Top 10 Best Decades for Music
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1980s
In the 1980s, music was characterized by the emergence of digital recording and the rise of MTV, which popularized artists through music videos. This era saw the dominance of genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop, with iconic figures such as Michael Jackson and Madonna leading the charts.
This decade was the best for both pop and metal. It was ruled by the pop king and the best pop musician, Michael Jackson, as well as by Madonna and Prince. But these are only the most famous artists of this decade. If we dig deeper, we'll see synthpop (the best pop subgenre along with indie-pop, art-pop, and dance-pop). Magical sounds.
If we speak about rock, I consider it the best decade for metal. NWOBHM bands were pretty cool both lyrically and musically. It was really new for rock and very different from traditional hard rock. It also spawned Metallica, the most popular metal band, and probably my favourite one, as well as bringing thrash metal to its full potential, although proto-thrash songs like Stone Cold Crazy by Queen were released in the 70s. There is much more to say about 80s music, but I think these explanations would be enough.
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1970s
The 1970s were marked by the diversity of rock subgenres, including progressive, hard, and soft rock, along with the prominence of disco toward the decade's end. Artists like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Bee Gees defined the era with their groundbreaking music and performances.
Absolutely fantastic decade for music. You have such a broad list of different musical genres. It was such a transformative decade for music.
I would say that the only time period to have such diverse music would be the early eighties. Rock split into many new genres, from popular progressive rock to the far reaching enthusiasm of classic and hard rock. Furthermore, though disco gets a lot of hate due to its repetitive nature, disco music not only kick-started the now disturbingly simplistic electronic and rap music industry, it was one of the most inclusive genres of music since jazz.
Many people honestly forget this decade due to its lack of music videos, which the eighties had. It had true music you could dance to. It really was spectacular. Does that mean I would want to live in those times? Maybe not. But I pray more artists pay tribute to this decade of music, as did Daft Punk and some others.
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1990s
The 1990s were characterized by the explosion of grunge and alternative rock, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam gaining international fame, as well as the rise of hip-hop and teen pop, making stars of Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Britney Spears, and NSYNC.
Hands down, the best era for rock and alternative rock. We had grunge - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and STP, for example. We also had awesome heavy metal - Metallica, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, and Pantera, to name a few.
We had ska, ska punk, punk, and other alternative bands like Sublime, No Doubt, Offspring, Pixies, The Flaming Lips, and Weezer. Finally, we saw some great rap from artists such as NWA, Tupac, Beastie Boys, Lauryn Hill, Wu Tang Clan, and Snoop Dogg. Additionally, some great female artists emerged such as Tori Amos, Bjork, Ani DiFranco, PJ Harvey, Liz Phair, Sinéad O'Connor, Veruca Salt, and the Chicks.
Grunge, the introduction of Nu Metal, Pantera - this was easily the best decade for metal ahead of the 80s and 00s. We had legends like Alice in Chains, RATM, NIN, and Deftones. Make fun of them if you like, but Limp Bizkit and Fred Durst were MTV icons. Pantera, Metallica, and for a while, Sepultura held strong on the thrashier/groovier side.
Korn had pretty much started a new genre in nu metal, leading to the conception of Limp Bizkit, Deftones, and Slipknot. In the millennium, we got Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Disturbed, and P.O.D. What an awesome era for music and the whole genre of metal and alternative.
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1960s
During the 1960s, the music scene was revolutionized by the British Invasion, led by The Beatles, and the development of soul, R&B, and surf music. This period also witnessed the significant cultural impact of music festivals, exemplified by Woodstock, which became symbols of the counterculture movement.
The sixties is the best decade by far. There is no competition. The only other decade you could make an argument for is the 70s because some of the bands that started in the 60s stayed together through the 70s.
The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, Jackson 5, The Doors, Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Byrds, Cream, The Grateful Dead, The Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, Black Sabbath, Steppenwolf, The Bee Gees, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Temptations. And that is barely scraping the surface of this amazing period for music.
I love music from across the decades and even back to the 1800s, but 1965 to 1975 produced the most memorable pop songs. The early 60s were too doo-wop, unsophisticated, and teen idol-based, although there were exceptions, especially Johnny Mathis' Christmas songs and Andy Williams' Moon River. Neil Diamond was a juggernaut singer and songwriter, the best.
The mid to late 60s pop music evolved quickly into various styles. Numerous hit songs were very memorable because they were singable, fresh, and unique to those who made them hits. There were crooners who could actually sing well, like Englebert, Tom Jones, Andy Williams, and Gary Puckett.
