Top Ten Best Music Genres

A music genre categorizes individual works of music into a set of traditional conventions. This list includes such genres whether they be popular, artistic, or traditional.
The Top Ten
1 Heavy Metal Heavy Metal music is a sub-genre of rock music that originated in the late 1960s-70s, featuring more distorted and heavier instrumental work and darker lyrical themes. Heavy Metal broke into mainstream success with bands such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Metallica. Other notable Heavy Metal bands include Judas Priest, Anthrax, Testament, System of a Down, Megadeth, Slayer, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Annihilator, Venom, and Exciter.

Let's go heavy metal! I love listening to heavy metal songs like "iron man" "master of puppets" and "masterpiece". I love heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath motionless in white Metallica five finger death punch and internmental metal with Ethan mexisell. Glad it's getting the love it deserves!

I'm am a 14 year old man. And I love classic rock/metal it is such a amazing genre of music. Unlike crappy pop music that rots your brain. This is what you call real music. If your not a fan of metal music, some other good music genres are hard rock, classical, folk, prog rock, classic rock, and Hawaiian music. Kids nowadays listen to crap music like pop, rap, RnB, funk, EDM, and anything gangster.
Just sad!

Black Sabbath, Metallica, death, iron maiden, megadeth, exodus, slayer, tool, white zombie, children of bodom, death angel, anthrax, testament, motorhead, overkill, dio, slipknot, black label society, pantera, Judas priest, dream theater, trivium, iced earth, venom, DragonForce, motley crue, venom, mercyful fate, disturbed, helloween, bathory, meshuggah, a perfect circle, Sodom, sepultura, kreator, queensryche, Celtic frost, nine inch nails, blind guardian, gamma ray, rhapsody, hammerfall, Avenged Sevenfold, august burns red, evile, havok, nuclear assault, annihilator, cannibal corpse, lamb of god, rammstein, arch enemy, in flames, amon amarth, as I lay dying, manowar, Marilyn Manson, machine head, opeth, carcass.

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 it's a human 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, all being unique in their own way. From the fast and influential thrash metal, to the brutality and extreme death and black metal, the diversity and the compassion in the world of metal is astounding. Pop and rap have nothing on metal. Nothing can kill it. Fans will always be passionate of the incredible genre.

2 Alternative Alternative rock is a style of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular in the 1990s. In this instance, the word "alternative" refers to the genre's distinction from mainstream rock music.

Alternative does deserve #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, Nine Inch Nails, etc.
The thing is, alternative already gained worldwide recognition in the 80s and was at its peak in the 90s, not so 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.

Alternative is the best genre because it's the most creative. Look at the MANY famous bands which are considered "alternative" Linking Park, Seether, Three Days Grace, Green Day, Evanescence, My Chemical Romance, Radiohead, Skillet, Nirvana and the list goes on and on... What I also like about Alternative is that you can't find a band that is only "alternative", their music must be influenced by some other genre, for example, Evanescence is influenced by Gothic, Nirvana by Grunge, My Chemical Romance by Emo, Green Day by Punk, Linking Park by Nu-Metal, etc..

Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, Green Day, Breaking Benjamin, Evanescence, My Chemical Romance, Skillet... And many others!

These guys are on top of the world and are more loved than Shakira, Akon, Eminem and Britney.

Alternative Music Is Pure Art, and it's very difficult to become a musical artist!

This genre is interesting because the sub genres are hit or miss. Their are some songs and bands that can be considered as the best ever like nirvana radio-head and green day. But other bands like the cure and the smiths just aren't for me, It's a very interesting genre.

3 Rock n' Roll Rock music is a music genre that was created in the 1940s. The genre was popular during the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Rock bands generally consists of a guitar player, a drummer, bass player and singer. There are many rock subgenres - such as heavy metal, alternative, hard rock, grunge, and more. Notable rock bands and music artists include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Nirvana, Rush, Iron Maiden, and others.

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 the 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 ain'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 dancable 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 ...more

This genre in terms of music in general is probably holds the advantage because it is the most musical. It isn't just an electronically altered voice over a repetitive melody. It takes actual talent to create this music and the people who create it are actually people, not pretty faces and whacky costumes that seem to be the only method that person has of getting attention. Rock artists earn this attention through a mix of hard work and real musical talent. They love what they do because they love music, not attention.

