A Passion Relative to Survival

Upon entering the 21st century, many songs from the 50s all the way through the 90s still remain popular. Of course, it was by way of the 20s, 30s and 40s whereby music evolved into a passion relative to survival as many listeners would so declare today. Each decade through today has offered its own unique genres of music for listening pleasure, entertainment, dancing, rapping, or simply relaxing: contemporary music, popular music, traditional music, hip hop music, country music.

Listen to the evolution of music 20th century...

 For many, the 20th century was seen as "America's century." It was a century in which the United States' influence would be felt around the globe. Nowhere is this more true than in the world of music. Read MORE...

With the coming of the new millennium, the music industry entered a crisis. The advent of digital downloading took quite a toll on single records and albums with sales tumbling within the first decade. Simultaneously, though, hip hop, aka rap music, solidified its standing as the dominant influence on global youth culture.

Listen to a little of early 21st century music. Let the video speak for itself...

This history of music video of the 21st century starting in 2000 working to mid-2008 shows the evolution of music and it's styles in a short period of time. Watch on YouTube or full screen for the song titles and recording artists.

Some say the culture of music entering the 21st century was on the decline...lacking creativity and substance with less emphasis being placed on melody and rhythm, instead being all about showmanship. Who can outdo who with the most, or should I say the least, in presentation...least in this case being reference to morality and clothing. The music became more about sexual arousal and the drugged mind than real talent and creative imagination.

To quote Bob Dylan "I don't know anybody who's made a record that sounds decent in the past 20 years, really. You listen to these modern records, they're atrocious, they have sound all over them. There's no definition of nothing, no vocal, no nothing, just like ... static...."

It would be interesting to 'hear' your thoughts on the evolution of music into the 21st century. Leave a comment at the end of the post.

Pre- and into 1st decade 21st century accolades...

The best selling female recording artist in early 21st century was living legend, Britney Spears. However, Madonna is the best selling female artist of all time. Madonna ranks #2 only behind The Beatles. Best selling song by a female artist is I Will Always Love You written and first released by Dolly Parton. Whitney Houston's version of the song for The Bodyguard (1992) is a best selling single of all time.

Taylor Swift's release of her debut album in 2006 established her as a country music star. Beyoncé, former lead singer of R&B girl-group Destiny's Child, was the first artist in twenty years, as well as first female artist in chart history, to have both an album and single debut on top of the UK and US charts at the same time. Lady Gaga was recognized for her flamboyant, diverse, and outré contributions to the music industry through her fashion, performances, and music videos. Christina Aguilera was established as a pop icon and has garnered honorific titles including the "Princess of Pop". Her fifth album incorporated elements of '30s and '40s blues, soul, and jazz music. Justin Timberlake mesmerized the world with not only his music but also his acting ability. He was bestowed titles of Sexiest Man Alive (2003) (also Sexiest New Dad Alive 2015) and "Most Stylish Man in America" (2009).

2010 - 2014

According to Billboard, The 10 Defining Artists of the 2010s (So Far)

Check out who the Billboard.com staff chose as the 10 defining artists of the 2010s so far, and then read our lists of the half-decade's 20 Best Songs, 10 Worst Songs, 20 Best Albums and 20 Best Music Videos!

Do you recognize the artists?

Just a taste of my favs of the 21st century...

Jennifer Lopez has explored various musical genres over the course of her career; this includes Latin pop, dance, R&B, hip hop, rock, funk, house and salsa among others.

While many “artists of a certain age” have struggled for relevance (and new ideas) in recent years, our very favorite Knight of the Turntable, Paul McCartney, has never had a problem delivering always the goods well into his seventies. The man dominated the face of 20th century music, but it seems like he’s making a stab at the 21st century, too!

  Two of the greatest female pop vocalists - Celine Dion paying tribute to THE VOICE - Whitney Houston. These are the voices that truly make the music sing!

 Best 100 Songs of the 21st Century

Click the link above for someone's list of the Best 100 Songs of the 21st Century. See how they compare to your own list.

What favorite music have you carried along with you into the 21st century? Any new recording artists captured your ear?

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...