Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Pop music frequently borrows elements from a narrow range of genres, primarily classical and jazz.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pop music frequently borrows elements from a diverse range of styles, including rock, hip hop, urban, dance, Latin, and country music.
According to David Hatch and Stephen Millward, 'pop music' is synonymous with 'popular music' and encompasses all music targeted for mass appeal.
Answer: False
Explanation: David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop music as 'a body of music which is distinguishable from popular, jazz, and folk music,' indicating it is not synonymous with 'popular music' which describes all music for mass appeal.
The term 'pop song' was first used in 1926 to signify a piece of music with popular appeal.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'pop song' was first used in 1926, signifying a piece of music 'having popular appeal.'
Since the late 1950s, *The Oxford Dictionary of Music* notes that 'pop' has specifically referred to non-classical music, often in song form, performed by artists like The Beatles.
Answer: True
Explanation: *The Oxford Dictionary of Music* notes that since the late 1950s, 'pop' has specifically meant non-classical music, usually in song form, performed by artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and ABBA.
Simon Frith argues that pop music is primarily driven by artistic expression and aims to challenge societal norms.
Answer: False
Explanation: Simon Frith argues that pop music is produced 'as a matter of enterprise not art,' primarily driven by profit and commercial reward, and is generally conservative, focusing on love and relationships rather than challenging societal norms.
*Billboard* magazine concluded in 2023 that 'pop' primarily means 'popular,' and any sufficiently popular song can be considered pop.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2023, *Billboard* magazine concluded that 'pop' primarily means 'popular,' and almost any song that achieves sufficient popularity can be considered a pop song, due to the lack of a strict sonic or musical definition.
From which of the following groups of styles does pop music frequently borrow elements?
Answer: Rock, hip hop, urban, dance, Latin, and country music.
Explanation: Pop music frequently borrows elements from a diverse range of other styles, including rock, hip hop, urban, dance, Latin, and country music.
What is the distinction between 'popular music' and 'pop music' according to the source?
Answer: 'Pop music' refers to a specific genre, while 'popular music' describes all music targeted for mass appeal.
Explanation: While 'popular music' describes all music targeted for mass appeal, 'pop music' refers to a specific genre with its own defining characteristics, distinguishable from popular, jazz, and folk music.
When was the term 'pop song' first used, and what did it signify at that time?
Answer: 1926, signifying a piece of music 'having popular appeal.'
Explanation: The term 'pop song' was first used in 1926, signifying a piece of music 'having popular appeal.'
What did *The Oxford Dictionary of Music* note about the meaning of 'pop' since the late 1950s?
Answer: It specifically meant non-classical music, usually in song form, performed by artists such as The Beatles.
Explanation: *The Oxford Dictionary of Music* notes that since the late 1950s, 'pop' has specifically meant non-classical music, usually in song form, performed by artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and ABBA.
According to Simon Frith, what is a core characteristic of pop music's production and purpose?
Answer: It is produced 'as a matter of enterprise not art,' primarily driven by profit and commercial reward.
Explanation: Simon Frith argues that pop music is produced 'as a matter of enterprise not art,' primarily driven by profit and commercial reward, and is professionally produced and packaged 'from on high' by record companies.
What did *Billboard* magazine conclude in October 2023 regarding the definition of 'pop songs'?
Answer: 'Pop' primarily means 'popular,' and almost any song achieving sufficient popularity can be considered pop.
Explanation: *Billboard* magazine concluded that 'pop' primarily means 'popular,' and almost any song that achieves sufficient popularity can be considered a pop song, due to the lack of a strict sonic or musical definition.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a subgenre of pop music in the source?
Answer: Death Metal
Explanation: The source lists various subgenres of pop music, but 'Death Metal' is not among them.
Pop music, in its modern form, emerged exclusively in the United States during the early 1950s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The modern form of pop music originated during the mid-1950s in both the United States and the United Kingdom, not exclusively in the US.
By the late 1960s, 'pop' music began to be distinguished from 'rock' music by being associated with more commercial and accessible styles.
Answer: True
Explanation: From about 1967, 'pop music' was increasingly used in opposition to 'rock music,' with pop becoming associated with more commercial, ephemeral, and accessible styles.
*The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians* states that 'pop music' originated in the US in the early 1960s as a description for folk music.
Answer: False
Explanation: *The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians* states that 'pop music' originated in Britain in the mid-1950s as a description for rock and roll and new youth music styles.
In the early 1960s, 'pop music' primarily competed with 'jazz music' in England.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the early 1960s, the term 'pop music' competed terminologically with 'beat music' in England.
