Types of Songs

A song is certainly one of the most prominent elements in music. You will come across several different categories of songs which have a unique mood and touch. As a result, they cannot be differentiated on the basis of specific factors. The main reason why songs cannot be marked in only one class is because the differences in their type of music, lyrics, and purpose. For example, a rap song can also be a Christian song, and a ballad can even have a metal music feel to it. However, songs may be roughly classified as per types of lyrics, music, tone, culture, and similar other factors. I

Different Types of Songs

Classical Songs
As the name suggests, classical songs are those in which traditional music has a main role. These songs were first composed by artists like Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, just to name a few. However, these songs have had a substantial impact on the music we hear today. Every country has a culture, which is clearly apparent in its classical and folk songs. Good examples are:

☆ Canon in D major - Johann Pachelbel
☆ Symphony No. 9: Ode To Joy - Ludwig van Beethoven
☆ The Four Seasons - Antonio Vivaldi
☆ Hallelujah - Katherine Jenkins
☆ Heart of Courage - Two Steps From Hell

Pop Songs
Pop songs are those which have contemporary lyrics and an upbeat rhythm, basically for the youth culture. Some of the most popular artists are Michael Jackson, Madonna, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, and Cher. The composition of pop songs concentrates more on music technology and recording instead of live performances. Rhythm and effects are two important elements in pop songs. Good examples are:

☆ Bye Bye Bye - N Sync
☆ Beat It - Michael Jackson
☆ I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys
☆ Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
☆ Every Breath You Take - The Police

Rock Songs
Rock songs are most popular among teenagers and youngsters. They consist of clear pieces of lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards as some of the main instruments. When the instruments are played in sync, they sound energetic along with the vocals. Most popular rock artists are Europe, Creed, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bryan Adams and many other good ones. Good example are:

☆ The Final Countdown - Europe
☆ Jump - Van Halen
☆ Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple
☆ Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
☆ Sweet Child o' Mine - Guns N' Roses

Metal Songs
Metal songs are a bit more hard-sounding than rock songs. These songs have high pitches and screaming vocals, heavy guitar leads, and solid drum work. In a majority of metal songs, power chords and riffs are used. They may consist of random lyrics, as the primary focus is on the music. Few of the metal music legends are Whitesnake, Metallica, Dokken, Winger, Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen, Scorpions, etc. Good examples are:

☆ Fear of the Dark - Iron Maiden
☆ Rainbow in the Dark - Dio
☆ Still of the Night - Whitesnake
☆ Enter Sandman - Metallica
☆ Rock You Like A Hurricane - Scorpions

Country Songs
Country songs are suitable for easy listening. They mainly consist of clean lyrics with music pieces using classical guitars and other traditional instruments. Occasionally, solos of instruments like banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and harmonica can also be heard in these songs. You can listen to songs by Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Chris Young, Garth Brooks, and Shania Twain to get to know country songs. Good examples are:

☆ Mean - Taylor Swift
☆ If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away - Justin Moore
☆ Somewhere Else - Toby Keith
☆ Without You - Keith Urban
☆ Just Fishin' - Trace Adkins

Hip-Hop Songs
In hip-hop or rap songs, the singers recites lyrics in an off-beat manner but with the continuity of the rhythm. These songs primarily include solid rhythmic beats and synth, with a focus on the way lyrics are sung. Hip-hop songs have become popular not only in the USA, but all over the world. The most popular stars in hip-hop music are Eminem, Nelly, Akon, Flo Rida, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Kanye West. Good examples are:

☆ In Da Club - 50 Cent
☆ Lose Yourself - Eminem
☆ California Love - 2Pac and Dr. Dre
☆ Low - Flo Rida
☆ The Real Slim Shady - Eminem

Ballads
Ballads are songs which include a narration of a story in a musical way. These are slow songs basically, but may contain heavy components as well. Generally, ballads have an emotional touch to them, owing to the lyrical content. This is why they are a great hit during live shows. Ballads can be composed by artists from any genre of music. Power ballads are those which combine heavy music with emotional lyrics. Good examples are:

☆ Is This Love - Whitesnake
☆ Carrie - Europe
☆ Tears In Heaven - Eric Clapton
☆ In Your Eyes - John Norum
☆ Please Forgive Me - Bryan Adams

Dance Songs
Dance songs are those which are fast and have a thumping rhythmic pattern. Lyrics are not given much importance in these songs. Nowadays, dance songs accompany synth, drum machines, and electronic music. These are played in dance parties and discotheques. Most notable artists for dance songs are Vengaboys, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and many other electronica artists. Nowadays, you will find most traditional songs rerecorded to dance numbers by adding beats and effects. Good examples are:

☆ Into the Groove - Madonna
☆ Heaven - DJ Sammy
☆ Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue
☆ What Is Love - Haddaway
☆ Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!

Love Songs
Love songs are slow songs whose lyrics concentrate on the feelings of love and relationships. These songs are largely played in marriages. There are even sad love songs whose lyrics relate to breakups. These songs are mostly composed by pop and rock artists. Some of the artists who have composed the best love songs are Elton John, Bryan Adams, Richard Marx, Mariah Carey, and George Michael. Good examples are:

☆ (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - Bryan Adams
☆ I Just Called to Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
☆ Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx
☆ My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
☆ It Must Have Been Love - Roxette

Gospel Songs
Gospel songs contain lyrics taken from Bible verses or just written out of Christian belief. Usually, the lyrics are made out of a personal experience with God. These songs are sung in churches all around the globe. Gospel songs may be from any music genre such as country, rock, rap, or metal. World-renowned artists to compose gospel songs are Don Moen, Petra, Sonicflood, Michael W. Smith, and Hillsong. Good examples are:

☆ God is Good - Don Moen
☆ Awesome God - Michael W. Smith
☆ We Want To See Jesus Lifted High - Petra
☆ How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
☆ Mighty to Save - Hillsong

This is just a random list of the most common types of songs sung and played in the music industry along with some examples of popular songs. Remember that one song can even belong to two or more categories, which is why the classification becomes difficult. However, it is commonly considered that the song types can be classified as per the genre of music.