A relatively generic musical term, pop is short for 'popular' and refers to songs based around quick, catchy melodies and lyrics. Pop music has its roots in Tin Pan Alley songs, and like folk it's in some ways an answer to the highbrow nature of classical. As a style in itself, though (at least how we think about it by today's terms), pop truly came to fruition during the 1960s, taking on characteristics generally much less threatening than those brandished by rock 'n' roll.

Notable Artists: Abba, Petulia Clark, the Association, Britney Spears