Learn English with Music!

Listening to songs in English is a great way to practice your language skills, but do you know the difference between Rock and Rap music? Get into the groove with our list of useful musical terms!

Country

Also known as country and western, this is a simple style of folk music associated with the cowboys of the American West, which is now popular around the world.

Blues

This music originated among African Americans at the beginning of the 20th century. Blues music is often sad, and when we say someone has the blues it means they are depressed.

R & B

This is the common term for Rhythm and Blues, a style of music developed by African Americans that combines blues and jazz.

Hip hop

Hip hop is more than just music; it has evolved from the style and fashions of young African-Americans and is now part of urban youth culture. Hip hop music developed from rap, which uses spoken or chanted lyrics.

Dance music

This includes the many different types of music played in clubs and disco’s. It generally uses electronic instruments, and includes styles such as house, techno, garage, jungle, trance, tribaland breakbeat.

hit

This means a successful or popular song e.g. They had three number-one hits last year!

lyrics

This is another name for the text or words of a song. eg. the lyrics are in Spanish so I don’t know what the song is about.

remix

This is produced by modifying an original audio recording to produce a new version of a song. e.g. I just heard the Dance Remix: it’s really great!

cover

This is a new recording of a song performed by someone other than the original artist. e.g. They are just a cover band: they don’t write their own songs.

groupie

This is someone who follows a band or musical group on tour.