Students at Hamburg Area High School shared what type of music they liked and why on a survey sent out. Music plays a deep role in society, and it has been around since the dawn of time. Many people remember listening to music as early as babies and science proves that children respond to music better than speaking. Music is important, as it makes people feel seen, builds communities, sets tones and moods, shapes people’s attitudes, and sometimes even helps people survive.
Out of all the responses, rock and roll is the most popular genre of music with pop as a close second. Rock and roll has been popular for decades, but it was not always that way. Correlating with this, the decade most listened to is the 90’s. In the 90’s rock and roll went through a transformation. Rock and roll was first pioneered by the African American community and was seen as alternative. Even now some may deem rock and roll as alternative, though it has become more mainstream. Rock and roll went through lots of decades and with that it found lots of sub-genres as times have changed the meaning of it. People like Elvis Presley, The Smashing Pumpkins, and The Smiths are classified as rock and roll, yet sound very different. Rock and roll is more than music though, it is a rebellion that many find a community in as they advocate for change they want to see. Many rock and roll songs are political or have lines in them that advocate for something, like the green day song “American Idiot” advocating for more left leaning views.
Music is not always political or pushing an agenda, many people listen to music to feel heard, understood, and connected. Oliver Pursley says, “I like listening to all types of Music to get a perspective on how others see things and how others are able to express themself through their songs.” Music is about expression and lots of people feel or connect to a situation or emotion the song is about.
Music is a way to express yourself, not only as a singer but also as a listener. It connects people and fans together and it can give glimpses into the type of person you are. From situations, to emotions, to politics, to teaching, even just because, music is something everyone can relate to, create, or connect with.
