Whats the Next Big Thing in Music?

What is the next big thing in music? This is a question that every musician and music lover has asked themselves. The answer is never simple, and always coupled with uncertainty. The most common answer is that "it's impossible to predict", which is probably true but also somewhat of a cop out. So for the sake of this article we are going to denounce this theory. We often hear that the next big thing in music will be a completely new genre that hasn't been established yet; almost as if music will take some futuristic turn led by robots. Though rare, originality has indeed occurred in music, but it's usually either accidental or influenced by something that's already been in existence. After much thought and consideration, we have created our own theory. Music is cyclical! Much like weather, finance and even clothing, music is no stranger to reoccurring trends. So this idea leaves us with one question. What genre will be next to make a comeback? In this article we will take a look at popular music history, and let patterns guide our prediction on where we believe the scene is heading.

Let's turn back the clock to the 1930's, when use of the radio first became widespread. For those who are unaware, the time frame between 1930 and 1950 is often referred to as radio's "Golden Age". Since most of you probably view reading about the 30's as a snoozefest, we'll do our best to keep it brief. Just think about this; prior to the 30's the radio wasn't a household item, and therefore music wasn't nationalized. Without getting too bogged down by needless information, we'll keep this decade simple and present you with one more takeaway; that by 1935 "Swing" had taken over the music scene, and continued to dominate throughout WWII and further into the 40's. By the late 40's, "Big Band" had become renowned and impeded on "Swings" turf. With all this in mind, we have concluded that since radio was still in its infancy, popular music in the mid 30's and 40's lacked a universal identity.

Music was stuck in somewhat of a grey phase until the 1950's. As you all know the 50's marked the emergence of Rock and Roll. I think we can all agree that this was a major movement in music history. Rock and Roll introduced countless legends including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendricks and The Rolling Stones, to name a few. Some people may think that Rock and Roll was created from nothing, but sure enough many artists who are considered to be the founders of Rock were also influenced by 1920's Blues and 1930's Country music. The emergence of Rock and Roll was so powerful that it was able to survive as the dominating genre through the 1970's. It's unusual for a genre to sustain popularity for 30 years, but the birth of Rock marks the exception.

After 30 years of Rock and Roll, America apparently needed a break and decided to introduce the "Hair Band" era of the 1980's. I admit, the 80's is a bit of a cluster and hard to generalize, but I think most will agree that the 80's music scene was led by hair metal, electronic pop music and the emergence of rap. Music of the 80's was generally upbeat, which many considered a breath of fresh air from the more intense sounds of 60's and 70's Rock. Party music dominated the 80's, and can still be found at most frat parties, karaoke bars and even on some throwback radio stations.

Now let's move on to the 1990's. We like to think of the 90's as the grunge era. Bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Alice in Chains introduced this new genre to our nation. Although grunge was technically new, it would be naïve to think the influence wasn't sparked by 60's and 70's Rock. Just listen to Jim Morrison, and tell me Eddie Vedder didn't own a Doors album. So the question is why did Rock and Roll take a 10 year hiatus to eventually be reincarnated? Perhaps people needed a break from the gloomy songs of late 70s Rock, thirsting for something more upbeat. After merely 10 years of mainstream ballads, rap and pop music, people started to yearn for the now vintage sounds of Rock & Roll again. Similar to clothing styles, once something becomes vintage it's considered to be cool again and it's not long before the trend is reintroduced to the masses.

Most of us were there for the 2000's and have been witness to Pop & Rap once again dominating the airwaves. So what could have happened here? Well, in the early 2000's people may have tired of the heavy grunge sound of alternative music, and desired something more upbeat. At this point 80's music could be considered vintage, which opened the flood gates to the reemergence of pop.

