The ‘80s did heavily influence the music of the ’90s, however, often the ’90s are known to be a decade which is hard to define and describe in terms of music. There were lots of different sounds and artists.
- Grunge was a sound which emerged and became popular for rock fans in the ’90s, as well as alternative rock; both sounds that had not been heard before and that piqued interest with mainstream and with alternative fans and audiences.
- Rap emerged and became a more mainstream sound as well. Hip hop culture was highlighted, and many people focused on the catchy beats of various rap artists that included pop and other genre sounds in their music.
- Country music also had its place in the 90’s music spotlight, especially country with a pop sound and influence. Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley were examples of artists breaking the barriers and reachin
g wider, more mainstream audiences, - Boy bands were a huge trend in the 1990s. From Backstreet Boys to N’Sync, many loved the singing, dancing and the shows that these boy bands were able to put on for their audiences.
- Techno sounds; the use of technology was important in shaping more techno and dance music that was less instrumental and more futuristic sounding.
- Bubblegum pop was another 90’s trend, defined by a lot of female superstars such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, as well as other mainstream artists.
- The influence of technology was large in 90’s music and it was actually the decade that saw the fastest and most significant technological impact and development. Technology influenced every element of music from the sound, to the production, the platforms and consumption.