Unlike all the other "big" genres on this list (Classical, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Rap, Pop, Electronic, etc.), rock is the only music genre that can ACTUALLY be about anything.
It can actually take any shape or form you could possibly imagine, regarding both musical and lyrical content.
From the beautiful sound of psychedelic rock and folk rock, to the rebellious spirit of punk rock, to the raw sound of heavy metal and hard rock, to the creativity of alternative rock, as well as everything in between, this genre encompasses every single situation, feeling or message - everything that one could possibly relate to.
It is also the only music genre that can be fused with EVERY other genre. Disco rock? You have it. Folk rock? You have it. Electronic rock? You have it. Country rock? You have it. Blues rock? You have it. Jazz rock? You have it. Rap rock? You have it. And so on and so forth...
Put it simply: there is a rock song for every occasion.
The genius of rock music lies in ...more

Down there is person believing that Rock&Roll and Hard Rock is the same. These genres are totally differents. Rock&Roll is a genre of music that was born between the afro - American population, in the ending of the years 40. Starting from Rock&Roll were born a great quantity of genres that only the first ( Rockabilly ) is similar to Rock&Roll. To the Rock&Roll and its descendants are grouped like ROCK. ROCK isn't a genre of music in specifically, ROCK only is a wide term that grouped to the Rock&Roll and all that was born of it.

Electric Blues + rhythm&Blues + Gospel = ROCK&ROLL
Rock&Roll + Hillbilly = Rockabilly
Rock&Roll + Latin Music = Surf Rock
Rock&Roll + rhythm&Blues = Merseybeat
Rock&Roll + Traditional Pop = Pop Rock
Rock&Roll + Folk = Folk Rock,
Rock&Roll + Electric Blues = Blues Rock
Rockabilly + Surf Rock = Garage Rock
Blues Rock + Folk Rock = Psychedelic Rock
Blues Rock + Garage Rock = HARD ROCK
Blues Rock + Hard Rock = Heavy ...more

4 Hard Rock Hard Rock is a subgenre of rock music known for having heavier guitar riffs/solos. It originated around 1964-1965 with various Garage Rock bands.

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 makes you feel better when sad or makes you feel EVEN better when happy. Some of my fave rock bands are: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Jet, definitely Leppard and Queen, just to name a few. Rock music is amazing and should get more recognition in this day and age.

Rock n roll laid out the way for this, but heavy metal is the pregnancy of this legendary genre. For Steve Perry to Steven Tyler. From Slash to Angus Young. The creativity and power conveyed by this genre is without question. I love a lot of music, as a musician myself who sings, plays guitar, plays piano, plays bass, and plays drums, there are a lot of different genres and aspects of genre I investigate. My personal preference is always Hard Rock because of their infamous songs that can be recognized on contact. I can near promise that people recognize Aerosmith and Guns N' Roses before they recognize Metallica. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Metallica. Fade to black is my second favorite song to play on guitar behind Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne (Crazy Train in my opinion is a mix of metal and Hard rock, a hard rock feel with a metal style of guitar playing). But you just don't always get the crowd to feel the same about metal or classic rock as you do with Hard Rock.

All genres have their appeal in different ways for different people, but hard rock has a certain energy to it that always appealed to me. Of course the lines get blurred between genres and Hard Rock creeps it's way into all kinds of music. At the end of the day, who cares about classifications, just listen to what you enjoy! Rock out!

Hard Rock isn't too hard for you to not hear at all, but it's just hard enough for the amazing sound and music. The songs of this genre have amazing, well-thought of lyrics. I consider some of my favorite bands hard rock (examples: Linkin Park and Three Days Grace). It has all the good elements required to make a good song.

5 Classical

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 classical music, you are going to listen to what hundreds of years of listening has picked out as the best of hundreds of years of music. We have not even had a century to pick out what is truly the best of only a half-centuries worth of music. I truly think that if Mozart had written rock and roll instead of classical, that rock and roll would be just as good as the classical that he did write. And I think Rock and Roll has its geniuses - The Beatles, David Bowie, and Queen, to name my personal favorites.

Great... some refreshing music! Give me this over metal or rap any day. It is a nice, relaxing, yet tense music style! Making a good classical melody, or a huge symphonic song. Classical music has rhythm, heart, soul, and time built into it. It may be very long to produce, play, and conduct, but it is worth it! Orchestras make great music, conductors are a nice touch to a symphony, and the original producer has to be great to even make a song! So, why do people prefer Heavy Metal and Rap?! They are disappointing in my mind. What could have been a new era of Classical and Jazz, turned out to be trash, that needs to be taken to a dump. I love classical music! It fills me with endless joy. I can't enjoy it enough!