So FINALLY, that leads us to present day and the question of where music is heading? Since pop has been dominating radio for the last 12 years, we expect something more downbeat to eventually popularize the airwaves. Our first thought is that we will eventually see the rebirth of Alternative Rock. We've already begun to see signs of this with the Foo Fighters topping the 2011 charts with their release, Wasting Light. Could this be the start of the Grunge comeback? Maybe it's simply a band with an already existing following selling an expected large number of albums, or perhaps it's the beginning of our theory surfacing. Foo Fighters or not, Grunge hasn't been popular for about 12 years now, which falls in line with our "vintage" theory. To clarify, our vintage theory is the idea that after a once popular trend has lapsed for as little as a decade it is once again deemed cool, introducing a new found demand for the trend. Our second and final thought is that maybe we'll look back in 20 years and notice that the Singer/Songwriter genre provided people with their fix of downbeat music. This would leave our Alternative/Grunge theory in the dust but support our cyclical music theory, in that people then craved the more downbeat sound of decades past. Also, since Singer/Songwriter music is already mainstream, I suppose our theory is destined to be correct. Talk about a cop-out... Maybe we should run for politics.

90's Rock- Great Unknown Songs

Have you ever fallen victim to hearing a song, loving it, and never hearing it again? Or buying an album and wondering why your favorite song never became a single? Of course you have!

There are countless great songs that have never been properly accredited, and while grateful that these were never "played out", we believe its time to give credit where credit is due. Like every decade, the 90's were filled with great, unknown tracks, and hopefully throughout this article we will introduce you to a few.

Alice in Chains- Rotten Apples

If you like great harmonies and bright guitars, check out the 1993 Alice in Chains release Jar of Flies. Although others have attempted to duplicate their sound, songs like "Rotten Apples" prove that there is nothing quite like the combined vocals of Jerry Cantrell and the late Layne Staley.

Archers of Loaf- Might

We were definitely late to the party with this band, perhaps due to their lack of play on the radio. Check this song out and you'll understand why they have a great underground following.

Black Lab- Wash it Away

Even though "Wash it Away" is Black Lab's most successful release to date, we deem it somewhat forgotten. You will most likely recognize the track, but probably haven't heard it in a decade.

Blink 182- Carousel

Ask any Blink 182 fan what their favorite song is, and I guarantee many respond with "Carousel"! "Carousel", the opening track on Blink's 1994 debut album Cheshire Cat, instantly hooks the listener with a commanding minute long bass driven intro. Although "Carousel" is featured on Blink's Greatest Hits Album, it was never a radio hit, and therefore makes our list of unknown greats.

Bouncing Souls- The Freaks, Nerds & Romantics

If you know punk music you're probably quite familiar with the Bouncing Souls, but they're certainly not a household name. This song could have possibly propelled them into the mainstream, had it been given a shot on the airwaves.

Candlebox- Cover Me

When we think of 90's rock, one album that stands out is Candlebox's eponymous debut. As our favorite song on the album, we include "Cover Me" on this list. "Cover Me" hit the airwaves in 94, so it is unfair to categorize it as completely obscure, but (in our opinion) "You" and "Left Behind" stole its spotlight.

Counting Crows- Children in Bloom

Counting Crows are another band with countless unknown greats. We were torn in choosing just one, but "Children in Bloom" is far too catchy to pass up.

Everclear- Strawberry

The sixth track on Everclear's 1995 release Sparkle and Fade, is a must hear. Lasting only 2 minutes and 35 seconds, "Strawberry" is short, sweet, and definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

For Squirrels- Stark Pretty

While their hit "Mighty K.C." gained them some fame, we don't see any reason why this song couldn't have followed suit.

The Get Up Kids- Coming Clean

Plain and simple, an underrated track by an underrated band!

Gren- She Shines

Gren's "She Shines" is yet another forgotten track. "She Shines" was mildly successful and received some radio play, but for the most part was never "a hit". The track exudes grunge, and was a perfect fit for the 90's.

Incubus- Miss You

Even though we love the more aggressive side of Incubus, "Miss You" displays the group's versatility by introducing a more melodic sound.

Jimmy Eat World- For Me This Is Heaven

Jimmy Eat World's 1997 release Clarity contains numerous great unknowns; in fact, the album in its entirety is outright enjoyable. "For Me This Is Heaven" is our favorite, therefore earning a spot on our list.

