Study: Western Music Has Grown Simpler and More Repetitive Over Centuries

A study published in Scientific Reports analyzed over 20,000 musical pieces from the 17th century to 2021 using network science, mapping notes as nodes and transitions as edges. Researchers found that modern genres like pop, rock, electronic, hip-hop, contemporary classical, and jazz exhibit lower complexity and higher repetitiveness compared to earlier music. Classical compositions from 400 years ago explored a wider range of note combinations, while modern music relies on repeated transitions and high reciprocity—quick two-way shifts between the same notes. The study also revealed growing homogenization, with genre distinctions blurring over time. Music from 1950 to 1979 marked a transitional balance. The researchers suggest that streaming and social media algorithms favoring simple, predictable music may drive this trend.