I love classical music, do not take this as an attack. Classical music is in fact one of the best genres, after rock. But if you like this music just because it is complicated, then you are just appreciating the music, not actually enjoying it. Symphonies have lots of instruments incorporated into them, and most of them are like ten pages long. And most of the instruments have like three different parts. There is why these songs take like 6 months to write. Rock songs only have typically 4 instruments (voice, guitar, bass, drums), and pop songs less, and both genres are usually very simple, so it takes like a weeks to write them. There are also lyrics in other genres, and most of the thought usually goes there. Songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and Us and Them have lots of thought put into the lyrics.

Wow, well I guess people tuning into this list really love metal music, I'm not the biggest fan. Anyways, I voted for classical because you can't really fake classical music or just use a computer. You can't autotune classical music (I mean you can, but it wouldn't be classical music) It also finds a way to express thoughts and ideas without using any words. That may also be why I like jazz. Rap isn't soothing, while classical is. Some people might say classical music is boring, but I think it's boring if you don't understand the composer's intention. In my mind, rap isn't art, classical is. Remember, this is just my opinion! Like whatever music you like!

6 Pop

How is pop getting this much criticism? It's literally number 3 on a worst music genres list. And not even top 3 on here? Wow y'all must really hate pop. I love pop artists like Justin Bieber Olivia rodrigo Ariana grande Katy perry. I also listen to pop rock like seven nation army from the white stripes. It's so good. I hate that pop is so hated nowadays.

Why are people instantly criticizing those who put pop as a good music genre? I agree with many on this site that lots of pop music is not good music. However, we are forgetting other points. Good artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, Adele, One Republic and so forth sing pop. Also, some of these site visitors did not view the lists made by these people. Same people who put this as a good genre also put Michael Jackson and Adele in 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 are 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 defenetly 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 ...more

Pop is literally a music genre even the word itself comes form the word "popular", based in history of music. And it is the most common and the most famous kind of music genre, nowadays. Every where you go, there is always a pop songs that is always played. Mostly, in malls and on radio stations. Even in any different countries, there is always pop songs being played because, it is the most common and the easiest way to be appreciated by listeners. How did heavy metal genre became the top one on the list? Most of the people don't like that kind of genre. It's too much noisy and disturbing to listen.

The people have voted and guess what? This genre is number 15. It just comes to prove that most people aren't into what radio stations offers them. It's mainly teenagers who listen to this stuff because they are in a phase where they are trying to look cool, rebellious and grown-ups. Pop music songwriters take advantage of that weakness and offer songs about drugs, sex, rebellion... which is exactly what teenagers are looking for. I wish a revolutionary man would appear and show through his music/lyrics to the youngsters that maturity is achieved through wisdom and not drugs.

7 Rock Rock music is a music genre that was created in the 1940s. The genre was popular during the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Rock bands generally consists of a guitar player, a drummer, bass player and singer. There are many rock subgenres - such as heavy metal, alternative, hard rock, grunge, and more. Notable rock bands and music artists include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Nirvana, Rush, Iron Maiden, and others.

I love rock. I used to shy away from it due to my inexperiance with it, but I was listening to some rock with my dad on a 2 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!

I think we should honestly just use the most broad terms rather than all these sub-genres, also I couldn't find classical or pop rock sooo...

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

I'm confused. This is Rock we're talking about right? How is it so low?

8 Thrash Metal Thrash Metal is a Heavy Metal subgenre developed during the early 1980s and an early precursor of Extreme Metal. Thrash Metal features a faster and more aggressive guitar work than Traditional Metal with shredding and double-bass drums and can range from melodic singing to loud shouts. The English band, Venom is credited for laying the groundwork for Thrash Metal with their debut album "Welcome to Hell" in 1981. However, the subgenre would peak its influences in the United States with Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth, whose influence would categorize them as the "Big Four" of Thrash.

Oh yeah! This is where the great Metallica comes in! I love Metallica. Enter sandman, seek and destroy, master of puppets, whatever. It's all amazing. All hail Metallica!

The only reason that needs to be given as to why this is the greatest genre is simply that the band Vektor is a thing that 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 fro 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.

Exodus, Metallica, anthrax, GWAR, megadeath, ministry, motothead, pantera, SLAYER! All of these great thrash bands and thrash is at 27 come on people it should at least be at 6 or 7. Dave Lombardo, Vinnie Paul, Lars Ulrich, Nick Menza, Paul Bostaph, all of them are great drummers who came from thrash metal. Kirk hammett, dave mustaine great thrash guitarists. This is the best metal genre!

9 Rap

I grew up listening to heavy metal... Black Sabbath, Metallica, iron maiden... You name it. And I thought I was super-hardcore cause 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.