The early 70s saw a new genre with soft, mature rock. The Carpenters and Bread had many hits. By the mid 70s, disco and heavy rock began to dominate. The wide diversity faded, and mainstream pop became dull and unmemorable. The 80s introduced many techno hits. Real instruments were mostly gone. Elton John actually got better, and U2 produced the most memorable rock in 1987.
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2000s
In the 2000s, digital music and the Internet dramatically changed the industry, with platforms like Napster and iTunes reshaping music distribution. The decade saw the popularity of genres such as pop, hip-hop, and R&B, with artists like Eminem, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga becoming global icons.
This decade is great because of the variety in popular music. You would not go to school and be judged for liking hip-hop like you would in the 80s or for liking rock like you do now.
Everything from Shakira to System of a Down to Blink 182 to 50 Cent was all appreciated in the mainstream and on the radio. No other decade had that. The 60s and most of the 80s and 70s were rock dominated, or if not, then disco was.
The 90s was pure grunge until 1996-1999, where people like Green Day, Britney Spears, and Eminem were all so different, but still were massively popular. Variety continued until around 2009-2012, when pop became more and more popular. Rock, punk, metal, alternative, and even country started to get less popular with huge names like Taylor Swift switching to pop.
And here we are in 2019, no one seems to appreciate artists who actually put work into their material, and the only genres that people seem to care about are EDM (Electronic Dance Music), mumble/trap rap, and to an extent, bro country, which is usually about drinking beer and driving tractors.
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1950s
The 1950s introduced rock 'n' roll, which transformed the music landscape with artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. This decade also saw the rise of teen idols and the continued popularity of jazz, blues, and country music, which reflected a post-war era of cultural and musical innovation.
The '50s is my least favorite decade for music, but there's some good in this decade. You know, you got your Elvises, Richie Valens, Pat Boones. (No! We don't talk about this guy! He may be a good singer, but he is such a religious nutjob and ruins black music!)
Yeah, it's a dull era for music, but I liked the rock 'n' roll and doo-wop. And they continued to pave the way for modern rock and R&B. Good.
Best era for music! It had rock 'n' roll legends like Elvis Presley and Ray Charles. Soul and jazz still flourished this decade like they did in previous years! Most diverse decade for music!
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2010s
The 2010s were marked by the dominance of streaming services, which facilitated the rise of EDM, indie music, and the continued popularity of pop and hip-hop. Artists like Adele, Drake, and Taylor Swift were among the decade's best-selling music acts.
The 2010s were a mixed bag. Artists like Kid Rock, Ed Sheeran, Godsmack, IceJJFish, Rebecca Black, and Five Finger Death Punch were terrible.
However, the highs of the decade were incredible. Two of the greatest albums ever came from Kendrick Lamar, along with absolute post-rock classics from Swans and We Lost the Sea. There were also other insanely underrated and awesome works from Nails, Radiohead, Beach House, Death Grips, Kanye West, Alvvays, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Danny Brown, and many more.
For the first half of the decade, the music was not that bad. Since 2015, I have heard way too many slow ballads, which is starting to get depressing. Where is all the colorful, fun stuff they did back in the day?
It didn't matter how an artist dressed, looked, or sang, as long as it fit with the song. I feel like artists are more interested in the money now, not the artistic value that will keep their songs around for decades. Maybe the next decade will get better.
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1940s
In the 1940s, big band and swing music were at their peak, with bandleaders like Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington becoming household names. The decade also saw the early development of rhythm and blues and country music, which set the stage for future musical innovations.
Some of the greatest big bands and jazz standards originated from this decade!
The jazzy romantic serenades of the '40s helped soldiers get through World War II.
Listen to Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, etc. Best time overall for music.
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1920s
The 1920s, known as the Jazz Age, witnessed the explosion of jazz music as a defining cultural phenomenon, with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington emerging as major figures. This era also saw the rise of the first radio stations and phonograph records, which broadened music's reach.
Jazz Age! Harlem Renaissance! Blues! Also the decade of Jimmie Rodgers, the "Singing Brakeman," who is considered a pioneer in country music. This decade also saw the debut of Dorothy Fields, who partnered with Jimmy McHugh to write "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" and went on to a long, stellar career.
It just has that classic old-times feel when cities like Chicago and New Orleans were exploding with jazz and crazy parties. Overall, the Classic Years (1920-1960) were the best years for music.
I like the music in The Shining!
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1930s
The 1930s were defined by the Great Depression, which influenced music as a form of escape and upliftment. Jazz, swing, and big band music flourished during this era, with artists like Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday achieving fame.
This, to me, is one of the best overall decades. It was a great combination of the popular music that I enjoy the most: early jazz, sweet bands, the big bands, and swing. A lot of music on my playlist is from around this period.
