Top 10 Best Music Genres

Music is more than just sound. It's a way of expressing yourself, connecting with others, and experiencing the world. Music can make you feel happy, sad, angry, or inspired. It can transport you to another time and place, or help you stay in the moment. And with so many different types of music out there, there's something for everyone.

With your help, we've compiled a list of the best music genres of all time, based on popularity, influence, and innovation. Whether you're into classical or rock, jazz or hip hop, country or EDM, you'll find something that will blow your mind.

The Top Ten

Heavy Metal

Heavy Metal music is a sub-genre of rock that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s. It is known for its heavily distorted guitars, powerful vocals, and themes that often explore darker or more intense subject matter. Bands such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Metallica helped bring the genre to mainstream... read more

No matter how much the media, pop, and rap fans trash it, metal will never die. The combination of low-tuned, heavy, distorted guitars, drumming that doesn't sound as if a human is playing but rather a machine, dark bass lines, and strong, gritty vocal delivery makes metal so great. Metal is so huge, and the fans are so passionate, that there are over 50 different subgenres, each unique in its own way.
From the fast and influential thrash metal to the brutality and extremity of death and black metal, the diversity and compassion in the world of metal is astounding. Pop and rap have nothing on metal. Nothing can kill it. Fans will always be passionate about this incredible genre.
Alternative

Alternative rock is a style of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s. It became widely popular during the 1990s. The term "alternative" highlights the genre's separation from the mainstream rock music of its time.

Alternative does deserve number 4 (or possibly even higher) on this list, but not for bands that most people here seem to mention (Linkin Park, Coldplay, Evanescence, My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, etc.). I'm not saying those bands are bad (quite the contrary) or that they are not alternative (I personally would classify them as such). I'm saying those are not the essential alternative bands.
The essential alternative bands are bands like R.E.M., U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, The Smiths, The Cure, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Oasis, Blur, Radiohead, Green Day, Weezer, Rage Against the Machine, and Nine Inch Nails. The thing is, alternative already gained worldwide recognition in the '80s and was at its peak in the '90s, not as late as the 2000s. If you do like the 2000s alternative that is mostly mentioned here, I highly recommend you check out the '80s and '90s alternative.
Rock n' Roll

Rock and Roll/Rock, Rhythm and Blues/Soul, Blues, Hip Hop, Pop, Heavy Metal, Psychedelia, Jazz, Classical, Electronic, Folk, Country, Progressive, Experimental, Reggae, Disco, Orchestral, Opera, Christian, Gospel, and Art are the only original genres here, and they can all be good. The rest are subgenres or fusion genres. For me, Rock and Roll will always be the best. It was derived from Rhythm and Blues, which is derived from the Blues, a genre invented by African-American slaves as a way of communicating their "blues" through song.
Classical is music that is fancy and organized, like Orchestral, Opera, etc. Folk is music made among people. It isn't fancy, but it is real. Country (and few people know this) is just the Southern white people's adaptation of the Blues. So without Black people, Country wouldn't exist. Disco is a more danceable version of R&B, made as a genre for everyone to enjoy.
Hip-hop is derived from Disco. It was originally about just telling stories until Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five made the genre and the ghetto African American synonymous with one another, even though their intent was the exact opposite of the way it was perceived. Heavy Metal is a heavier form of rock music with Blues influence, and metalcore is just really insane heavy metal. Psychedelia is weird music that is influenced by drugs and was popular in the 60s.
Psychedelia gave birth to art rock - rock music turned into a form of art instead of something to jam to - and progressive - pioneered by Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, etc., as a more advanced genre of rock. Christian and Gospel... well, you know. Reggae is a more Latin adaptation of American R&B or something like that. Pop music used to pretty much be another word for rock music, but now it's a genre made to attract teens.... read more
Hard Rock

Hard rock is a subgenre of rock music known for its heavier guitar riffs and solos. It originated around 1964-1965 with various garage rock bands and evolved further in the late 1960s and 1970s with artists like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and AC/DC. The genre played a significant role in the development... read more

This music makes you feel good and makes you just want to rock out. Rock music is awesome for multiple reasons. One of the best parts about rock music is the guitar riffs. Let's name a few that are awesome:
1. Panama - Van Halen
2. Heartbreaker - Led Zeppelin
3. Money for Nothing - Dire Straits
4. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
5. Time - Pink Floyd
Not only the riffs, but the drums too. The drums make up the beat of the music. They are one of the most important parts of rock because they give it that rock "vibe." Just look at John Bonham. Oh my God, is he amazing? The groove and the feel-good tone of rock make you feel better when sad or make you feel even better when happy.
Some of my favorite rock bands are Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Jet, Def Leppard, and Queen, just to name a few. Rock music is amazing and should get more recognition in this day and age.
Pop