Man, there are too many metal fans on this site. These days metal hardly prospers in the Industry (which in truth is a sad thing). HIP HOP, though it is still in early stages, has become a sort of new ROCK because ROCK at its time was a voice against the world and something totally unique. Now rock is a LEGENDARY genre but teens want something that is NEW and REBELLIOUS. It's the same thing as saying that the BEATLES came, got attention and are now legends... In the same way guys like EMINEM have come and to get attention and become LEGENDS.

Then again that atliens guy below me has a point. This is mostly just favoritism.

In my opinion rap is the only genre that is truly beautiful. Aspiring rappers can sit on their desk and write their best lyrics and try their most creative wordplay. Most of rap is misjudged and unappreciated because of people like lil Wayne and wiz Khalifa. Metal depends on 4 to 6 members of a band to utilize all instruments and sound decent. So does rock. Pop is less for the music and more for the money, so is electronic. Rappers like Nas, Rakim, Jay Z, Biggie, Common, may not appeal to everyone, but they have great lyrical quality among hundreds of other rappers. Give Reasonable Doubt by Jay Z or Illmatic by Nas a listen and I'm sure you'll love and appreciate rap more, but LISTEN. Rap will amaze you if you look just a bit deeper.

Okay, I love some rap, but over all I just hate the genre, and it's really a pity. I mean, there's easily so much beautiful rap out there that rivals the lyric writing of giants like Paul Simon, Robert Plant, and John Lennon. Eminem is a legend for example. But when people are over here writing lyrics like "Slob on my knob like corn on the cob, check in with me and do your job" then it's trash. And it would be okay if it was only every few songs like it is in hard rock and metal and what not, but when it easily makes up a good 75% of the genre and not anything smart or poetic, then there's a problem. As a result, people have brought it to being one of the worst genres out there.

10 Progressive Rock Progressive rock is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and United States throughout the mid to late 1960s.

Progressive rock is the best genre of all. It's the genre that takes the most talent to listen to and the one the 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. Same goes to electronic. Progressive rock is very original. You have to really know how to play. I guess people 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 section 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.

This is the most complex genre out there, and is better to listen to than one of those easy-to-listen to 4 minute songs. People should listen to longer songs at 20 minutes in length, with a bunch of tempo changes, key changes, and many different chords and time signatures, and stuff like that. It takes a lot of talent for someone to make good songs like these, with all the really long instrumental sections, with many solos in any instrument, whether it be keyboards, or saxophones, or flutes, they are all there. Unlike other genres, this one actually gets you to listen very closely and pay attention to the song to enjoy it. A lot of these songs are masterpieces because of all these things, and I recommend listening to Pink Floyd, Genesis, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Rush, and Kansas.

It can be included within the Rock genre obviously, but there are just so many fantastic bands from this genre I'm surprised it's at the bottom of the list.
Bands such as Yes, Kansas, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rush, Tool, Mastodon, Jethro Tull, Dream Theater, Queensryche, Opeth, etc. For something a bit more complex and less predictable, look no further. You can pretend to be an intelligent person by claiming you listen to all these bands, people will think 'Oh my, he listens to Prog Rock, he's a cool guy', and sadly there's a lot of posing nowadays, young folks wearing Pink Floyd t-shirts without having even listened to Animals, the Wall or the Dark side of the Moon.
Other great albums are 2112, Close to the Edge, Selling England by the Pound, Black Clouds & Silver Linings, Moving Pictures...

The music without limits. Progressive Rock and its variants are amazingly complex and beautiful. As classical music does Prog can transmit so many feelings when you listen to it. It's so complex that is hard even to define this genre because mostly of its bands are unique and this is simply amazing. There are hard rock bands that seems to be the same because of the standard of hard rock composition that they follow and this doesn't happens in progressive rock. That's the reason for why I stopped to listen to hard rock bands - after listen to fifteen hard rock albums that follows so exactly the standard of hard rock composition I decide to look for a new type music because I was bored to listen to the same thing over and over again. At least in hard rock some bands can be really unique and beautiful. In other music genres as pop or even other rock genres as the punk rock the bands are even worse. I always wonder how can someone likes a musical genre that the songs don't even have solos ...more

The Contenders
11 Grunge Grunge (sometimes referred to as the Seattle sound) is a subgenre of alternative rock and a subculture that emerged during the mid-1980s.

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 a huge credit especially when it comes to Best-Music-Genre or whatever...

