Sarah Collins

Heavy Metal Subgenres, Explained

The Best Amapiano Artists to Know

Nobody builds a genre like this alone. Here's who actually matters, from the founding producers to the vocalists, rappers and DJs carrying it worldwide.

The History of Cloud Rap

A chronological history of cloud rap from its origins around 2009 through Lil B, SpaceGhostPurrp and A$AP Rocky's breakthrough to the SoundCloud era and its lasting influence.

The Best Chillout Songs Right Now

No charts, no trends — just the chillout tracks that have quietly stayed essential for decades, sorted by what you'd actually use them for.

The Best Eurodance Songs Right Now

These are the eurodance tracks that have lasted past their moment. Each one demonstrates something important about the genre and holds up to repeated listening.

The Complete Guide to Djent

Djent is a modern metal subgenre defined by a distinctive palm-muted guitar tone and technical complexity. Discover how this sound emerged and influences modern heavy music.

The History of Sludge Metal

The history of sludge metal runs from the Melvins' 1987 slowdown of hardcore through the New Orleans scene of the early 1990s, where Eyehategod, Crowbar and Acid Bath defined the genre's signature sou...

Highlife Subgenres, Explained

"Highlife" isn't one sound. Here's a plain-spoken breakdown of the genre's real subgenres, from palm-wine guitar to international fusion.

The Complete Guide to Zydeco

Zydeco is Louisiana's joyful, polyrhythmic Creole music tradition. Rooted in African, Caribbean, and French influences, it remains one of America's most authentic folk traditions.

Cantopop Subgenres, Explained

Cantopop is not one sound but a family of related styles — here is how the main subgenres developed and what each one sounds like.

The Best Exotica Songs Right Now

Exotica isn't a trend-chasing genre. Here are the defining tracks that have held up for seventy years, and still hold up today.

The Complete Guide to Most Uk Number 1 Singles

The most UK number 1 singles represents one of pop music's most prestigious achievements. Explore the artists who've dominated British charts, from The Beatles to modern streaming stars.

Radio 1 Chart Show: What You Need to Know

Presenter, timeslot, and how the chart behind it really gets compiled — everything worth knowing about the Radio 1 Chart Show in one place.

The History of Boogie

One rolling left-hand pattern, a century of borrowing, and a genuinely surprising trail from barrelhouse piano stools to arena stages.

The History of Outlaw Country

Outlaw country grew from artists' dissatisfaction with Nashville's controlled studio system in the late 1960s and peaked with a platinum-selling compilation in 1976.

Soul Music Subgenres, Explained

One genre, six genuinely distinct strands — here's a clear map of soul music's regional and stylistic branches.

British Number 1 Singles: What You Need to Know

Everyone thinks they know what a British Number 1 single is until they try to explain it. Here's the honest version, records and all.

A Beginner's Guide to Progressive Rock

Long songs and odd time signatures don't have to be intimidating. Here's the honest, no-nonsense way in.

The Best Symphonic Metal Songs Right Now

These tracks represent the genre at its most accessible and most ambitious — the songs most likely to connect with new listeners and the ones that demonstrate what the style can do.

The Best Glam Rock Artists to Know

The real glam rock artists who built the genre — and why lumping them all together as 'glitter and platforms' does them a disservice.

Gabber Subgenres, Explained

It's not all just fast and loud. Here's the honest breakdown of how gabber split into happy hardcore, industrial hardcore, speedcore and more.

The Best Grunge Artists to Know

Grunge was never one band or one sound. Here's the honest rundown of who actually shaped it, from the household names to the ones history nearly skipped.

The Complete Guide to Christmas Number 1 2000

The Christmas Number 1 is one of the UK's most celebrated music achievements. The year 2000 was particularly significant, falling at the millennium's threshold when festive spirit reached fever pitch.

The Complete Guide to Easy Listening

Easy listening offers sophisticated music that rewards careful listening whilst remaining accessible and graceful. Explore its history, greatest artists, and timeless appeal.