Why are people instantly criticizing those who put pop as a good music genre? I agree with many on this site that a lot of pop music is not good. However, we are forgetting other points. Good artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, Adele, and OneRepublic sing pop.
Also, some of these site visitors did not view the lists made by these people. The same people who put this as a good genre also put Michael Jackson and Adele on the best singer list. We should not say "all pop" is bad. There are bad singers in every genre.
Pop music singers get the most flak simply because everyone knows them. In addition, there is good music in the pop genre, like "Where Is the Love?" and "The Man." Generalizing an entire genre is stupid. You don't and won't hear me saying all metal is satanic or all rap is ghetto because I know those are lies.
This genre definitely has bad musicians in it. Justin Bieber and Miley should both go on a plane to Siberia and never come back. Not all pop singers use autotune or mime during concerts. Look at Sam Smith or Prince during their concerts. Auto-tune should not be used by singers, and sex should not be used as a first basis to sell records or CDs.
So we should stop criticizing everyone who likes pop music. Not all pop is bad, and many good songs have been in the pop genre.
Classical

If not for classical music, none of today's releases would exist. It was 90% trash in the 18th century (bland and too beautiful to be soulful), but it was 95% classic in the 19th century. This shows that no genre can be more creative than this one.
I agree with the comment that said modern musicians will never be as creative as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Tchaikovsky, etc. That was when music really had meaning. That was when teenagers had a soul.
I also agree with the comment that metal is overall less boring than classical, because the 18th century had a lot of boring releases for me. Less interesting, though.

I actually think that classical is not inherently a better genre than rock and roll, but classical music is old enough that if you are going to listen to it, you are going to listen to what hundreds of years of listening have picked out as the best of hundreds of years of music. We haven't even had a century to pick out what is truly the best of only a half-century's worth of music. I truly think that if Mozart had written rock and roll instead of classical, rock and roll would be just as good as the classical he did write. Rock and roll has its geniuses - The Beatles, David Bowie, and Queen, to name my personal favorites.
Rock

Rock music is a genre that originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s, evolving from styles like blues and rhythm and blues. It gained widespread popularity from the 1960s through the early 2000s and became one of the most influential music genres of the 20th century.... read more

I love rock. I used to shy away from it due to my inexperience with it, but I was listening to some rock with my dad on a two-hour car ride, and I was jamming! It took me back to when I used to play the drums. Good times. Check out some rock!

Rock is the best genre - it spans from Simon and Garfunkel all the way to Led Zeppelin. Come on, people! Listen to The Beatles, Queen, and Pink Floyd, and tell me it's not the best genre. Go on, try it!

Rock is, all in all, a good genre, especially hard rock. The riffs, the drums, the voices - all amazing!
Rap

I grew up listening to heavy metal: Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden, you name it. And I thought I was super hardcore because, while all the other kids at school were listening to Linkin Park and Daft Punk, I was listening to "real" music. But as I grew older, I realized how tasteless metal was, being a bunch of grown men screaming and whining about little problems they encounter in life.
Don't get me wrong. I firmly believe all music has something we deserve to appreciate, but heavy metal is way too overrated. Although a lot of rap is complete crap (too many artists see narrating a bunch of perfect rhymes over a beat as a way to get rich), when it comes to good hip-hop, no other genre of music in this world can compare to the diversity, complex lyricism, storytelling, and originality of it.
Hip Hop

You guys think that classical music is the most creative genre out there, period? It may be, because if not for it, this genre wouldn't exist.
But this genre has the best lyrics when we're talking Nas, Biggie, Pac, Immortal Technique, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Ice Cube, Tyler, Kendrick, and Eminem, who have dominated hip hop forever.
I'm not talking about Minaj, Cardi (both of you, no sexism intended), Wayne, Drake, Pitbull, Tom MacDonald, Tekashi, and Jon.
I don't need to explain this. Just listen to their music. Classical music is unbeatably creative, but this genre has the best lyrics, so listen to it at all times. Don't avoid it just because you hear that classical is better than everything we have today.
Progressive Rock

Progressive rock is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and the United States during the mid to late 1960s. It is characterized by complex song structures, extended instrumental passages, and influences from classical, jazz, and experimental music. Bands like Pink Floyd,... read more