Less Than Jake- My Very Own Flag

Although these Florida natives bear several of the catchiest songs to never hit the radio, "My Very Own Flag" definitely sticks out. Just listen to the last 50 seconds and tell us you disagree.

Live- Mother Earth is a Vicious Crowd

Live's quality music writing didn't begin with Throwing Copper. The Pennsylvania rock band's debut album Mental Jewelry had some gems, one being "Mother Earth is a Vicious Crowd".

Local H- Fritz's Corner

Local H broke onto the scene as a 2 piece band with a powerful sound. They've since received some radio play (mostly from their hit "Bound For The Floor"), but songs like "Fritz's Corner" helped distinguish them from a scene dominated by 3-5 piece bands.

Metallica- Bleeding Me

When Metallica released the album Load in 1996, many fans were surprised by the bands new alternative sound. The album had several hits, with our favorite not being one of them. "Bleeding Me" extends for over eight minutes, and the song in its entirety is simply powerful.

New Found Glory- Broken Sound

New Found Glory are known for creating great hooks. Check out "Broken Sound"- although repetitious, the two minute track will leave you yearning for more.

Nirvana- Radio Friendly Unit Shifter

Most people think of Nevermind as their pinnacle album, but for our money we'll take In Utero. Filled with raw goodness, this song aids in putting that album on top, in our minds anyway.

Our Lady Peace- Naveed

This song was popular in Canada, but it was never given a fair shot here in the States.This is an excellent song by an excellent band, and when we think back on the music of the 90s, this song definitely stands out.

The Pietasters- Without You

The Pietasters have been blessing us with soulful ska for almost 20 years now. Check out their early work (like this track) because we think you'll quickly grow to know and love this band.

Radiohead- Street Spirit

If you don't own Radiohead's The Bends, then you're missing out.

And if you've never heard "Street Spirit", you're really missing out.

Ridel High- Disqualified

If you like Weezer's Blue Album, check out this band and this song. Ridel High writes powerpop songs that are impossible not to enjoy. In fact, it's absolutely mind boggling that this song wasn't a smash hit (among some of their others).

Seven Mary Three- Lucky

The vocals of Jason Ross carry this powerful tune. If you are an acoustic rock fan "Lucky" may be up your alley.

Seaweed- Start With

This is a band that surprisingly flew under the radar. This song, laced with one hook after the other, may help you figure out what we mean.

Sebadoh- Prince-S

This low-fi group never made a big splash with the mainstream, but fans of garage rock consider them one of the pioneers of the genre. This song can be found on their 8th release, and believe us when we say it's a good one.

Silent Majority- Windows Down

This is probably the most obscure song and by the most obscure band on our list. This is one of the tamer songs from their hardcore collection, but we implore you to put it up against any great song of the 90s... it just may prevail as the winner.

Sponge- Rotting Pinata

Their two singles "Plowed" and "Molly" were well received, but only those who purchased the album were fortunate enough to hear the energetic track titled "Rotting Pinata". The raspy vocals of frontman Vinnie Dombroski provide us with four minutes of ear candy.

Sublime- Right Back

From start to finish, 40 ozs to Freedom is a treat. Within it you'll uncover several classic 90's hits, and other unknown gems like "Right Back".

Sugar- Gee Angel

Bob Mould is generally known for the band Husker Du, but his follow up project pumped out some great hits in the 90s. Check out this track- we think you'll enjoy it.

Sunny Day Real Estate- In Circles

Diary is such a momentous album that picking just one great song is like picking a number out of a hat. Although we were a bit torn, "In Circles" is amongst the more radio friendly tracks, and extremely enjoyable to boot.

Third Eye Blind- Motorcycle Drive By

Next time you are driving on a beautiful summer day, roll your windows down and pop on "Motorcycle Drive By". The 13th track on Third Eye Blind's self-titled debut is overflowing with catchy melodies and build ups that will bring a smile to your face.

