A Quarter Through the 21st Century: A Look at Music Evolution

Somehow, we’re already a quarter of the way through the 21st century. It feels like just yesterday I was lounging on a translucent orange inflatable sofa, clad in baggy jeans, a Discman in hand, pondering what the future might hold. Time has a way of slipping by, doesn’t it? Yet, in these 25 years, we’ve witnessed a whirlwind of changes across political, technological, environmental, and cultural landscapes. Now seems like the perfect moment to take stock.

Over the next few months, we’ll delve into how music, TV, and film have evolved since 2000, starting with music—a medium that has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation. We’ll explore this evolution through the lens of the UK’s biggest-selling singles from each year, revealing how our tastes have shifted as we transitioned from the 00s to the 10s and now into the 20s.

The Shift in Music Consumption

To help make sense of this musical evolution, I spoke with music journalist Michael Cragg, author of the acclaimed oral history of British pop, Reach for the Stars. According to Michael, the most pivotal year in our list is 2014, when the UK chart company began incorporating streaming numbers alongside physical sales. This change aimed to more accurately reflect our evolving listening habits.

Before this shift, the biggest songs often reflected a sense of monoculture, heavily influenced by TV talent shows like The X Factor. Buying a single felt like a collective act, a way to support a contestant’s dreams after weeks of watching their journey. Post-2014, however, the list aligns closely with the most-streamed songs on platforms like Spotify, indicating a shift in how we engage with music.

The Streaming Era: A Double-Edged Sword

While streaming has democratized music access, it raises questions about the depth of our engagement with artists. Michael notes that in today’s world of self-recycling playlists, listeners might enjoy a song without knowing or caring about the artist behind it. This shift in consumption raises the question: Are we as invested in these artists as we once were, especially when we pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to music?

Genre Fluidity in the Streaming Age

One striking observation from our list is the absence of rock music, which many have declared "dead." The list also lacks significant representation from dance music and UK rap. Michael points out that genre distinctions seem to blur in the streaming age, where artists blend multiple influences into their sound. For instance, Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You incorporates elements of dancehall and tropical house, reflecting a broader trend of genre fluidity.

Moreover, the globalization of music has allowed non-English language artists to gain traction in Western markets. Yet, this isn’t fully represented in the most popular songs list, leaving us wondering when we might see a major breakthrough from Latin pop or K-pop artists.

The Rise of the Individual Artist

Interestingly, our list features only one recognizable group—The Black Eyed Peas—while the rest are solo artists or collaborations. The dominance of TV talent shows has skewed this landscape, as bands struggled to find footing in a world increasingly favoring solo acts. This trend aligns with the streaming era, which encourages collaborations between successful solo artists, allowing them to navigate multiple genres more easily.

The ‘New Boring’ Phenomenon

A noticeable trend in our list is the prevalence of what some critics have dubbed "the new boring." This term, coined by Peter Robinson in 2011, describes the syrupy ballads that dominate the charts—think Adele, Lewis Capaldi, and Ed Sheeran. Michael observes that the vibrant pop characters of the past, like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, seem to fade away, leaving behind a collection of melodically pleasing yet bland tracks that don’t demand much attention.

Who Represents 21st-Century Pop?

Despite the recognizable names on our list, some major artists are conspicuously absent. One Direction, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift are notable omissions, not necessarily indicating a decline in their popularity but rather a shift in how we measure it—often through touring and album sales rather than chart performance.

When asked who best represents 21st-century popular music, Michael points to Ed Sheeran. His rise coincided with the advent of streaming, making him a quintessential "streaming native." With Sheeran appearing twice on our list, it’s clear that he has a significant foothold in the current musical landscape.

As we continue to explore the evolution of music over the past 25 years, it’s fascinating to see how our listening habits, the role of technology, and the emergence of new artists have shaped the soundscape of the 21st century. The journey is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be just as intriguing.