For as long as man has walked the earth, he has created music. From its origins of primitive grunts and the banging together of objects to today’s synthesized lyrics and electronic beats; music has always been a vital component of the human spirit. Today, the genre of music has never been broader and in countries like The United States, there are many clear examples of this.

Pop music wrested the title of most popular form of music from rock some time ago and has not let go. Artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Madonna and Kelly Clarkson have dominated record sales through out the past decade. In response to this dominance many radio stations have changed formats from classic rock or alternative to the immensely, commercially successful Pop genre.

Other wildly successful genres include R&B, Country and Hip Hop. Artists like Beyonce, Dixie Chicks and Jay-Z have forged new ground in their respective niches while maintaining a strong connection with the roots of their genres.

Once dominant, Rock and Roll still remains successful but pales in comparison to its musical piers. Artists like Coldplay, Linkin Park and AC/DC have achieved and continue to achieve world wide success but the overall development of new bands by labels has been replaced by the one hit wonder and its quick commercial success.

Music is an extremely fluid medium and will forever continue to morph and change to adapt to the culture and times. Bands will come and go; genres such as New Wave will rise quickly and disappear almost faster, but as Paul Simon said ‘Music is forever’.