During the mid-1960s, pop music was often described as 'progressive' due to its experimentation with new sounds and styles.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the mid-1960s, pop music repeatedly ventured into new sounds, styles, and techniques, leading to the term 'progressive' being frequently used to describe its advancements.
Music critic Simon Reynolds identified a divide between 'progressive' pop and 'mass/chart' pop starting in 1977.
Answer: False
Explanation: Music critic Simon Reynolds identified a divide between 'progressive' pop and 'mass/chart' pop starting in 1967, not 1977.
Early pop music in Europe primarily emphasized influences from Tin Pan Alley songwriting and Broadway theatre.
Answer: False
Explanation: Compared to European pop, traditional pop (American counterpart) initially emphasized influences from Tin Pan Alley songwriting, Broadway theatre, and show tunes.
Before the late 1960s progressive pop era, performers generally had significant artistic control over their music.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before the emergence of progressive pop in the late 1960s, performers typically had limited ability to decide on the artistic content of their music, often constrained by record labels and producers.
The mid-1960s economic boom led record labels to grant artists greater freedom and control over their musical content.
Answer: True
Explanation: Assisted by the mid-1960s economic boom, record labels began investing more in artists, granting them greater freedom to experiment and offering them limited control over their musical content and marketing strategies.
Indie pop, which developed in the late 1970s, was characterized by major labels signing guitar bands that emphasized glamour and commercial success.
Answer: False
Explanation: Indie pop, which developed in the late 1970s, was characterized by guitar bands recording and releasing their own music without needing major label contracts, emphasizing independence and DIY ethics, departing from glamour.
The British Invasion of the 1960s led to a decrease in British acts on US charts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1960s British Invasion marked a period when the US charts were inundated with British acts, leading to an increase, not decrease, in their presence.
Britney Spears' 2007 album *Blackout* is noted for its genre blurring, mixing EDM, avant-funk, R&B, dance music, and hip hop.
Answer: True
Explanation: Britney Spears' highly influential 2007 album *Blackout* epitomized genre blurring by mixing the sounds of electronic dance music (EDM), avant-funk, R&B, dance music, and hip hop.
'Recession pop' emerged in the early 2010s, characterized by songs about escapism through partying, influenced by economic troubles.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Recession pop' is a style of pop music that became popular at the beginning of the 2010s, characterized by songs about escapism through partying, influenced by the economic troubles of the Great Recession.
When did pop music, in its modern form, originate?
Answer: Mid-1950s in both the United States and the United Kingdom
Explanation: The modern form of pop music originated during the mid-1950s in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
How did the perception of 'pop' music change relative to 'rock' music by the late 1960s?
Answer: 'Pop' began to be associated with music that was more commercial, ephemeral, and accessible.
Explanation: By the late 1960s, 'pop' began to be associated with music that was more commercial, ephemeral, and accessible, distinguishing itself from rock music.
According to *The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians*, where did the term 'pop music' originate and what did it initially describe?
Answer: Britain in the mid-1950s, describing rock and roll and new youth music styles.
Explanation: *The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians* states that the term 'pop music' originated in Britain in the mid-1950s as a description for rock and roll and the new youth music styles it influenced.
What terminological competition did 'pop music' face in England during the early 1960s?
Answer: Beat music
Explanation: In the early 1960s, the term 'pop music' competed terminologically with 'beat music' in England.
How did pop music in the mid-1960s demonstrate a 'progressive' approach?
Answer: By repeatedly venturing into new sounds, styles, and techniques, sparking public discussion.
Explanation: During the mid-1960s, pop music repeatedly ventured into new sounds, styles, and techniques, sparking public discussion, leading to the term 'progressive' being frequently used.
What was the typical level of artistic control for pop performers before the progressive pop era of the late 1960s?
Answer: Performers typically had limited ability to decide on the artistic content of their music.
Explanation: Before the emergence of progressive pop in the late 1960s, performers typically had limited ability to decide on the artistic content of their music, often constrained by record labels and producers.
What characterized the development of indie pop in the late 1970s?
Answer: Guitar bands recording and releasing their own music without needing major label contracts.
Explanation: Indie pop, which developed in the late 1970s, was characterized by guitar bands forming on the novel premise that they could record and release their own music without needing a record contract from a major label, emphasizing independence and DIY ethics.
What event in the 1960s led to a significant influx of British acts on US charts?
Answer: The British Invasion.
Explanation: The 1960s British Invasion marked a period when the US charts were inundated with British acts, such as The Beatles.