Progressive rock is the best genre of all. It's the genre that takes the most talent to listen to and the one that requires the best taste in music. It's an extremely underrated genre. You've got bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, Rush, and King Crimson. What's not to like about this genre?
I can't believe pop is above progressive rock. Pop music takes no talent, nor any good taste in music. The same goes for electronic. Progressive rock is very original. You have to really know how to play. I guess people would rather go with what is mainstream, rather than what's actually good.
Learn to listen to 20-minute songs with more than four chords. Learn to listen to long instrumental sections like Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Roundabout, Echoes, Close to the Edge, 2112, Supper's Ready, Musical Box, etc., not just three-minute-easy-to-listen-to songs. Progressive rock makes you actually listen and pay attention. It's true music.

The Newcomers

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Yacht Rock

Pretty cool. You know I love rock.
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Melodic Black Metal

This should be higher on the list.

The Contenders

Thrash Metal

Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the early 1980s and served as an early precursor to extreme metal. It is known for its fast and aggressive guitar work, shredding solos, and use of double-bass drumming. Vocals in thrash metal can range from melodic singing to intense shouting.... read more

The only reason that needs to be given as to why this is the greatest genre is simply that the band Vektor exists. Vektor combines the subtlety of classical music with the excitement of metal while also telling album-based stories with more complexity and commentary than any other space opera ever written. It is the Bioshock of the music world: an all-encompassing symphony of the future and the scientific progress of mankind.
Not to mention the most talented guitarist/singer and drummer of our time. This band is the biggest reason thrash's potential is so great.

One of the purest forms of heavy metal. Not much compares.
Simply put, I feel bad for the people who are influenced by today's "pop stars."
My top 10 thrash bands:
1. Megadeth
2. Kreator
3. Metallica
4. Overkill
5. Testament
6. Exodus
7. Annihilator
8. Sodom
9. Death Angel
10. Anthrax
As for Slayer, I respect what they do, but I just never got into them as much as the ones above. I do think "South of Heaven" is a fantastic album though. Oh yeah, "Reign in Blood" is extremely overrated.
Grunge

Grunge, sometimes referred to as the Seattle sound, is a subgenre of alternative rock. It originated in the Pacific Northwest during the mid-1980s and became widely popular in the early 1990s. Bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden helped bring the genre into the mainstream, influencing fashion... read more

What the hell is wrong with people? Grunge at 24th place? It deserves to be in the top 10 and not here! Nirvana is a legendary and influential band, and it is a grunge band. It deserves to be sitting at the throne. Kurt Cobain deserves huge credit, especially when it comes to best music genre or whatever.
People, stop voting for that useless R&B and pop music. It rots the brains of the children of this generation.
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell everyone, I'm 15 and I've been listening to Hair/Glam/Sleaze Metal, Grunge, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, and stuff like that since I was 12. Other kids say that people like Justin Bieber, One Direction, Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, etc., are their inspiration or whatever and even say that they are proud as fans. Me? I am prouder as a fan of Kurt Cobain than others are proud of themselves as fans of singers.
Punk Rock

Punk rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1970s. It is typically characterized by rebellious lyrics and down-stroked power chords played on electric guitars. Bands such as Bad Religion, the Sex Pistols, and Green Day (which leans toward pop-punk) are examples of this genre.... read more

With its insane lyrical quality and diversity, there is no doubt that punk rock is the best genre of music. Bands like The Clash, The Ramones, and the Sex Pistols may have really made punk rock appeal to the masses, but we mustn't forget hardcore legends such as Minor Threat, The Bad Brains, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Kennedys, Operation Ivy, etc.
Honestly, from musical slam poetry to uplifting ska beats, to emo, to catchy hooks, punk's got it all. Oh, and without punk, there wouldn't be Fugazi... Imagine the horror.

Many genres themselves have been influenced by punk. In my opinion, it's the most respectful genre because you don't need to follow a certain trend or style.
When it comes to punk, you just say, I don't need to sing how they want me to. I'll do whatever I want. Plus, it's quite risky, or rather, dangerous, what moves punk bands make with their different and innovative ways of playing. Society will call this the worst genre for decades, but they need to think again.
Jazz

Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It developed from roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz is seen by many as "America's classical music" and has influenced a wide range of other musical styles... read more

Such good music. Where would we be if jazz had never been around? This style allowed for others (pop, rock, and even funk) to become genres. Plus, jazz artists actually write and play their music with instruments. This is unlike most pop and rap artists, who just sing the music they're given. They don't write their music like jazz musicians do.
This also shows in their music as the jazz artists really get into their song and go all out. Plus, jazz has more than one genre in it. It has funk, blues, soul, and several kinds of Latin genres. If you say you don't like jazz, I will ask you why and what kind of jazz you don't like. Most people just don't appreciate all that jazz did to shape the world the way it is today.
Blues

