Kicking things off is the category that I think holds the highest number of my favorite artists: female singers who not only shake things up musically within their “pop” genre bubble, but also write honest, vulnerable, unique, and creative lyrics.

This genre has interested me and connected with me ever since I was a young teenager, the starting point being Taylor Swift, with her specific, emotional, and relatable lyrics about life and love.

I admire all of these artists because of their ability to tell stories and relate to listeners through their lyrics. They all have plenty of upbeat bops, as well as vulnerable or sad songs, so there's a great balance, no matter what my mood.

Artists:

FLETCHER

https://open.spotify.com/track/7iv32XEy2HlM7PqQO4lp5f?si=iC4uzkYWRcKVgw36Gur7Xg

Olivia O'Brien

https://open.spotify.com/track/6pVrJoQsxj5rnivyFTvyVK?si=2X--JMf0TT2cqqvt74V8Mw

Lennon Stella

https://open.spotify.com/track/4fZW0flb0m7fwmkM2pJVAa?si=DQSlyLNNQemCzdfo0deLEw

Halsey

https://open.spotify.com/track/5XijWLBY0vwl5MPUpQA2Ha?si=rqLTZ8ooQ3WKNJVozKT0Fw

Cimorelli

https://open.spotify.com/track/1aUd5et6GWVJ8zrlS51tcL?si=9HkQMs5ZTnq5D1muGy5Eiw

Lisa Cimorelli

https://open.spotify.com/track/15u5giTlsBHcHtk0AMYxx6?si=Bd_vpjaGTNioXFyL4eS0vA

Kehlani

https://open.spotify.com/track/0bBgXH6mybXjdngxKF5zBE?si=6a0ODX2rRAm8UoA0RYd52w

Inspiring, Well-Written, Not-Overtly-Christian Rock

Next, we have a very well-loved genre that I truly came to love because of my boyfriend, Peter, introducing it to me, way back when we were becoming friends at age 16.

They all write amazing, creative lyrics, their melodies and instrumentation are interesting and catchy, and their music ranges from slow, acoustic ballads to grand, stadium rock. They are all faith-based, but they are not necessarily only for Christian music listeners. Plenty of people who are not involved in Christianity are still huge fans of these artists, because

If any of you decide to listen to any of my categories, I would hope it would be this one! All of these songs/artists have become so important to me over the years, and they are truly so talented in every aspect!

Artists:

Relient K

https://open.spotify.com/track/2XEqlHhXJ7KSeIN96L3e8G?si=j3HncTCcSJWAOpVtxS0elg

Switchfoot

https://open.spotify.com/track/0UNqDIu6X4ZAUmTZuPh8cZ?si=ziDxhKwkQkCmRBAM5x6ZoA

Colony House

https://open.spotify.com/track/7AuBNOScoZCBtjKp3CVlz9?si=GaeQINgUTSufW9zNwbzyEA

The Timbre of Cedar

https://open.spotify.com/track/1D79NO429h1gKkFKcTQmUI?si=XVC-HtRPTqCVcvV5gNXrEw

Judah and the Lion

https://open.spotify.com/track/3iQjudKcOPBZQ5tDHFINHd?si=uysm6kypQ5SdD5wwWbxcjw

Creative & Self-Produced With Impressive Vocals

These guys get a whole category to themselves; they're just that good! These artists have RIDICULOUS amounts of talent,

You just never know what you're going to get; each song can sound completely different than the last one. If you lean more towards hip-hop, R&B, or jazz, these artists are for you!

Artists:

Charlie Puth

https://open.spotify.com/track/7aSvPfoqiM0zwPqupLGaHd?si=2T9zAERLRp2SP_l9Hp-JBw

Jon Bellion

https://open.spotify.com/track/3YQXkAqmNFWfUFlL3HgMbS?si=5ePxekpmSm2CYaModQznXw

Good Old Pop Punk

Need I say more?

I'm a Warped Tour kinda gal, and always will be. These bands have become like my best friends over the past several years;

I've made so many friends through these bands, and gone to so many amazing concerts that have been some of the best times of my life. This world of music will always be special to me, and nothing makes me feel better than a good headbanger song playing in the car.

Artists:

All Time Low

https://open.spotify.com/track/677GXVOkJpd6VEfsMJJuEM?si=0dTmFCyUSFum4KVOBH-ptA

State Champs

https://open.spotify.com/track/0CXQ2LNOcb6oJTWYEWKtyK?si=IpAOOlJeTGa-qNISKgTg_A

5 Seconds of Summer

https://open.spotify.com/track/0375PEO6HIwCHx5Y2sowQm?si=cu1sq8nRTdyVoK7YiQj7aQ

The Maine

https://open.spotify.com/track/6QZ8h3RqIgTRTo3hfaqryx?si=0bEnhLP3TdmI2RngIhBROQ

Broadside

https://open.spotify.com/track/41VkYPjM0jbZ4UgAkzxOXJ?si=FZIAsh2UQ2qg8jxSQF99uQ

With Confidence

https://open.spotify.com/track/1PHXS9pkvHwUbRPnA5XyHn?si=kDkS9fkHTOSPjyEf3Soz4w

Local

Last but not least, I've made so many friends from working at my local music venue for high schoolers, and so many artists I've had the privilege of running shows for are so talented! I love seeing people from my venue making truly great music, so I've got to feature some of my favorites here. From classic rock to pop and R&B and everything in between, Michigan is one talented state in my book.