Music hasn’t just now begun influencing teens. It has been an influence throughout several different times in history. Teenagers of America are a prime example of music’s effect on teens psychologically, physically and economically. Pop music is oftentimes used by companies as a marketing gimmick. Then there are those young teens trying to earn recognition by starting as a garage band. Music is also used among teens simply for entertainment purposes. In whatever way it is used, music is a powerful tool to impact teens of all times.

If we focus on the last three decades alone there is evidence in pop music’s heavy influence on teens. The popularity of pop music skyrocketed in the 1980′s. Compact discs were introduced and the rise of MTV helped pop stars like Michael Jackson rise to fame in a fast growing society. There were various styles of music that were born during the 80′s like: acid house, psychedelia, death metal, goth rock, folk and hip hop.

The music of the 1990′s started off strong for the music styles such as pop, rap, and even more one-hit wonders. Hip-hop and techno gradually rose up in popularity due to its image of being “dance music”. Different hip-hop/rap artists used different techniques in their music. For example, MC Hammer rapped about the rise of his career while Tone Loc sang with sexual lyrics and innuendo. Rock used its lyrics to satirize society and its values as in Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit” to make its way back into the radio airwaves. In rock’s return to mainstream music, it brought along with it the rise of grunge and alternative rock. Luckily grunge and early alternative’s dark style called for teens to search a more happier and lighter style of music. Musical figures such as Britney Spears and N’Sync dominated the late 90′s era, but in doing so they brought back the sexual lyrics and innuendos of the previous era.

As we make our way further into the 2000′s music has taken on some new meaning. Old stars like Mariah Carey and Madonna from previous decades still attempt to keep their career afloat by occasionally releasing singles. Justin Timberlake is one pop star who has successfully kept his career alive. Thanks to bands like Fall Out Boy and Simple Plan punk rock has risen in fame. The popular musical how “American Idol” has sparked various different styles of music during this time. American Idol has allowed young adults to become stars like Star Search did back in the 80′s/90s. Foreign acts started to become popular in the eyes of the teenagers much like the foreign musical revolution in the 60′s. As of late 2000′s, pop music started to blend in with R&B as seen in the music of Rihanna, Pussycat Dolls and Nelly Furtado.

The advancements in technology have brought along MP3s. So many teens listen to music on their MP3 players nowadays and enjoy carrying their favorite tunes with them wherever they go. YouTube is an incredibly popular site among teenagers. Now there is a program that takes the two to enhance the music listening experience. If you have found a song on YouTube that you like you can convert it into an MP3 and listen to it with your portable player. Convert My Tube makes it possible. As we continue into more ages of music and teen trends enjoy the time we are in using Convert My Tube.