Blues is a music genre and musical form originated by African Americans in the Deep South of the United States around the end of the 19th century. It developed from roots in African musical traditions, African-American work songs, and spirituals. Blues has influenced many other genres, including jazz... read more

Everything else in modern music owes a debt to this genre. Blues actually grew up in hardship and has the most power to pull the audience into the feeling of the music. Misunderstood to be sad, the blues covers every emotion there is and defines each simply but to great effect.
Improvisation is where the technical and theoretical skills are in blues. The structure is always easy for the listener to keep up with.

I love the blues. They not only kickstarted rock 'n' roll - and thus all other versions of pop music (Rock, Metal, Modern Country, Hip Hop) - but also sound great.
Blues music is based on very generic chord sequences, so it takes genius musicians to make blues what it is: one of the most influential genres of all time.
Pop Rock

Pop rock is a form of rock music that emphasizes recording craft and songwriting rather than the raw attitude found in traditional rock and roll. It emerged as a more commercially accessible style, often blending catchy melodies with rock instrumentation. Pop rock has been popular since the 1960s and... read more

I love pop rock so much! It consists of many amazing bands like Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, One Republic, and Panic! at the Disco. Pop rock music always seems to cheer me up for some reason. Get this higher, please!

Pop rock sounds way better than rap. Rap isn't really music. Yes, it's an art, but it's not really music. Bad lyrics are bad lyrics, no matter how many times you listen to them.
But pop rock is true music. I'm thinking of Chicago. I hate modern pop rock, but '70s and '80s pop rock is more my type. The drums, keyboards, and guitars, especially the bass guitar, are key.
Nu Metal

I'm actually really surprised to see it so high on the list! This is my favorite genre, and honestly, I was afraid to even say I liked nu-metal because I would get pounded into the ground by other metal fans. But really, the only people who hate this genre are the brain-dead metal fans who hate everything except what they like. Thanks for voting up.
Even though you don't know me, I'm happy to see this genre is getting some positive feedback. Korn, Slipknot, System of a Down, and Linkin Park (not really sure if they still make nu-metal) for the win!

Alright, alright, I won't say this genre was perfect or better than heavy metal or metal in general, but there were some great nu metal bands in the early 2000s like Slipknot, Korn, and System of a Down.
I'm surprised it's ranked this high at 16, but it was cool how bands in this genre mixed in other styles. Most notable, from my experience, is System of a Down, which used jazz, Middle Eastern, ballad, folk, and more musical influences in certain songs almost effortlessly. It can't compete with other metal genres, but its contributions are worth noting.
Alternative Metal

Alternative metal is a music genre that infuses heavy metal with influences from alternative rock and other genres not typically associated with metal. It emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. Bands like Tool, Deftones, and Faith No More are often cited as pioneers of the genre... read more

My absolute favorite genre. Tool, Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down, Deftones, Primus, and Korn are fantastic bands. For more info, see my remix of this list.

A more lyrical version of metal. Bands like Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Evanescence fall under this category.

I LOVE alternative metal! I love all the bands: Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Skillet - all of them.
R&B

I'm not talking about Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Trey Songz, etc. I'm talking about Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Bruno Mars, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Elvis, etc.
Like it or not, real R&B might be as creative as classical music. Creativity shouldn't affect the song terribly.

I like some R&B artists such as Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Earth, Wind & Fire. But there are a lot of bad artists such as Chris Brown and Jason Derulo. This genre is good though, especially classic R&B.

This is literally the best genre. It's just easy to relate to. It's so beautiful and meaningful.
Electronic

I seriously think that the reason why so many people hate it is that they can't understand it yet. They are not used to concentrating on the melody and enjoying the vibe of the music. I love this genre - of course, it's a wide expression when we're talking about "electronic music" - and even though there are repetitive, lame tracks (as in every genre), this is the only form of music which can give me chills or energy when I need it.
It focuses on your vibes and feelings during listening, and this is what I love about it. Without deep/future/progressive house, my life would have a much worse perspective.