Toadies- Tyler

They may have taken a page out of the Pixies' book when they wrote the opening riff to this track, but there is no questioning its overall greatness. This tune helped solidify the Toadies as one of the great alternative bands of the 90s.

The Tragically Hip- Ahead by a Century

The Hip are yet another talented Canadian band to never popularize in the States. "Ahead by a Century" may have been a Much Music favorite, but ultimately didn't receive the recognition it deserved.

Weezer- Only in Dreams

OK, so it may be unfair to categorize any song off Weezer's Blue Album as "unknown", but "Only in Dreams" surely was not a radio hit, and therefore makes our list. Some may describe the track as linear, and although not extremely colorful, the bass line is truly memorable. Sometimes less is more, and "Only in Dreams" gives us proof.

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90's Rock Tragedies and Misfortunes

1990s Rock Tragedies & Other Misfortunes:

Brought to you by the founders of SoundSpar.com

When I think of the 1990’s, several memories come to mind: the Tech Boom, the Gulf War, the era of Michael Jordan and the beginning of alternative music as we know it today. The 90’s founded the grunge scene, and with it came bands that will never be forgotten (although others already have been). But like every decade, the 90’s possessed tragedy and misfortune. This article is dedicated to exactly that; the tragedies and misfortunes of 90’s rock and roll.

10. Metallica visits Supercuts

It would be an understatement to say “...And Justice for All” and “Master of Puppets” are exceptional albums. But unfortunately, in 1996 Metallica unleashed their fresh, more polished do's, which was accompanied by their new conservative sound. Although “Load” and “Reload” may have some redeeming qualities, we wish these albums were released by a band other then the “Godfather’s of Metal”. Metallica may be back on track with their latest release, Death Magnetic, but the bands attempt to create a more mature sound in the 90’s may have led metal into an immature era (see Nu Metal).

9. The Toadies Remain Underwater

We were first introduced to this Texas based alternative band in 1994 with the release of “Possum Kingdom”. The bands edgy lyrics and muddy guitars influenced many of us to dash to the stores and purchase their debut album Rubberneck. From start to finish, Rubberneck exuded a fiery energy that perfectly complimented the alternative sound and left the listener yearning for more. Unfortunately our anticipation was never fully satisfied, as Interscope records put the axe on the Toadies second album Feeler (which was scheduled for release in 1998, therefore earning them a spot on our list). We were left empty handed until 2001 when the Toadies finally came out with the very underappreciated Hell Below/Stars Above. The seven year wait caused many to move on, and left a record label to blame for a talented band’s demise. Maybe Interscope was right and the Toadies second album would have been utter garbage, but it is fair to say that this band deserved a timely second release. Imagine if Nirvana’s career ended after Bleach or Radiohead’s with Pablo Honey! Instead Interscope dedicated its time and energy to a band that would eventually popularize the Shrek soundtrack- thanks guys!

8. Refused Are Dead

We're certainly not experts when it comes to Swedish Hardcore, but when we got our hands on the record, The Shape of Punk to Come by Refused, our thoughts of what music could encompass changed forever. This LP was beautifully crafted for such an aggressive sounding collection. Dennis Lyxzen’s vocals/screams can compete with any in the genre, and the arrangements were unlike any hardcore album before it. Unfortunately this album would be their last effort, for the band disbanded shortly after completing this work of art. Unless you were deep into the hardcore scene of the 90s, you probably missed out on seeing Refused live. Even though they have influenced many bands after them (and are one of the main catalysts of progressive music as we know it today), most of this bands fame has come after their breakup. If you prefer the louder side of rock music, chances are you will love this band and this album... that is if you don't already.

7. The Emergence of Rap Rock

We’re all aware that Aerosmith and Run DMC first mixed rap and rock in the mid 80s, but this was more of a novelty act at the time. It wasn’t until the 90s that rap rock truly came to be. Even bands like The Offspring succumbed to the pressure of trying to please the hip hop crowd. Not to say that “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” is literally rap rock, or loved by hip hop fans for that matter, but it definitely can be viewed as a spineless attempt at expanding their fan base. Now, we can’t fault Rage Against the Machine for this, because they were outright excellent. Our qualm lies with most of those that followed in their footsteps. Rap & Rock? How about we keep the two separate until someone (other than Rage or perhaps Linkin Park) figures out what the heck they’re doing.

