RAG Music
Lovely music

Types of music genres

The famous saying goes, “There are only two kinds of music: good and bad.” That said, it’s often easier to start listening when music is categorized by genre.

Use this as a reference to help you discover new ‘good music.’

Types of music genres (121–130)

chanson

Edith Piaf -La vie en rose with lyrics
chanson

Many people probably know the name because Akihiro Miwa has featured it.

“Chanson” is often treated as if it were a genre of French popular songs, but in reality it’s a term used only in Japan.

Since chanson simply means “song” in French, it doesn’t refer to this kind of genre in France itself.

ska

Guns of Navarone – The Skatalites
ska

It’s a music genre that originated in Jamaica, characterized by rhythms that emphasize the off-beat! There are various theories about its origins, but it’s said to have developed in the 1950s under the influence of American music such as jazz and R&B, and it remains one of the most popular genres worldwide today.

Deep Soul

Sam Cooke – Bring It On Home to Me (Official Audio)
Deep Soul

Among soul music, slow ballads with a strong gospel influence are called deep soul.

Strictly speaking, it’s a bit different, but nowadays it’s also regarded as akin to Southern soul.

It’s soul music that focuses on singing rather than being dance music.

trip hop

Massive Attack – Teardrop (Official Video)
trip hop

It’s an abstract sound that emerged in the 1990s in Bristol, UK, developed under the influence of hip-hop.

Over hip-hop-style beats, it often features sentimental melodies and airy, floating textures, resulting in a darker overall sound.

New jack swing

Keith Sweat – I Want Her
New jack swing

It’s a style of dance music that was popular from the 1980s to the 1990s, with a strong street-oriented R&B vibe.

It’s a genre that combines funk infused with hip-hop production techniques and gospel-like melodies.