Electro is one of the best music genres out there. You say it's not music? You're just plain arrogant. Music can be anything, from a rhythm to a beat. You underestimate Electro.
Don't be arrogant just because you think rock and pop music are the most popular. They're not. Electro is the future. Future House, Deep House, Electro, Trance, Trap, Dubstep, Drumstep, Progressive, Chill, EDM, Drum and Bass, and Techno are the future of music, whether you like it or not.
Rock and pop music will eventually fade. Not just yet, but trust me, they will. Look at all the DJs now. They're slowly gaining a good reputation. They'll wipe the rest off their feet. You're just being arrogant because you've never given it a chance.
Pigs.
Country

Easily the best music genre ever. Always has been, always will be. Sadly, it's also the most underrated music genre ever.
I can't believe it's ranked lower than genres like hip-hop, metalcore, rap, and electronic. Seriously, people? Country music is not a bunch of drunk cowboys crying because their cow died or their pickup truck broke down. It's not all about beer and tractors.
It's about life. It's about family, faith, friendship, love, hope, God, being proud of where you come from even when people discriminate against you for it, learning valuable life lessons, being a better person, having fun, pursuing happiness, and other things that everyone cares about. There are also some really funny country songs out there.
Sure, there are sad country songs, but they're sad because they mean something. They're sad because they're realistic. Country music is amazing because it sounds good, the lyrics actually have depth and meaning, and everyone can relate to them. Country singers can actually sing and play instruments and write their own songs.
Country music requires lots of talent and hard work, but some people automatically turn their arrogant hipster noses up at it just because of the false stereotype that it's depressing hillbilly junk. Get over yourselves and actually give it a chance. You will be surprised. None of the bad things that people say about country music are true. It's really great music and everyone should listen to it.
Psychedelic Rock

Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s. It was influenced by psychedelic culture and the perception-enhancing effects of hallucinogenic drugs. The genre is characterized by improvisation, electronic sound effects, and extended solos.

I like most genres of music before 1995, and occasionally I'd hear a new song that I like, but psychedelic rock is, without a doubt, the best genre. It combined all the great genres of its day, like blues, folk, jazz, rock, classical, funk, Eastern music, and others, and added new elements that made your brain melt as you rode the psychedelic roller coaster.
Some of the greatest artists of all time explored psychedelia and opened our minds to the possibilities and complexities of music. Artists like The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Doors, and Phish.
It's a shame it's not more well-known. Otherwise, no one would listen to what people call music these days.
Pop Punk

This is one of the best genres my ears have ever listened to! I feel like this is the right area between radio pop and metal.
All of my favorite artists, bands, and so on are within this awesome genre. It's also a great starter place for transitioning into more heavy music, especially if you are a former pop listener like me. Overall, peak music.

I feel like the name "pop punk" contradicts itself. Pop means popular, and it's what the majority listens to. Punk is this rebellious spirit that rebels against the majority and rules.
Pop punk is what teen girls listen to to make them feel like rebellious punks, despite actually being preppy. If you want to understand what I'm talking about, listen to Sex Pistols, The Clash, or Bad Religion.
Death Metal

Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the mid- to late-1980s. It is known for its aggressive drumming, distorted guitars, and growling vocals. The genre often explores dark and macabre themes in its lyrics.

They are speechless. Wonderful. The most beautiful part is that their voice is angry and powerful, a wonderful voice. Everyone should hear this type of song. They will inspire you, just like they inspired me. They have unique talent.

Most people cannot realize the nature of this music. Besides all the anger, rage, and power, there is beauty, emotion, and inhuman technicality. In itself, it combines everything best that music has. Death Metal is the best genre ever!

The world is filled with soft emo people who are too soft to listen to this genre. You gotta be hardcore and tough to enjoy death metal and groove to Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, etc. Anyway, happy to see metal and rock genres on top!
Progressive Metal

Take the best parts of every genre, make them ten times harder, and combine them. You get this masterpiece of a genre. It should be MUCH higher on the list.

Oh, prog-metal, let me count the ways in which I adore you:
- Excellent musicianship: Prog metal can claim pretty much all the best instrumentalists.
- Variation in tone and theme, but steady in quality.
- Toying around with layers and time signatures makes for music that keeps getting better after each listen.
- Heavy metal fusing with other genres can create funky, majestic, or atmospheric themes, making for a lot of variety.
- Clean singing, melodic grunting, mysterious chants, opera-like performances, upbeat meters, or atmospheric narration: take your pick, and don't be surprised by a refreshing alternation and combination of these sorts of vocals.
- Music unhampered by pop-institutionalized songwriting: haunting power ballads, solid rockers, or soaring epics. It's all there, and often in unique forms.
- Holding music theory high, and thus creating a sonic marriage of science and art.
Of course, there's much more to be said, but I think this alone makes a solid case.