People, stop voting for that useless R&B, Pop music. It rots the brains of children of this generation.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you 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'm 12. Other kids said 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 a fan. Me? I am more proud as a fan of Kurt Cobain more than how others are proud of themselves as fans of singers.

People should not allow something so stupid to happen. Grunge should be one of the top five because things like pop is not even real. Rap, Funk (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and the other good kinds of rock I have no problem with but boybands in pop is the least thing I Wanted to see. In Fact most of those Geeks that can't sing (Bieber) were probably inspired by grunge. Things Like Queen and MCHammer I Would not care if they are Higher, but Pop? POP should Stand for People Only Poop because that's what it sounds like in my ear. I know everyone has there own opinion but my Opinion is grunge like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, and also Rock Bands should never go pop. HeyZues 4 Lives.

Best genre of all time! It combines the alt rock sound with emotional/angsty lyrics, revolutionary singers, amazing guitar riffs, carefree attitude, and hard core energy to become the greatest sound to grace this earth! Grunge is also home to some of the greatest bands, songs, albums and artists of all time. It is the perfect remedy for anyone who feels alone, depressed, fed up with life, or needs to get over a break up or something. Grunge is the penicillin for a broken heart and deserves more appreciation from everyone!

Pretty much punk/or hard rock with a sad undertone. was popular for like a pretty short time. The grunge quartet is made up of Nirvan(duh), Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. Nirvana killed hard rock with grunge. This combo of plaid, angst, and distorted guitar with catchy riffs and hooks took the world by storm. Nirvana had the world at their feet and it was rock's last great stand in American culture. Nothing else after the grunge scene was as powerful when considered to be rock. People consider grunge's "death" to be the death of rock, but neither genre died. Also listen to Mudhoney.

12 Hip Hop

Hip Hop and Rap are the same thing it's just that Hip Hop is a culture that's it so ima say Hip Hop/Rap was but no longer is because of how much it sucks now was the greatest musical genre from 1979 to 2009. The first 30 years of Hip Hop was epic. No other genre in history talked about as much stuff Hip Hop has and it always fused with more genres than any other genre ever and Hip Hop has the greatest beats. People who don't like Hip Hop or R&B just don't know what true music is. If someone says they hip hop because of how it sounds now then I don't blame them. If they say they hate it period then I don't know what's wrong with them. They obvious don't have a good taste for music.

Hip Hop has devolved in this day and age. Yeah, there's some diamonds in the rough, as there is for anything. But it has gotten grossly shallow and hedonistic. Before I praise the genre, here is one final prevalent issue: Many young talented artists are dying left and right and the trash ones are staying right where they are. I'm not saying all good artists die immediately, because there are good artists (Polo G, Kanye West, Rod Wave, etc). But really talented ones are dropping dead (Juice WRLD, rest in peace). It's really sad.

Onto the praise. Hip Hop can be diverse, clever, catchy, emotional, and many more things. It's a diverse genre. The thought, lyricism, music, emotion and effort that can be put into a song is incredible, although that can be with every genre, hip hop is especially interesting to see. If you're wary about hip hop, look at some golden age hip hop with artists like The Notorious B.I.G. I hope you're not dissapointed!

Original and better then rap(in my opinion) it had a culture back in the olden days. Turn tables, break-dancing, and graffiti. These built up hip-hop with rap and it feels fresh still looking back on it. Souls of Mischief are a great hip-hop group. Highly underrated and cool.

No hip hop is the worst because it ruined music and is constantly being played all the time. It ruined rock music and other genres I like.

13 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, and developed from roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz is seen by many as "America's classical music".

Such good music. Where would we be had jazz 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 which just sing the music their 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 don't you like. Most people just don't appreciate all that Jazz did to shape the world the way it is today.

Jazz music is truly amazing and people say that it is dying. I love jazz and if it is dying then, well, we must revive it. I'm lucky enough to learn the saxophone and I am going to make sure that the jazz community thrives. It is sad that stars like Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many others have passed away but that does not mean jazz will not live on. People need to stop underestimating jazz because jazz is better than any other music and it can't be beaten. Jazz will live on.

Unlike pop and rock, It is about the musicians playing well, not dancing like strippers or singing like four-year-old girls or screaming with distorted audio.

I listen to Predominantly Hip-Hip music, namely within the underground scene, but I vote Jazz because of how little recognition it gets in shaping New age Music. People forget its importance in pushing blues music to the masses, which led to the eventual creation of Rock, Motown, Hip-Hop etc. I find the sampling of Jazz tracks in Hip-Hop one of its most interesting creations. Madlib, JDilla, Pete Rock and Just Blaze, to name a few, have brought me to the likes of Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sun Ra... The list goes on!

