Introduction to Pop
Pop is one of the most ubiquitous genres of music in the world so widespread that even the origin of its name is from the word “popular”. Pop is more of a category of music rather than an established genre combining elements from rock, hip-hop, and electronic. It traces its roots back to the 1920s when media and radio broadcasts categorized things that appeal to the masses as pop. However, the widespread use of the word strictly relating to music appears around the 1950s in the US and UK.
Bands like the Beatles, though primarily considered a rock band, spread the pop genre through catchy melodies and upbeat lyrics. As music technology progressed, pop became more electronic with artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. Numerous artists around the globe pushed the boundaries of what we consider pop.
Today, pop music is an amalgamation of different elements and genres served to appeal to a wide audience. Artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and many others all share some elements of pop.
Pop usually centers on dark or lively short songs featuring some electronics, choruses, hooks and catchy melodies. There are countless innovations, especially as we expand the music scene to the East with genres like K-Pop and J-Pop. It is a constantly evolving category of music with global appeal.
Top 5 Radio Stations Playing Pop
There are numerous radio stations playing pop around the world and it is virtually impossible to pick the best ones. That said, we can provide you with some of the more popular ones across the globe.
- BBC Radio 1 - United Kingdom, London - FM 98.8 - English – One of the most well-known broadcasts of pop music in the UK. They feature an extensive list of songs from all ages and also have entertaining shows like the Official Chart with Scott Mills. The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James is also quite a great feature of the station.
- NRJ - France, Paris - FM 100.3 - French – Another popular Europe entry is NRJ which features a mix of pop music from countless artists and ages. It likewise features a few shows like the Le Double Expresso and Guillaume Radio 2.0.
- KIIS FM - United States, Los Angeles - FM 102.7 - English – As for the US, the KIIS station is a top-ranking broadcaster of western pop music featuring shows like On Air with Ryan Seacrest and The Jo Jo Wright Show.
- Nova 100 - Australia, Melbourne - FM 100.3 - English – On the other side of the world we have Australia’s Nova 100 which is known for its mix of pop music, talk shows and celebrity interviews.
- KBS World Radio – South Korea, Multiple Cities - FM 97.3 – Korean – A public broadcasting station operated by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) that features an extensive list of Korean pop music and various talk shows.
These are just some of the most popular international options for listening to pop. There are countless other Pop genre radio stations you can find on our stations by Country and City pages.
Featured Artists in Pop
Highlight some of the most popular or influential artists within the genre, and provide some background on their careers and music. This can help visitors get a sense of the genre's sound and style.
- Taylor Swift – American singer and songwriter that combines country-pop and electropop music. Rising to prominence in the 2000s she has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with numerous hits including "Love Story," "Shake It Off," and "Bad Blood."
- Ed Sheeran – British singer-songwriter known for his acoustic pop and folk-influenced music. He gained popularity in the early 2010s with his debut album "+," and has since become an international star with hits like "Thinking Out Loud," "Shape of You," and "Perfect."
- Lady Gaga – A Canadian singer and songwriter known for her unconventional provocative approach to pop music. Gaga is most known for her visually stunning music videos and live performances with elaborate costume designs and set pieces. She is also known for her philanthropic work in the LGBTQ+ and mental awareness communities. A few of her hits include "Poker Face", "Bad Romance", and "Born This Way".
- Dua Lipa – A British-Kosovan singer-songwriter known for her mezzo-soprano vocals accompanied by dance-pop and synth-pop music. She gained international fame in 2017 with her hit single "New Rules" and has since released numerous popular songs including "Don't Start Now," "Levitating," and "Physical."
- BTS – A globally-renowned South Korean boy band known for their mix of pop and hip-hop music. They debuted in 2013 and have since become one of the most popular music acts in the world, known for their catchy songs, high-energy performances, and positive messages. Their hits include "Dynamite," "Butter," and "Boy with Luv."
We are sad that we cannot include more talented pop artists in our list so be sure to explore various Pop radio stations to experience all of them.
Iconic Songs in Pop
Here are some well-known examples of Pop songs around the world with brief descriptions.
- "Driver's License" by Olivia Rodrigo - This breakout hit from newcomer Olivia Rodrigo explores the pain and heartbreak of a failed teenage romance through soaring vocals and emotional lyrics.
- "Levitating" by Dua Lipa - With its infectious disco beat and catchy chorus, "Levitating" has become a fan favorite and radio hit. The song celebrates the euphoria of falling in love and feeling weightless.
- "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd - This upbeat and nostalgic track from The Weeknd channels 80s pop influences and tells the story of a passionate and intense romance that leaves the singer blinded by love.
- "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X - This provocative, boundary-pushing song is about embracing your sexuality and not being ashamed of who you are, no matter what others may think.
- "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles - With its funky guitar riff and breezy vocals, "Watermelon Sugar" is a feel-good anthem that celebrates the simple pleasures of life, such as the taste of fresh watermelon and the warmth of the sun.
As you can see Pop music is a wide canvas on which you can explore numerous different themes. It blends various techniques, instruments, and genres and is overall one of the most flexible genres on our website.
Additional Information for Pop Fans
Besides just listening to great Pop songs or albums, we wanted to give you something extra. Here is a list of some of the most exciting Pop music events that are happening every year. Feel free to browse through them and go to or engage with those that seem interesting. Some of them are concerts and events you can go to and some are TV or Radio events that you can enjoy from home.
- Coachella – A music festival held annually in California, USA that features various genres including Pop.
- Glastonbury Festival - Somerset, England hosts one of the UK's most famous music festivals, featuring Pop and other genres.
- Rock in Rio - Held in Rio De Janeiro, Rock in Rio is one of the most exciting festivals you can go to in South America.
- Billboard Music Awards - Held annually in the United States, the Billboard Music Awards offer a selection of the most popular Pop music artists throughout the year.
- The Brit Awards - UK's most famous Pop music awards show that celebrates notable artists during the year.
- Eurovision Song Contest – A grand world-renowned competition broadcasted annually that features numerous forms of Pop music and celebrates peace and love between different countries.
There are many more concerts and award programs that are centred on or include Pop music. Be sure to browse around our radio station pages by Country and Cities to find them all.