The introduction of inexpensive 45 rpm records in the 1950s hindered the widespread dissemination of pop music.
Answer: False
Explanation: By the 1950s, the introduction of inexpensive and more durable 45 rpm records for singles revolutionized how pop music was disseminated, contributing to a 'record/radio/film star system.'
Transistor radios in the 1960s allowed teenagers to listen to music independently outside the home.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 1960s, the introduction of inexpensive, portable transistor radios allowed teenagers in the developed world to listen to music outside of the home, fostering independent listening.
Music television channels like MTV, by the early 1980s, favored artists with strong visual appeal for pop music promotion.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the early 1980s, the rise of music television channels like MTV greatly affected the promotion of pop music, favoring artists who possessed a strong visual appeal.
Multi-track recording was introduced in the 1980s, while digital sampling emerged in the 1960s for pop music creation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Multi-track recording was introduced in the 1960s, and digital sampling emerged in the 1980s, allowing for greater complexity and experimentation in pop music production.
The early 2000s saw a decline in the music industry due to internet downloads, making it harder for all artists to gain fame.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the beginning of the 2000s, internet downloads allowed individuals to discover genres and artists outside the mainstream, propelling them to fame, though it also led to piracy issues for smaller artists.
By 2010, the influence on pop music charts shifted from the club scene to radio setting trends.
Answer: False
Explanation: By 2010, the influence on pop music charts shifted from radio setting trends to the club scene, with dance music heavily impacting chart dominance.
Bing Crosby was a pioneering performer who was the first to pre-record his radio shows and master his recordings onto magnetic tape.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bing Crosby was a pioneering performer who was the first to pre-record his radio shows and master his recordings onto magnetic tape, significantly advancing recording practices.
Which technological advancement in the 1950s revolutionized how pop music was disseminated?
Answer: The introduction of inexpensive and more durable 45 rpm records for singles.
Explanation: In the 1950s, the introduction of inexpensive and more durable 45 rpm records for singles revolutionized how pop music was disseminated.
How did the introduction of transistor radios in the 1960s impact teenage music consumption?
Answer: It allowed teenagers to listen to music outside of the home, fostering independent listening.
Explanation: In the 1960s, the introduction of inexpensive, portable transistor radios allowed teenagers to listen to music outside of the home, fostering independent listening.
By the early 1980s, what role did music television channels like MTV play in pop music promotion?
Answer: They favored artists with strong visual appeal, making visual presentation crucial.
Explanation: By the early 1980s, music television channels like MTV greatly affected the promotion of pop music by favoring artists with strong visual appeal.
Which recording techniques were utilized for the creation and elaboration of pop music from the 1960s and 1980s?
Answer: Multi-track recording (1960s) and digital sampling (1980s).
Explanation: Multi-track recording, introduced in the 1960s, and digital sampling, which emerged in the 1980s, were significant methods for the creation and elaboration of pop music.
How did the music industry begin to change at the beginning of the 2000s due to the internet?
Answer: People began to download music, allowing discovery of non-mainstream artists but also leading to piracy issues for smaller artists.
Explanation: At the beginning of the 2000s, the music industry started to change significantly as people began to download music from the internet, allowing discovery of non-mainstream artists but also leading to piracy issues for smaller artists.
Who was a pioneering performer known for being the first to pre-record his radio shows and master his recordings onto magnetic tape?
Answer: Bing Crosby
Explanation: Bing Crosby was a pioneering performer who was the first to pre-record his radio shows and master his recordings onto magnetic tape.
Pop music is typically identified by long, complex song structures and rhythms difficult to dance to.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pop music is typically identified by short to medium-length songs, often in a basic verse-chorus format, and rhythms or tempos that are easy to dance to.
Pop music typically emphasizes live performance and progressive musical developments over recording and technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: Music scholar Timothy Warner notes that pop music typically emphasizes recording, production, and technology over live performance, and tends to reflect existing trends rather than progressive developments.
A typical pop song is often between two and a half and three and a half minutes in length and frequently employs a verse-chorus form.
Answer: True
Explanation: The main medium of pop music is the song, often between two and a half and three and a half minutes in length, generally marked by a simple traditional structure, frequently employing a verse-chorus form.
In many popular songs, 'the drop' refers to the section where the vocals become most prominent before the main chorus.
Answer: False
Explanation: In many popular songs, 'the drop' is frequently preceded by the chorus, where the bass and drum parts temporarily cease before re-entering, not where vocals become most prominent.
