Adult Contemporary

Adult contemporary (AC) is a musical genre that encompasses a variety of styles, including pop, rock, jazz and R&B. It is generally identified as a format on radio stations that play mainstream music aimed at mature audiences. The term "adult contemporary" was coined in the 1960s when radio stations started to play softer, more mellow music for a more relaxed listening experience. The origins of adult contemporary can be traced back to the easy listening and middle-of-the-road formats of the 1950s and 1960s. These formats were designed to appeal to more sophisticated and mature listeners who were looking for something different from the rock 'n' roll and Top 40 music that was dominating the airwaves at the time. One of the early pioneers of the adult contemporary sound was pianist and composer Burt Bacharach. His unique style blended pop, jazz, and R&B elements, and his music was often used in movies and television shows. Artists like Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Herb Alpert also helped to popularize the sound in the 1960s. The 1970s saw the rise of soft rock music, which became a dominant force on FM radio. Artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Fleetwood Mac blended rock and pop elements with ballads, creating a sound that was perfect for adult contemporary radio. Soft rock also became the launching pad for singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell, who became major stars in their own right. The 1980s saw the rise of a new generation of artists who straddled the line between pop, rock, and R&B. Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Prince all had a huge impact on the adult contemporary genre, while artists like Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, and George Michael became staples on the AC radio format. The 1990s saw the emergence of adult alternative music and a return to softer, more mellow sounds. Artists like Sarah McLachlan, Tracy Chapman, and Dave Matthews Band became major stars, while artists from previous decades like Rod Stewart and Elton John continued to thrive on adult contemporary radio. In recent years, the adult contemporary format has continued to evolve, with artists like John Mayer, Adele, and Ed Sheeran adding a modern twist to the classic AC sound. The genre has also expanded to include more electronic and dance-oriented music, with artists like The Chainsmokers and Zara Larsson finding success on adult contemporary radio. Today, adult contemporary radio remains a popular format, appealing to a wide range of listeners who are looking for a relaxing, easy listening experience. The genre continues to evolve, with new artists and sounds emerging all the time.

Adele: Adele is a multi-award-winning artist from England who is known for her soulful voice and heart-wrenching ballads. Her music is beloved by fans of all ages, and her albums continue to top the charts around the world. Michael Bublé: Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer and songwriter whose smooth, jazz-inspired vocal stylings have made him a favorite among adult contemporary fans. His albums are filled with love songs and romantic ballads that showcase his incredible voice. Celine Dion: Celine Dion is one of the best-selling artists of all time, and her powerful vocals and emotional performances have been captivating audiences for years. Her music spans genres, but her adult contemporary hits like "My Heart Will Go On" and "The Power of Love" have cemented her status as a legend in the genre. Josh Groban: Josh Groban is an American singer and actor known for his soaring vocals and classical crossover style. He has released numerous albums that have topped the charts in both the United States and around the world. Mariah Carey: Mariah Carey is a legendary singer, songwriter, and actress who has been one of the most popular artists in the adult contemporary genre for decades. Her powerful voice and songwriting have earned her countless awards and has made her a favorite among music critics and fans alike. Elton John: Elton John is a British singer, songwriter, and composer whose eclectic style has made him a favorite among adult contemporary fans for decades. His wide-ranging catalog of hits includes everything from pop ballads to rock anthems and has earned him a well-deserved place in the annals of music history. Norah Jones: Norah Jones is an American singer and songwriter known for her sultry vocals and moody, jazz-inspired compositions. Her music has won her numerous awards and has established her as one of the most distinctive voices in the adult contemporary genre. Barry Manilow: Barry Manilow is an American singer and songwriter who has been entertaining audiences with his signature blend of pop and soft rock for decades. His music is beloved for its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, making him a favorite among listeners of all ages. Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift is an American singer, songwriter, and actress whose country and pop hits have made her a favorite among adult contemporary fans. Her songs are known for their catchy melodies and personal lyrics, and she has won numerous awards for her work. John Legend: John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, and actor known for his soulful vocals and emotional performances. His music has earned him a dedicated following and numerous awards, including 11 Grammys, making him one of the most successful and respected artists in the adult contemporary genre.

1. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston 2. "Easy" by Lionel Richie 3. "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton 4. "Believe" by Cher 5. "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton-John 6. "Smooth" by Santana feat. Rob Thomas 7. "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone 8. "The Look of Love" by Diana Krall 9. "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion 10. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey 11. "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey 12. "I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey 13. "Un-break My Heart" by Toni Braxton 14. "How Do I Live" by LeAnn Rimes 15. "Crazy" by Patsy Cline 16. "Hello" by Adele 17. "Close to You" by The Carpenters 18. "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt 19. "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel 20. "Smooth Operator" by Sade 21. "Change the World" by Eric Clapton 22. "Love on Top" by Beyoncé 23. "Moon River" by Andy Williams 24. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police 25. "Sailing" by Christopher Cross

In his book "Adult Contemporary" published in 2015, Joseph Vogel explains that Adult Contemporary is "more about mood than a specific type of music." He goes on to explain that while it encompasses many different genres, the defining characteristic is its appeal to older audiences. He states, "Adult contemporary is music for grown-ups. It represents a kind of grown-up culture." Vogel's book highlights the commercialization and commodification of Adult Contemporary music, but also acknowledges that it is a cherished aspect of our cultural landscape. Author Simon Reynolds suggested in his book titled "Retromania: Pop Culture's Addiction to Its Own Past" that Adult Contemporary is "music for people who have given up on the present." This quote suggests that a significant portion of Adult Contemporary's audience consists of older individuals who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and soothing sounds over the latest chart-topping hits. It also implies that the genre may be somewhat nostalgia-driven, with artists trying to emulate a sound that has worked in the past. In his book titled "Classical Music, Why Bother?", Joshua Friedlander suggests that Adult Contemporary, while not possessing the same degree of virtuosity as classical music, can still hold its own. Friedlander argues that despite its often-simplistic melodies and rhythms, Adult Contemporary resonates with people and comforts them. He states, "The music of Adult Contemporary is more like a familiar blanket or an old pair of slippers than it is like a challenging puzzle or an exotic adventure." Andrew Waterhouse, in his book titled "Popular Music and the Myths of Madness," suggests that Adult Contemporary's appeal lies in its ability to appeal to the melancholy. He argues that Adult Contemporary is "the music of the mellow, a sound that reflects a world where everything is not always rosy but where we can still find a way to be contentment." Waterhouse describes how Adult Contemporary artists manage to tread the line between being depressing and uplifting. He states, "These songs reflect that it's okay to feel down and not always happy." In his book "Listening Up, Writing Down and Looking Beyond: Interfaces of the Oral, Written and Visual," Herbert Marshall McLuhan suggests that Adult Contemporary represents a shift towards a more passive listening experience in modern times. McLuhan asserts that Adult Contemporary is part of a broader trend towards music that is easy to listen to and requires little effort to appreciate. He states, "The contemporary listener demands an easy response and is willing to trade depth for easy accessibility."

Adult Contemporary music reflected this era's social and cultural changes, with an emphasis on mature themes and a more sophisticated sound. It emerged in response to the changing demographic of baby boomers who were growing up and starting families, as well as changes in the music industry. The rise of FM radio, which brought longer album cuts, deeper album tracks, and a more diverse range of music to listeners, was also a factor in the development of Adult Contemporary music. The technological context of Adult Contemporary music was defined by improvements in recording and production techniques, which allowed for more intricate and layered arrangements. This was exemplified by the release of albums like Carole King’s Tapestry, which featured lush arrangements and sophisticated production techniques. These advances coincided with the rise of the recording industry and the development of stadium shows and massive tours, which allowed performers to reach a much wider audience than ever before. Notable record labels played a significant role in the development of Adult Contemporary music. The most prominent of these was Warner Bros. Records, which released albums by artists like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. These artists epitomized the Adult Contemporary sound, with their introspective, confessional lyrics and rich, melodic arrangements. Other labels, like A&M and Columbia, also played a role in promoting the Adult Contemporary sound. Journalists, critics, and other figures in the music industry also played a role in shaping the Adult Contemporary sound. Prominent music critics like Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus helped to legitimize the genre in the eyes of many by championing artists like Steely Dan and Paul Simon. Radio personalities like Casey Kasem and Dick Clark helped to spread the word about Adult Contemporary artists through their popular countdown shows, which featured many of the genre's biggest hits.