International music is taking over America by storm. All around the country people are listening to famous artists from their other country and various locations. Artists worldwide are making their marks on other cultures and are often recognized for their talents
K-pop, the pop music of South Korea, incorporates dance, repetitive lyrics, and upbeat music. It’s also one of several genres of music that’s spreading like wildfire. K-pop has already been recognized by many people, from South and North America to Europe, and various countries in Asia. The trend for these catchy songs blew up when the song “Gangnam Style” was created by Korean artist PSY. It’s been on Billboard’s Top 100 for at least five weeks.
Reflecting on the “Gangnam Style” by PSY, freshman Aditya Lellapalli said, “Yes, I have heard and saw the video for “Gangnam Style.” I think it’s one of the best songs I [have] ever heard because it makes no sense and we don’t know what he [is] saying.”
Well-known K-pop groups like The Wonder Girls, Girls Generation, Kara, Super Junior, SHINee, and E-XO among others have found success outside of South Korea.
The UK is making its comeback with artists like Cher Lloyd, The Wanted, Alex Clare, Mumford & Sons, Adele, The Script, Coldplay, Ellie Goulding, One Direction, and Ed Sheeran. Most British artists are played on the pop stations seeing as they have up-tempo beats and catchy lyrics like “…my universe will never be the same, I’m glad you came,” from The Wanted’s song “Glad You Came”.
Cher Lloyd’s pop hit “Want U Back” spent seventeen weeks on Billboard’s Top 100. Alex Clare’s song “Too Close” has been on it for twenty-eight weeks. Mumford & Sons has been on the charts for nine weeks with their song “I Will Wait.” Ellie Goulding’s song “Lights” has been on the Top 100 for forty-two weeks. Ed Sheeran’s song “The A Team” has 13 weeks.
David Guetta, famous for his fresh beats, is originally from France. So don’t be surprised when a song with his music comes on. Well-known songs that include his musical talents include “Titanium” sung by Sia, “Turn Me On” sung by Nicki Minaj, and “Without You” sung by Usher. “Titanium” has stayed on Billboard’s Top 100 for twenty-six weeks.
Students wonder what makes non-American artists thrive so well in the U.S. According to sophomore Katie-Starr Harrel, “…certain international songs go viral in the U.S. more so than in their original countries because Americans are crazy partiers who enjoy a good tune.”
Not all students favor foreign artists over American artists. Sophomore Malcolm Lei prefers, “American [because] they have country and 3 Doors Down.”
Whether they’re appealing or not, international artists are out there and are making their way into the U.S.