Pop music has been a mainstay of popular culture for decades, and the 2000s and 2010s were no exception. While opinions on which decade was better may vary, there are certain objective measures we can look at to evaluate the quality of pop music during these periods.
One way to evaluate the popularity of pop music is by looking at sales figures. According to Nielsen Music data, the top-selling album of the 2000s was Eminem‘s “The Eminem Show,” which sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone. In contrast, the top-selling album of the 2010s was Adele’s “21,” which sold over 12 million copies in the United States. While these figures suggest that pop music was more popular in the 2010s, it is worth noting that overall album sales have declined in recent years due to the rise of streaming platforms.
Another way to evaluate the quality of pop music is by looking at critical reception. According to review aggregator Metacritic, the highest-rated pop album of the 2000s was Outkast’s “Stankonia,” which received a score of 95 out of 100 based on 23 reviews. In contrast, the highest-rated pop album of the 2010s was Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly,” which received a score of 96 out of 100 based on 45 reviews. While these scores suggest that pop music may have improved in quality in the 2010s, it is worth noting that both of these albums incorporate elements of hip-hop, which may suggest a shift in the definition of pop music over time.
In terms of musical trends, there were some notable differences between the two decades. The 2000s saw the rise of boy bands and girl groups such as NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Destiny’s Child, and Pussycat Dolls. These groups were known for their catchy hooks and synchronized choreography, and they dominated the pop charts during this period. In contrast, the 2010s saw the rise of EDM (electronic dance music) and the incorporation of hip-hop into mainstream pop. This led to the emergence of artists such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and The Chainsmokers, who blurred the lines between pop and dance music.
Overall, it is difficult to say definitively whether pop music got better or worse between the 2000s and 2010s. While album sales suggest that pop music was more popular in the 2010s, critical reception suggests that the quality of pop music may have improved slightly during this period. However, it is worth noting that these evaluations are subjective and can vary widely depending on individual taste.
