As I’ve settled back into my classes, social life, and daily routine this semester at Holy Cross, I’ve discovered a new set of music to add to my Spotify playlists, and it might take you by surprise. My latest musical obsession is none other than Global Pop.Â
What is this genre that you may never have heard of before? Global pop is the umbrella term for all genres of music outside of the mainstream U.S. sound. Ever since starting my Global Pop class here with Professor Whelden, I have been hooked on international kinds of music.Â
In the past, I have always been a very “vanilla” listener of music.
 I’ve mostly listened to mainstream American pop, with the exception of some of my Dad’s old rock tastes creeping their way onto my playlists. I signed up for my Global Pop class originally just to fulfill my Arts requirement, but now it has become my favorite class. So far, we have studied the genres of Afrobeat, Afrobeats, Rap Cubano, Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady, Jamaican Dancehall ReggaetĂłn, and many others. Analyzing these songs in such detail has hooked me on two genres in particular: reggae, rap cubano, and reggaetĂłn. I never would’ve thought my cookie-cutter, Taylor Swift-blasting self would be slowly morphing my lunchtime listening lineup to the likes of Bob Marley, Daddy Yankee, and Primera Base.Â
This is my encouragement for you to develop your music tastes over our spring break and beyond! Whether you’re lounging on the couch at home tucking into takeout like I will be, or tanning on a faraway tropical beach, try and tune into some genres you have left unexplored. Not only has expanding my music taste brought me some awesome new songs to jam out to, it has expanded my perspective on and knowledge of various worldwide cultures and history. Break out of your musical shell and dip your toe into the wide world of music that is Global Pop!