The magic's in the music - any music
By Laura Mignon and Jennifer Welch
We're judged for everything we do: brains or no brains, cool or uncool, black or white, which crowd we hang out with, where we shop. Music is no exception. For years people have categorized music from blues to oldies, rock to pop and country to hip-hop.
Recent generations have made music more than something we enjoy in our spare time; it's become a lifestyle. The way we dress, eat, sleep and breathe often depends on the music we love.
Illustrations by Chiara Bautista / Staff
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Nicole Dumas, a junior from Salpointe Catholic High School, says, "I dedicate my life to music. I love to sing, play violin and piano. Music has helped me get through my life. I don't know how I would live without" it.
Which style defines your musical taste? What sounds like you?
Teeny Boppers
Classification: Bubble gum
Most popular: Backstreet Boys, N-Sync, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson.
Fashion statement: Whatever Teen People says is cool.
A dip into the past: The Beach Boys, Tiffany, New Kids on the Block.
Word most commonly used to describe them: Obsessed.
Often been affiliated with: Top 40 lists.
Their take: "I realized that I liked them because they were good role models," says Salpointe junior Molly Medina.
Gangsta
Classification: Boyz in the hood.
Most Popular: Ja Rule, J-Lo, Nelly, Missy Eliott, 112, Dr. Dre, Sisqó, Trina, Lil' Kim, P-Diddy.
Fashion statement: Baggy clothes for men and women; or tight pants, short shirts, short skirts, tight shirts, short shorts, big shirts for guys.
A dip into the past: Run D.M.C., Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff, LL Cool J.
Words most commonly used to describe them: Thugs, ghetto.
Often been affiliated with: Rap music has expanded to hip-hop and R&B genres.
Their take: "Rap and R&B tell the truth with their lyrics," says Sabino High freshman Chelsie Raidiger.
Cowpokes
Classification: Honky-tonk
Most popular: Jessica Andrews, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks, Lee Ann Womack, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Lonestar.
Fashion statement: Long hair for men and women, cowboy boots or high-heel boots for women, tight Wranglers.
A dip into the past: The Charlie Daniels Band, Dolly Parton and other bands and artists that would perform in Nashville and at the Grand Ole Opry.
Word most commonly used to describe them: Hick.
Often been affiliated with: Followers of the Top-40, which country is infiltrating.
Their take: "It pertains to real-life situations in a meaningful way, unlike Britney Spears' 'Oops, I did it Again,' where she talks about the necklace at the bottom of the ocean, and other such songs," says Salpointe junior Alanna Molina.
Rock Star
Classification: Rock 'n' roll, baby.
Most Popular: The Ataris, Pearl Jam, Blink 182.
Fashion statement: Concert shirts from their favorite artist - Blink 182, for example.
A dip into the past: KISS, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy and Aerosmith.
Words commonly used to describe them: Metal heads
Often been affiliated with: You'll find punk, heavy metal, classic, progressive and ska tacked on with rock music.
Their take: "Rock has historically been the haven for counterculture. Today, however, it only encompasses rap-metal fusions," says Canyon del Oro senior Derrick Graffam.
Soul Brothas N Sistas
Classification: R-E-S-P-E-C-T, putting the rhythm & blues into the music scene.
Most popular: Eryka Badu, Boyz II Men, Jodece.
Fashion statement: The latest styles. Tending to be very clean-cut and not showing off too much.
A dip into the past: The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin and Isaac Hayes.
Words commonly used to describe them: Soul brotha (sista)
Often been affiliated with: The rap genre, but because of its base meaning, it has its own categories. It's about the soul.
Their take: "R&B is like the shoe polish on your shoe," says Marana senior John Heji.
The Almost Unorthodox
Classification: The alternative to everything else.
Most popular: Sugar Ray, Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessionals.
Fashion statement: Much like rockers, they are sometimes found in all sorts of crowds.
A dip into the past: Green Day, Wallflowers, Dave Matthews Band and the Gin Blossoms.
Worlds commonly used to describe them: pretty laid back.
Often been affiliated with: Part of Top 40 and rock, but takes sides with neither.
Their take: "Today's music is wild and daring just like the new generation that listens to it," says Santa Rita junior Eric Ritchey.
Even though you can single out a music genre, people are far harder to figure out. Some are equipped with a love for all types of music. Music is a common ground for people to join together in common taste.