6. Nu Metal

If you know someone that really loves music, there's a good chance that they hate the music and bands that are topping the charts. Why is this? We don't really know who lead to the start of the new metal sound, and quite frankly we don't care that much either. However we do know that since its inception, this genre has been polluting the airwaves. When you look back on it, some of nu metal’s forefathers were actually solid (Korn, Tool, maybe even Pearl Jam & Soundgarden). Much like our problems with rap rock, it’s how people interpreted this style, and what they then decided to do with the sound that’s gotten under our skin. Radio rock of today is typically lazy and weak (partially due to the rise of nu metal), and that’s why most of the best bands lurk in the underground or stay undiscovered.

5. Hoon’s Demise

Once upon a time, when MTV wasn’t just a dating/reality network, a band released a memorable music video that featured psychedelic colors and dancing bumblebees. Of course, who could forget the “No Rain” video. But Blind Melon was so much more than this bizarre outcast’s anthem. They released their self-titled debut in 1993, which showcased an eclectic array of excellent songs. Shannon Hoon’s vocal stylings were like no other, and it’s hard to pinpoint a more distinct rock vocalist. This is why Hoon’s overdose in 1995 was such a brutal blow to rock music as we know it.

4. NKOTB Pave the Way For Boy Bands & Pop's Reign:

We'd be lying if we claimed to never tap our toes to MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice, but in the early to mid 90s we were forced to take a stance against pop music. During this time, pop dealt a serious blow to rock n' roll, and one group in particular stands out as the reason: the New Kids on the Block. NKOTB are one of those groups that we can love to hate… girls went wild for them, they didn't play instruments, they were accused of lip syncing; you get the idea. Now, we're not saying they're all bad (we've actually come to enjoy Donnie Wahlberg as an actor; check out Band of Brothers and tell us he's not respectable), but there's no denying that they can be faulted with the partial collapse of good music radio. The rise of the New Kids on the Block has forever shifted the charts and fans away from rock music in favor of pop. We can further link this to the popularity of shows like American Idol, which help discover talented singers, but don't necessarily help further the rock band community.

3. The Death of Brad Nowell

From “40 oz to freedom” to “Boss DJ”, many of us grew to love this Long Beach based band. Often categorized as one of the most innovative groups of the 90’s, Sublime used hints of reggae & ska to liberate the sounds of punk. Saturated in drug abuse, we know Sublime’s story to be ill fated and tragic. On May 25^th 1996, singer/guitarist Bradley Nowell was found dead in a San Francisco Hotel Room from a heroin, valium and alcohol overdose. Nowell’s death occurred only (almost one year after the birth of his son) & two months prior to the release of the band’s self-titled third album, which would soon lead to multi platinum sales and the pinnacle of the group’s success.

2. The For Squirrels Accident

For Squirrels were a grunge band that many of us remember and miss, and others never heard. In 1995, the band released their first and last major label album titled, Example. Example was a powerful album showcasing the raw vocals of John Vigliatura, and a diverse lineup of songs that make this album enjoyable from cover to cover. The album featured a track titled “Mighty K.C.”, which ended up being the only single ever released by the band. On September 8, 1995, while returning home from a show in NYC at the highly regarded venue C.B.G.B., the band was in a tragic accident killing frontman Jack Vigliatura, bassist Bill White and tour manager Tim Bender. The end of this bands music career was certainly premature, but we are just thankful that when the quench for some good old fashion 90’s rock strikes, we can turn to tracks like “Stark Pretty”, “Under Smithville” and “Disenchanted”.

1. Kurt

This wouldn’t be a legitimate list without the inclusion of Kurt Cobain’s passing. The Foo Fighters are making “decent” music these days, but our minds are too busy envisioning what else Nirvana could have done. Need we say more?