In 1938, Dorothy Fields became the first woman to win an Oscar for songwriting with "The Way You Look Tonight." In the '30s, music helped people get through the Depression, proving that music has great healing power.
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1620s
The 1620s were part of the early Baroque period, characterized by the emergence of opera and the monodic style, which focused on a single vocal melody with instrumental accompaniment. This era saw the innovation of composers like Claudio Monteverdi, whose works blended Renaissance polyphony with the new Baroque expressiveness.
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1880s
During the 1880s, the Romantic era was at its peak, characterized by expressive and nationalistic music from composers like Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner. Their compositions often featured expansive forms, rich textures, and emotional depth.
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1830s
In the 1830s, the Romantic era of music was in full swing, which was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism. Composers like Chopin and Schumann were prominent, creating works that expressed deep feelings and utilized innovative harmonic language.
This was the rise of Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, and other amazing romantic composers. I believe Ballade No. 1 (Chopin) was written this decade.
Best year of all time for music, especially electronica.
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1750s
The 1750s saw the rise of the early Classical period, with composers such as Haydn beginning to shape a new musical style built around clarity and balance. This shift followed the end of the Baroque era, which concluded around 1750. The decade became a foundation for the development of symphonic writing and the broader Classical tradition that dominated the following decades.
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1600s
The 1600s were pivotal for the development of opera and the consolidation of the Baroque style in music. Composers like Monteverdi and Corelli contributed to the era with their dramatic vocal music and instrumental compositions.
Music from the Italian Renaissance!
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1870s
The 1870s were part of the late Romantic period, with composers like Brahms and Tchaikovsky creating music that was expressive, complex, and often nationalistic. This decade also saw the early ideas that would influence impressionist music, which would gain prominence in the following years.
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1910s
In the 1910s, the world of music was experiencing the late Romantic and early modernist movements, with composers like Debussy and Stravinsky pushing the boundaries of musical language. This decade also witnessed the rise of jazz in the United States, which set the stage for its future popularity.
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1200s
During the 1200s, medieval music was dominated by sacred forms such as Gregorian chant, alongside the early development of polyphony. This period also saw the rise of troubadours and trouvères, who composed secular songs in the vernacular.
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1400s
In the 1400s, the Renaissance period was blossoming, bringing forth a greater emphasis on harmony and polyphony in music. Composers like Guillaume Dufay and Josquin des Prez were pioneering the use of structured forms and expressive melodies.
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1890s
The 1890s continued the Romantic tradition with a focus on emotional expression and the expansion of orchestral music. Composers such as Mahler and Dvořák were influential figures, contributing to the symphonic repertoire and incorporating folk elements into classical forms.
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1130s
The 1130s were part of the medieval period when music was primarily liturgical and monophonic. This era saw the composition of sacred works intended for use in church services, with the development of early notation systems beginning to take shape.
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1000s
In the 1000s, music was predominantly monophonic and part of the medieval tradition, with Gregorian chant being the most prevalent form of musical expression in the Western world. This period was crucial for the codification of chant, which would dominate sacred music for centuries.
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1810s
During the 1810s, the Classical era was transitioning into the Romantic period. Beethoven, one of the most influential figures of the time, was composing symphonies and sonatas that expanded the form and expressive range of classical music.
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1690s
The 1690s fell within the Baroque period, which was characterized by the music of composers such as Purcell in England and the later works of Corelli in Italy. This era was known for its dramatic expression, the use of counterpoint, and the development of the concerto grosso and solo concerto.
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1900s
The 1900s marked the transition from the Romantic era to modernism in music, with composers such as Mahler and Debussy challenging traditional forms and harmonic conventions. This decade also witnessed the early development of jazz in New Orleans.
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1660s
In the 1660s, the Baroque period was taking shape, marked by the development of opera and the increasing complexity of instrumental music. Composers like Jean-Baptiste Lully were instrumental in establishing the French Baroque style, which was characterized by its elegance and grandeur.
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2020s
The 2020s have been defined by the impact of digital media and technology on music production and distribution. Genres such as hip-hop, pop, and electronic music continue to evolve, with artists using social media and streaming platforms to reach global audiences.
I'm betting 2020s music will be even more experimental than previous decades. There's more accessibility to technology, which means there would be different ways of how we listen to music. There's quite a bit of a surge in genres, i.e. phonk, hyperpop, and emo rap. Lo-fi would also be the next big thing, as it is right now.
Rock and metal have gradually declined but are still big in the present, with some albums reaching the Billboard charts. Not saying everything that's new is bad. Practically any genre is bound to change. Every decade has its good qualities if you exclude the mainstream.
People only hate new music because they're either resistant to change or they're not willing to dive into more underground music, which they might actually like.