Genre guides

Eight genres, explained.

Where each sound came from, what defines it, and a new album to start with.

Warm, patient dance music built for the part of the night when nobody is checking the time.

Slow, close-miked R&B where the space around the voice matters as much as the voice.

Rap that tells the truth about the block, the family and the self, without giving up the beat.

The dembow beat that took Latin music around the world, and where it is heading now.

Country music that answers to the song, not the radio.

Synchronized, genre-hopping pop built as much for the stage as for the speakers.

Cold-weather pop: bright synths, sad lyrics, and a chorus that makes you dance anyway.

Heavy, hypnotic rock born at generator parties in the California desert.