10 Music Genres That Were Declared Dead—But Came Back Stronger

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1️⃣ Disco 🪩 (1970s → Resurged in the 2000s & 2020s)

Disco’s fall from grace was as dramatic as its rise. The infamous “Disco Demolition Night” in 1979, where thousands gathered to destroy disco records, marked a symbolic end to the genre. Yet, disco’s infectious grooves and vibrant beats refused to stay buried. By the 2000s, the genre was making a comeback, largely thanks to artists like Daft Punk. Their 2013 hit “Get Lucky” reintroduced disco’s signature sound to a new generation. More recently, Dua Lipa’s album “Future Nostalgia” has blended modern pop with classic disco, proving the genre’s timeless appeal. Billboard noted that “Future Nostalgia” was among the best-selling albums of 2020, highlighting disco’s enduring influence in music.

2️⃣ Jazz 🎷 (1920s-50s → Resurged in the 1990s & 2020s)

Jazz once dominated the music scene, but by the late 20th century, it was overshadowed by rock and pop. Many believed jazz had become a relic of the past, but the genre has seen a revival in recent decades. The 1990s witnessed a resurgence with bands like Snarky Puppy leading a new wave of jazz fusion. In the 2020s, artists such as Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington have brought jazz back to the forefront, appealing to younger audiences by blending jazz with hip-hop. Streaming platforms have seen a rise in lo-fi jazz playlists, amassing millions of followers and proving that jazz remains relevant and cherished.

3️⃣ Rock 🎸 (1950s-90s → Resurged in the 2020s)

The 2010s were a challenging time for rock, as hip-hop reigned supreme on the charts. However, rock has been experiencing a resurgence, thanks to a new wave of artists bringing fresh energy to the genre. Bands like Måneskin and Greta Van Fleet are reviving classic rock sounds, while artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Machine Gun Kelly are infusing punk rock influences into their music. Nielsen Music reported a 20% increase in rock streaming in 2021, indicating a growing interest and renewed enthusiasm for rock music. This revival underscores rock’s ability to evolve and remain a vital part of the music landscape.

4️⃣ Swing / Big Band 🎺 (1930s-40s → Resurged in the 1990s)

After World War II, swing and big band music faded as rock and R&B took center stage. Yet, the 1990s saw a swing revival, with bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies bringing the genre back to life. Their music filled dance floors, and swing dance events became popular once again. The resurgence was further fueled by swing tracks being featured in movies and commercials, introducing the genre to younger audiences. Swing’s infectious energy and joy continue to captivate listeners, proving that its appeal is timeless.

5️⃣ Funk 🎶 (1970s → Resurged in the 2010s & 2020s)

Funk seemed to have faded by the late ’80s as it was absorbed into R&B and hip-hop. Yet, the genre has made a significant comeback, thanks to artists like Bruno Mars. His album “24K Magic” reintroduced funk grooves to the pop scene, while bands like Vulfpeck have revitalized funk in the indie music world. Funk’s resurgence is evident in concert attendance and streaming numbers, with funk playlists gaining popularity on platforms like Spotify. The genre’s infectious rhythms and danceability continue to resonate, demonstrating that funk is far from finished.

6️⃣ Punk Rock 🤘 (1970s-80s → Resurged in the 2000s & 2020s)

Punk rock was thought to have died after its heyday in the late ’70s, but it has seen a resurgence in the 2000s and 2020s. The pop-punk revival, led by bands like Blink-182 and Green Day, brought the genre back into the mainstream. In the 2020s, new artists like Machine Gun Kelly, Willow, and Yungblud are pushing punk rock’s boundaries, blending it with pop and hip-hop elements. According to a survey by MusicWatch, punk rock has gained a new generation of fans, with many attending live shows and streaming punk music more than ever.

7️⃣ Blues 🎸 (1920s-50s → Resurged in the 2000s & 2010s)

Blues was overshadowed by rock and electronic music, leading many to believe it had become obsolete. However, artists like Jack White, The Black Keys, and Gary Clark Jr. have kept the blues-rock genre thriving. Their innovative approaches to traditional blues have attracted new listeners, and the genre has seen a resurgence in live performances and album sales. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), blues music sales have increased significantly in recent years, indicating a renewed interest in the genre.

8️⃣ Synthwave / 80s Synthpop 🎹 (1980s → Resurged in the 2010s & 2020s)

Synthwave and 80s synthpop were declared dead as grunge and hip-hop took over in the ’90s. However, the genre has experienced a revival thanks to shows like “Stranger Things” and artists like The Weeknd, whose hit “Blinding Lights” has topped charts globally. The nostalgic sound of synthwave has resonated with both older fans and new listeners, leading to a resurgence in popularity. Streaming platforms have seen a significant increase in synthwave playlists, with millions of followers tuning in to relive the retro sound.

9️⃣ Country-Pop 🤠🎤 (1990s-2000s → Resurged in the 2010s & 2020s)

Country-pop was thought to be retreating into niche radio after the early 2000s. However, artists like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, and Morgan Wallen have brought the genre back into the mainstream. Taylor Swift’s transition from country to pop has paved the way for a new generation of country artists to blend genres. According to Billboard, country music has seen a resurgence in streaming and album sales, with country-pop tracks dominating charts in recent years. This revival highlights the genre’s adaptability and enduring appeal.

🔟 House / EDM 🎧 (1980s-90s → Resurged in the 2010s & 2020s)

House music was declared dead after the 90s rave scene, but it has experienced a significant resurgence in the 2010s and 2020s. The EDM boom, led by artists like Avicii, Calvin Harris, and David Guetta, has reintroduced house music to mainstream audiences. The return of Chicago and deep house influences has also contributed to the genre’s revival. According to a report by the International Music Summit, the global electronic music market was valued at $7.3 billion in 2020, showcasing the genre’s continued popularity and growth. The resurgence of house music demonstrates its ability to evolve and remain relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.

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