Harmony and chord progressions in pop music are often complex, heavily relying on advanced jazz voicings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Harmony and chord progressions in pop music are often described as being based on 'classical European tonality, only more simple-minded,' with common clichés, rather than complex jazz voicings.
Between the mid-1950s and the late 1970s, the influence of the traditional circle of fifths in pop music significantly increased.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between the mid-1950s and the late 1970s, there was a lessening of the influence of traditional views of the circle of fifths in pop music, including a reduced predominance for the dominant function.
A 2016 *Scientific Reports* study found that contemporary pop music uses a greater variety of pitch progressions and more diverse instrumentation compared to 1960s pop.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2016 *Scientific Reports* study found that contemporary pop music uses a smaller variety of pitch progressions, has a greater average volume, and exhibits less diverse instrumentation, recording techniques, and timbral variety compared to 1960s pop music.
Which of the following is a typical identifying musical characteristic of pop music?
Answer: Short to medium-length songs often structured in a basic verse-chorus format.
Explanation: Pop music is usually identified by features such as short to medium-length songs often structured in a basic verse-chorus format, and rhythms or tempos that are easy to dance to.
What does music scholar Timothy Warner highlight regarding pop music's emphasis?
Answer: Its tendency to reflect existing trends and encourage dancing.
Explanation: Music scholar Timothy Warner notes that pop music typically emphasizes recording, production, and technology over live performance, tends to reflect existing trends rather than progressive developments, and seeks to encourage dancing or utilizes dance-oriented rhythms.
What is the typical length and structural format of a pop song?
Answer: Between two and a half and three and a half minutes, often employing a verse-chorus form.
Explanation: The main medium of pop music is the song, often between two and a half and three and a half minutes in length, and frequently employing a verse-chorus form.
In many popular songs, what is 'the drop' typically characterized by?
Answer: A temporary cessation of bass and drum parts before re-entering.
Explanation: In many popular songs, 'the drop' is frequently preceded by the chorus, where the bass and drum parts temporarily cease before re-entering.
How are harmony and chord progressions typically characterized in pop music?
Answer: Based on 'classical European tonality, only more simple-minded,' with common clichés.
Explanation: Harmony and chord progressions in pop music are often described as being based on 'classical European tonality, only more simple-minded,' with common clichés like barbershop quartet-style harmony and blues scale influence.
What did a 2016 *Scientific Reports* study reveal about contemporary pop music compared to 1960s pop?
Answer: Contemporary pop has a smaller variety of pitch progressions, greater average volume, and less diverse instrumentation.
Explanation: A 2016 *Scientific Reports* study found that contemporary pop music uses a smaller variety of pitch progressions, has a greater average volume, and exhibits less diverse instrumentation, recording techniques, and timbral variety compared to 1960s pop music.
'Poptimism' refers to a trend where music publications have rejected the artistic legitimacy of pop music.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Poptimism' refers to a trend where certain music publications have embraced the legitimacy of pop music, advocating for its artistic value.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, concluded in 2018 that pop music has become 'happier' since the 1980s, with more bright elements.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2018, researchers at the University of California, Irvine, concluded that pop music has become 'sadder' since the 1980s, with elements of happiness and brightness replaced by electronic beats.
Japan is a non-Western country with a thriving pop music industry largely devoted to Western-style pop, producing more music than any country except the US.
Answer: True
Explanation: Japan has a thriving pop music industry largely devoted to Western-style pop and has produced a greater quantity of music than any country except the United States for several years.
Latin pop first gained significant popularity in the US during the 1980s, with artists like Selena.
Answer: False
Explanation: Latin pop began to rise in popularity in the US during the 1950s, with Ritchie Valens being a significant early figure.
'Macarena' by Los del Río is cited as a Latin pop hit single that achieved record-breaking success on worldwide charts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Latin pop hit singles, such as 'Macarena' by Los del Río and 'Despacito' by Luis Fonsi, have achieved record-breaking success on worldwide pop music charts.
'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' by The Righteous Brothers is the most frequently played song in US radio history as of 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of 2011, 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' by The Righteous Brothers ranks as the most frequently played song in US radio history.
What cultural trend characterized the latter half of the 20th century in American culture regarding art and pop music?
Answer: A large-scale trend where the boundaries between art and pop music became increasingly blurred.
Explanation: The latter half of the 20th century in American culture saw a large-scale trend where the boundaries between art and pop music became increasingly blurred, leading to discussions about the artistic merit of popular music.
What is 'poptimism' in the context of music publications?
Answer: A trend where certain music publications have embraced the legitimacy of pop music.
Explanation: 'Poptimism' refers to a trend where certain music publications have embraced the legitimacy of pop music, advocating for pop's artistic value after a period of debate.
