---

Genres

Methodology

Genres attempt to describe similar music based on it having similar properties. Music can be categorized under a genre based on any combination of factors, including instrumentation, tempo and rhythm, volume, geography, and general aesthetics. Music can be further categorized into sub-genres to more specifically describe how the music fits in its genre.

Pros and Cons

Genres are a popular method of classifying and describing music because they are convenient and relatively simple to understand and employ. Some music recommendation sites, including LAUNCHcast and AllMusic, incorporate genres into their recommendations. However, genres tend to be vague, broad, and confusing, and the foundations of the genre system of classification are increasingly being challenged in the digital age. Modern music, especially independent, features increasing hybridization of genres - such as nu-metal, punk-pop, and indie-tronic - which makes it difficult to pigeonhole music under one single neat-and-tidy label. Furthermore, genres such as post-rock, independent, and world are catch-all categories which act as failed attempts to categorize diverse music based on the impetus behind its eclecticism. Although genres are convenient for simple, casual description of music, they do not accurately reflect the true nature of music, nor are they particularly effective in recommending music to the user.