14 Punk Rock Punk rock is a subgenre of rock music. It usually has rebellious lyrics and down stroked power chords played on guitars. Bad Religion, Sex Pistols, and Green Day (actually pop-punk, which is still punk in a way) are a few punk rock bands. The subgenre influenced thrash metal because of it's down stroked guitar playing and other factors.

All the fight and hating that an angry person (Likely a teen) could ever need. Expressive powerful and based around drugs, sex, and heartbreak

With it's insane lyrical quality to its 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 we mustn't forget hardcore legends such as Minor Threat, The Bad Brains, Suicidal Tendencys, Dead Kennedys, Op Ivy, etc. Etc. Honestly anywhere 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.

People seem to be off put by punk rock, probably because they assume that it is written by angry teenagers. However, what you don't understand is that these teenagers and young adults who make this music have a deep passion, and a message. Unlike the musicians of other genres such as pop, rap, or metal, punk bands do not start with the hopes of making money, or becoming famous. In fact, that's the last thing they want. Punk rock is the purist music you can find. Why not give it a try?

Many genres itself have been influenced by punk. In my opinion it's the most respectful genre cause you don't need to have a certain trend or style when it comes to punk you just say I don't need to sing how they want me to Ill do whatever I want. Plus its quite risky...uh not risky, dangerous what move 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.

15 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.

If you love rock (like me) thank blues. In fact, all genres of modern music came from this. While it's not the best, I sure should be thanking it, due to my love for pop and rock.

Everything else in modern music owes 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 ther 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 thus ALL other versions of pop music (Rock, Metal, Modern Country, Hip Hop), but sound great. Blues music is only based off very generic chord sequences, so it takes genius musicians to make blues as it is - one of the most influential genres of all time.

Truly the music that speaks to your heart and soul, simply because it gives its heart and soul. It has real meaning; not just the lyrics but the music too. It took years to appreciate just how special Blues is. Just goes to show you can't hurry love.

16 Alternative Metal Alternative metal is a music genre that infuses heavy metal with influences from alternative rock and other genres normally associated with metal.

My absolute favourite 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.

More lyrical version of metal. Bands like Seether, Breaking Benjaming, Three Days Grace, Evanescence fall under this category.

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

Think System of a Down, Tool or early Linkin Park. An upgraded version of nĂ¼-metal with more complex guitar riffs and different lyrical themes. (e. G, System of a Down's political lyric themes)

17 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 that hate this genre are the brain dead metal fans that 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 the 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 then heavy metal or metal in general, BUT there were some great Nu Metal bands in the early 2000's like Slipknot, Korn, and System Of A Down. I'm surprised it's ranked this high at 16, but it was cool how bands from this genre mixed other genres into it. Most notable from my experience System of a Down for using jazz, middle eastern, ballad, folk and more music influence in certain songs of theirs almost effortlessly. Can't compete with other metal, but its great deeds are worth noting.

I find that I enjoy things the most when they're just the tiniest bit off-kilter, and that's what Nu-Metal feels like to me. Slipknot, Linkin Park (still like their new albums, but their first three are the best in my opinion), Korn, System of a Down... All incredibly talented groups, along with so many others who put out the most meaningful, and darkest music you can find anywhere.

Glad all the metal genres are above pop, but this should be up there with them it's just so much more powerful than some genres has a great combination of rap/metal/DJ includes: Linkin Park, papa roach, korn, slipknot, adema, disturbed, limp bizkit, primer 55, deftones, P.O. D

18 Pop Rock Pop rock is a form of rock music where it emphasises more on recording craft and songwriting than the attitude. Commonly known as an alternative to rock and roll.

I love pop Rock and everyone mentions here very newish bands on this genre.

But this genre kind of exists since the 80s
My favorite Pop/Rock or Rock/Pop are Bon Jovi and Aerosmith.

Sellouts! The lot of them.
Pop rock is just what 12 year old girls trying to be cool call their favourite po singing-boy bands, if some one off One Direction picks up an electric guitar and plays the simplest power-cord then the next thing you know the whole population of teenage girls will be thinking that there all into rock n roll, but if you ask them who Guns n' Roses is, they'll say it's a perfume company.

The moment Five seconds of summer become a rock band is the day music dies.

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

Pop rock sounds way better than rap. Rap... it's not 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 it. But pop rock is true music. I'm thinking Chicago. I hate modern pop rock but 70s and 80s pop rock is more my type. The drums and keyboards and guitars... especially the bass guitar.

