Music can be regarded not only as a form of art but also as a powerful tool affecting people. Moreover, the technical progress of humankind can be observed according to the development of the music. Thus, modern techniques and computer programs creating new sounds have gradually replaced the early primitive instruments used by human ancestors. Depending on a type of music, it may have both positive and negative effects on people's brain and health. Therefore, country, rock, and hip-hop music are the most popular genres of this form of art that have a great driving force in a society.
History of country music shows that it has developed in the United States since the 1920s. It has combined some features of folk, blues, and western songs. In general, country music can be recognized by its specific dance tune and ballad style usually of simple harmonies and performed using string instruments. In addition, country has become very popular in America due to its light dancing melodies. Thus, while it can be heard from every radio throughout the country, it makes a considerable impact on the human brain. In their study, Steven Stack and Jim Gundlach claim that there is a relation between country music and suicide rates. The scholars state that themes found in country music foster a suicidal mood among people already at risk of suicide and that it is thereby associated with a high suicide rate. Additionally, the study shows that the cities that have higher amount of country music on radio, have, in accordance, higher rates of suicide cases.
While country is mostly popular in the United States, rock music has gained its lovers throughout the world. Thus, such popularity has resulted in a powerful effect it has on the society. Rock songs greatly impact humans’ daily lives, culture, fashion, and relationships. Generally, rock music has been associated with a destructive lifestyle involving sex, drugs, and alcohol. Following rock musicians, fans, specifically young girls and boys, take their lifestyles filled with addictions as role models. Furthermore, there is a big number of drug-related deaths including rock musicians themselves. On the contrary, the positive effect of rock music can be found in the themes of the lyrics. Rock groups often address social problems in their songs, usually evoking people to actions. Thus, the environment, violence, worldwide economic policy, pollution, and other global issues are among themes rock musicians comment or focus listeners' awareness on.
Together with country and rock music, hip-hop also has its influence on the society. Similar to rock musicians, hip-hop artists attempt to deliver a specific message to their listeners and to the whole community. Nevertheless, sometimes their songs may contain provocative and rebellious lyrics, particularly referring to black communities, poverty, violence, and resistance. In comparison with rock lifestyle, hip-hop musicians can be also regarded as role models for listeners, especially for youth. Since during the adolescence youngsters desire to be extraordinary, they attempt to follow behavior of hip-hop artists they listen to, as well as wear similar clothes in order to look like their idols. In this respect, marketers use this situation widely to sell their products, transmitting their messages through their goods. Thereby, effects of hip-hop culture on society are pervasive.
Therefore, music has great influence on humanity and it can be one of the great extended essay examples. Simultaneously reflecting ideals and conditions in society, music transmit specific messages to the community. While country has a link to suicide rates, rock and hip-hop attempt to convey certain message to people. Moreover, the lifestyles of rock musicians and hip-hop artists are usually transmitted by fans into their lives. In addition, hip-hop culture has become a good platform for marketers to distribute goods into the masses.
