In the first of a new fortnightly pop music column, Brian Sheil reflects on how the genre has changed over the past decade - and considers its the future.

 

Over the last few years, we have heard many different genres that have influenced and dominated the pop charts. Whether it be the influence of Black Eyed Peas’ electro feel track ‘‘I Got A Feeling’’, or indeed the pan-European catchy melodies, courtesy provided by pop producer RedOne, it is certain that today's pop music scene is once again going through a sonic transitional period.

However, what strikes me today is how fast this change is happening. Nine years ago Westlife’s most successful original song "Flying Without Wings", produced by Steve Mac, was number 1. A lot has changed since.

For one, we have seen the whole ‘featuring’ phenomenon grab a hold of the charts for sometime, where the rap artists would cling onto pop singers to deliver their choruses - the biggest success in this regard was Rihanna and Eminem’s "Love The Way You Lie".

Music producers David Guetta and Afrojack have introduced successfully the more watered down version of the house music genre to daytime radio, while still having credible number 1 pop songs! And previously mentioned, Moroccan born producer RedOne has continued to keep up with the more traditional pop production, while delivering a more positive Mediterranean and global melodic sound to today’s pop market.

So, all this been said, what is next genre to take over? Will Dub-step catch on, or indeed what about Adele and her sound I hear you say? Is her soulful music about to dominate pop music in general? Is pop music as a whole going back to more lyrical meaningful songs, rather than a plea from a girl called Rihanna to make her feel like she’s the only girl in the world?

At this point in time, it is hard to call. Certainly Adele has emotionally moved popular culture this year. Her song ‘Someone Like You’ is a testament to this, and in a way you can somewhat see a swing in this direction of music. Nowadays, you will more than likely hear an X-Factor auditionee sing a rendition of "Make You Feel My Love" rather than a JLS hit.

Some people would say Adele has made pop music credible once again.

On a side note, I myself would disagree with this belief. I feel pop music has always been credible, because there is always somebody buying it, and if there’s an audience for it, I believe it’s credible!

The sound of pop music is at a crossroads. I believe it will probably go full circle once again, and come back to the more meaningful tune that you would be proud of singing your future grandchildren asleep to.

What do you think will be the next style of music that we will call pop?

- Brian Sheil