19 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 concentrate on the melody and enjoy 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 repetative, lame tracks, (as in every genre) this is the only form of music which can give me chills or energy when I need. It focuses on your vibes and feelings during listening, and this is what I love about it, and without deep/future/progressive house my life would get a much worse perspective.

Electro is one of the best music genres going, 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 because you think Rock and Pop music are the most popular. They're not. Electro is the future you benders, it's the future of music. Future House, Deep House, Electro, Trance, Trap, Dubstep, Drumstep, Progressive, Chill, EDM, Drum and Bass and Teckno are the future of music, if you like it or not, rock and pop music will soon die, not just yet, but trust me it will. Look at all the DJ's now, they are slowly getting a good reputation. They will wipe the rest off their feet, you're just being arrogant because you've never given it a chance. Pigs.

This thing is lower than Pop and Rap. What a disgrace of a poll. Pop is higher than Blues and Jazz too. An absolute insult of the genres which have helped me develop as a bassist (jazz) and a guitarist (blues).
Electronic Music is something I can listen to after a sad or hectic day, get indulged in the cymbals, the synth melodies, and have a great break. It's so different across subgenres, unlike subgenres of other genres, say rock (metal, alternative, blues, hard - all are very similar).
Performing EDM live is harder than just pressing play; in my opinion it's harder than performing live instruments.
With VSTs, the producers simply have an extremely huge catalogue of sounds to choose from, and we can't be bored by that.
And if there's someone who can mix unconventional genres with EDM, that's Avicii. Listen to Wake Me Up and Hey Brother to know what I'm talking. And his classic Levels and I Could Be The One, you can't resist tapping your feet to them or any electronic ...more

This genre of music is amazing, I love it especially some of the older and more obscure music. People just don't appreciate this genre. This genre also has so many subgenres and people I believe just want the same old stuff. I also believe that Electronic does have a subgenre for everyone, you can also see the extremes of music, one electronic genre is super slow music while on the other end of the scale, you have fast aggressive music like Splattercore. This pretty much shows that electronic music has a subgenre for everyone.

20 R&B

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 crap artists such as Chris Brown and Jason Derulo. This genre is good though especially the classic R&B.

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

R&B can be so cool is such lovely tones. It's just incredible. Definitely my favorite genera!

Great love songs I have listen in R&B. most romantic musics. nothing shout like other genres.

Claude, Claude Kelly, B5, Jackie boyz, chris brown. are such a lovely singers

21 Psychedelic Rock Psychedelic Rock is a style of rock music in the late 1960s where it is incorporated, influenced or inspired by psychedelic culture which revolves around the perception of hallucinogenic drugs. It is incorporated with improvisation, electronic sound effects and extended solos.

This is the best genre out there in my opinion. Sadly it's not mainstream. It was huge from 1965-1969, after from 1969 progressive rock came. Psychedelic rock is amazing. There were amazing bands such as, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, The Velvet Underground, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, etc. 1967 was a turning point, with albums like: Piper At The Gates of Dawn, The Doors self-titled, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Velvet Underground and Nico and Surrealistic Pillow. Psychedelia is just fabulous and does stuff to your brain which I can't even explain (that's how good it is). I love psychedelic rock. Let it live on!

I like most genres of music before 1995, and occasionally Id hear a new song which 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, etc. and added new elements that made your brain melt as you rode the psychedelic rollercoaster. 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, Phish. it's a shame its not more well known, otherwise no one would listen to what people call music these days.

Psychedelic rock. This is the best genre out there. It's not mainstream that's the problem. It was revolutionised by the 13th floor elevators in about 1965-1966 then became huge in 1967 what such bands as Pink Floyd bringing out piper at the gates of dawn, doors: the doors, Beatles sgt peppers lonely hearts club band and many more. Bands such as tame impala are bringing it back which is awesome and psychedelic was the roots of punk, pop rock and pop. Be grateful for it.

Perhaps, one of the underrated genres of all time. One shouldn't forget that it was the game changer, which gave birth to progressive rock followed by hard rock, heavy metal and all...
You can't deny the impact of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, for sure.
Unfortunately, it didn't last for a much longer time. Yet it's short timed impact is simply revolutionary in the history of rock 'n' roll music. I still love this genre among others. Afterall music is subjective. Each of us have our own preferences which makes it special.
(PS. This is just a reference. Few more albums of 60s are inclusive in my opinion.)

