Notes on Adult Contemporary and Adult Pop Genres

Introduction to Adult Contemporary and Adult Pop

• Overview of genre characteristics and marketing labels.

Definitions and Characteristics

• Adult Contemporary:
    - Generally features song lyrics suitable for an adult audience.
    - Lyrics avoid trendy or pop culture references.

• Adult Pop:
    - Targeted towards a mature adult audience.
    - May include common pop culture terminology in lyrics.

Analysis of Specific Songs

• "One Call Away" by Charlie Puth (2015):
    - Instrumentally fits into the gospel category.
      - Utilizes elements such as:
        - Hammond B3 organ
        - Gospel choir harmonies
        - Rhythmic vocal styles
    - Lyrically secular, differentiating it from traditional gospel music.

• "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber (2015):
    - Classified under Adult Contemporary chart.
    - Themes of personal empowerment and self-love:
      - Lyrics emphasize the message that the partner should love herself if he is deemed inadequate.

• "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE (2016):
    - Appears on the Adult Pop chart.
    - Incorporates pop culture language and phrases:
      - Uses informal language: "effing," "living dangerously," and "go crazy."

Comparative Songs

• Songs that are stylistically indistinguishable across both charts:
    - "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry (2008):
      - Major hit, showcases an adult pop style but resonates with contemporary issues.
    - "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga (2008):
      - Timeless dance/pop anthem, similar appeal across adult pop and contemporary genres.

Conclusion

• Summary of the similarities and distinctions between Adult Contemporary and Adult Pop based on lyrics and stylistic elements.

• Insight into how these categories are utilized as marketing tools while representing similar themes through different lyrical approaches.