What did researchers at the University of California, Irvine, conclude about pop music's emotional tone since the 1980s?
Answer: It has become 'sadder,' with elements of happiness replaced by electronic beats.
Explanation: In 2018, researchers at the University of California, Irvine, concluded that pop music has become 'sadder' since the 1980s, with elements of happiness and brightness replaced by electronic beats.
Which non-Western country has a thriving pop music industry largely devoted to Western-style pop and produces a greater quantity of music than any country except the United States?
Answer: Japan
Explanation: Japan is a notable non-Western country with a thriving pop music industry largely devoted to Western-style pop, and for several years, it has produced a greater quantity of music than any country except the United States.
When did Latin pop begin to rise in popularity in the US, and who was an early success?
Answer: 1950s, with Ritchie Valens
Explanation: Latin pop began to rise in popularity in the US during the 1950s, with early rock and roll success Ritchie Valens being a significant figure in its early development.
Which Latin pop hit singles are mentioned for achieving record-breaking success on worldwide charts?
Answer: 'Macarena' by Los del Río and 'Despacito' by Luis Fonsi.
Explanation: Latin pop hit singles, such as 'Macarena' by Los del Río and 'Despacito' by Luis Fonsi, have achieved record-breaking success on worldwide pop music charts.
What is the significance of 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' by The Righteous Brothers in US radio history?
Answer: It ranks as the most frequently played song in US radio history as of 2011.
Explanation: As of 2011, 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' by The Righteous Brothers ranks as the most frequently played song in US radio history.
Michael Jackson and Madonna have been dubbed the 'King and Queen of Pop' since the 1980s.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Jackson and Madonna have been dubbed respectively as the 'King and Queen of Pop' since the 1980s, recognizing their immense influence and iconic status within the genre.
Britney Spears is known as the 'Queen of Pop' for her influence on teen pop in the 2000s.
Answer: False
Explanation: Britney Spears has been named the 'Princess of Pop' for her role in revitalizing teen pop in the 2000s.
Amr Diab is an Egyptian pop star who achieved high record sales in the Middle East and Africa for two decades.
Answer: False
Explanation: Amr Diab is an Egyptian pop star notable for achieving high record sales in the Middle East and Africa for three decades, not two.
Elton John was a prominent pop star in the 1970s, recognized for his flamboyant style and virtuosic piano playing.
Answer: True
Explanation: Elton John became one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s, known for his flamboyant style and virtuosic piano playing.
Lana Del Rey and Lorde popularized a happier and brighter tone in pop music during the 2010s.
Answer: False
Explanation: Throughout the 2010s, artists such as Lana Del Rey and Lorde popularized a sadder and moodier tone within pop music, taking cues from alternative pop.
The Weeknd's song 'Blinding Lights' broke the record for the first song to hit 5 billion streams on Spotify in the 2020s.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 2020s, The Weeknd's song 'Blinding Lights' broke the record for the first song to hit 5 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the most-streamed song of all time on the platform.
Who are Michael Jackson and Madonna often referred to as in the context of pop music?
Answer: The 'King and Queen of Pop'
Explanation: Michael Jackson and Madonna have been dubbed respectively as the 'King and Queen of Pop' since the 1980s.
What honorific nickname has Britney Spears received for her impact on teen pop?
Answer: The 'Princess of Pop'
Explanation: Britney Spears has been named the 'Princess of Pop' for her role in revitalizing teen pop in the 2000s.
Who is Amr Diab, and what is his notable achievement?
Answer: An Egyptian pop star who achieved high record sales in the Middle East and Africa for three decades.
Explanation: Amr Diab is an Egyptian pop star notable for achieving high record sales in the Middle East and Africa for three decades.
Which pop star of the 1970s was known for his flamboyant style and virtuosic piano playing?
Answer: Elton John
Explanation: Elton John became one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s, known for his flamboyant style and virtuosic piano playing.
Which artists popularized a sadder and moodier tone in pop music during the 2010s through alternative pop?
Answer: Lana Del Rey and Lorde
Explanation: Throughout the 2010s, artists such as Lana Del Rey and Lorde popularized a sadder and moodier tone within pop music, taking cues from alternative pop.
What significant achievement did The Weeknd's song 'Blinding Lights' accomplish in the 2020s?
Answer: It broke the record for the first song to hit 5 billion streams on Spotify.
Explanation: In the 2020s, The Weeknd's song 'Blinding Lights' broke the record for the first song to hit 5 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the most-streamed song of all time on the platform.