22 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 lower than garbage 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 pick up 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, and country singers can actually ...more

Okay guys, I know you people think country Is horrible. But, you guys have to be crazy. You think it about old guys with southern accents sitting on tractors and drinking beer. But, if you would be kind enough to listen to the music, you would know that it isn't. It has a meaning (unlike some other genres ). Yes, it does talk about tractors and beer a little bit but, it is about love and the usa. It also talks about problems or situations people encounter in their life. Really, it inspires me. You people don't actually LiSTEN to the music. You most likely heard these rumors from some stupid stranger. In conclusion, country is and will always be THE BEST music.P.S. I think everybody should be patriotic to our country and stop changing their lives to be "cool". So come on people don't be stupid (like many other people ) and stand up for your beliefs!

Country music is basically the root of all other modern music genres, just look at Elvis, he was country singer and he also basically invented rock and roll and blues. Country is also the longest lasting genre, gaining popularity around the early 1900's. Since country has been around for awhile, a lot of changes have been made mostly for the worst it is all about drinking beer and saying how "country" they are but the genre lost what made it special, the ability to convey emotion in the lyrics. Other things that made it great are also gone like telling a heart felt story, actually teaching you a lesson, and telling the struggles of day to day life. In conclusion, modern country is crap, and older country, in my opinion, is the best genre. P.S this is for classic country not modern.

I can't believe country 20th on this list! (At least during the time I wrote this. ) Heavy metal number 1 really? How can you guys listen to that crap? It's just a bunch of random screeching sounds and screams fused together that's excruciating to listen to. Country is where it's at. Being one of the longest living genres out there, it truly is great to listen to during bonfires, hiking/camping trips, long drives or even long days at the office when you miss being out of the city. You don't even have to be a redneck or anything to listen to country either. This music is for everybody.

23 Progressive Metal

Oh, prog-metal, let me count the ways in which I adoreth the.

- Excellent musicianship: Progmetal 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, up-beat meters, or atmospheric narration: take your pick, and don't be surprised by a refreshing alternation and combination of these sorts 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 ...more

Progressive Metal isn't nessesarily a style of its own mainly because bands labeled prog metal range from death metal back grounds to classical backgrounds. But bands labeled under the prog metal banner like:
-meshuggah
-dream theater
-tool
-mastodon
-rush
-Dillinger escape plan
-Sikth
-gojira
-racer x
-queensrych
Are some of the most technically impressive bands ever and are usually well versetile in other genres. So I think prog metal is easily the 2nd best rock styled genre right behind progressive rock like yes and king crimson.

Just listen to bands such as Tool, Dream Theater, Opeth, Meshuggah, and Symphony X. I also heard Rush would be considered Progressive Metal as it has taken some of those elements of heavy metal, and King Crimson's 21st Century Schizoid Man was also considered one of the earliest metal songs, and probably the first Progressive Metal song.

This, like Progressive Rock requires a lot of talent to play. Bands such as Tool, Opeth, and Dream Theater are all great bands, and I heard some Progressive Rock songs such as 21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson was considered Heavy Metal.

24 Melodic Death Metal

Five years ago, I used to listen to meaningless idiotic songs on the radio.

But, then I discovered rock/metal music and its countless sub genres.

I never thought death metal song will ever make me cry. After listening to "Lethe" by Dark Tranquillity, I cried out loud and this song relieved me from some of my pain.

I have been a big fan of Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth and Children of Bodom.

I'm happy to see so many rock&metal-genres here at the top! :D
I have no clear favourite... Hard or punk rock? Power, heavy or melodic metal? Nu metal or metalcore? Or maybe grunge? Maybe alternative rock? No clue :P
But hey, just voted in honor of one of my favourite bands:
In Flames! M/

Embrace of the Endless Ocean by Amon Amarth got me hooked on Melodic Death Metal. The music has the intensity of Death Metal, but the melody expresses more emotion and atmosphere.

Carcass, Children of bodom, Amon amarth, Arch enemy, At the gates, The black dahlia murder, In flames and many more.
Absolutely beautiful, complex and powerful music.

25 Pop Punk

This genre is underrated. Look everywhere and you won't find many pop punk songs playing on the radio. I only started listening to it after I googled what genre a song I like was, and it was this. Now I listen to it all the time. This deserves to be way higher on the list.

I feel like the name "pop punk" contradicts itself. Pop means popular, and its what the majority listens to. PUNK is this rebellious spirit that pees on 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 or The Clash or Bad Religion

I prefer Hardcore Punk and Classic Punk but I do like Green Day and Sum 41.There aren't that many good pop punk bands and the name is contradicting because Punk and Pop are opposites.-DarkBoi-X

What the hell did people ever here about a band called blink 182 there the best band I've ever heard this genre should be definitely in the top 5.

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