The Science of How Music Hits Have Changed in the Last 60 Years
Plain English with Derek Thompson
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The Evolution of Music Metrics: From Self-Reporting to SoundScan
This chapter examines the historical inaccuracies in Billboard's music charts and the transformative impact of Nielsen's SoundScan in 1991. It highlights significant shifts in genre popularity, particularly the rise of hip-hop and country, as well as the cultural transition from melody to rhythm-centric music. Through discussions of music trends and listener behavior, the chapter illustrates how these changes have reshaped American music over the decades.
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