* 1960s: Rock, pop, and soul music of the 1960s was primarily based around the guitar, bass, and drums. Keyboards, horns, and other instruments were often added to fill out the sound, but the core of the music was always the guitar-bass-drums trio.
* Today: Today's popular music is much more diverse in terms of instrumentation. While the guitar, bass, and drums are still important, they are often joined by a wide variety of other instruments, such as synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, and electronic effects. This allows for a much wider range of sounds and textures.
Song structure
* 1960s: 1960s pop and rock songs typically followed a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure. This structure was simple and effective, and it allowed for a catchy melody and memorable chorus to be repeated multiple times.
* Today: Today's popular songs are more likely to have a more complex song structure. This might involve multiple verses and choruses, a bridge that modulates to a different key, or a sudden change in tempo or time signature. This complexity can add interest and variety to a song, but it can also make it more difficult to remember.
Production values
* 1960s: The recording technology of the 1960s was relatively limited, and this was reflected in the production values of the music. Songs were often recorded in mono, with a limited number of tracks and a relatively dry sound.
* Today: Today's recording technology is much more sophisticated, and this has led to a dramatic increase in the production values of popular music. Songs are typically recorded in stereo or surround sound, with a large number of tracks and a variety of effects. This can create a much more immersive and polished sound.
Lyrics
* 1960s: The lyrics of 1960s pop and rock songs were often simple and straightforward, focusing on themes of love, loss, and teenage angst. However, there were also some socially conscious songs that addressed issues such as the Vietnam War, civil rights, and environmental protection.
* Today: Today's popular songs cover a wider range of topics, from personal relationships to social and political issues. There is also a greater emphasis on wordplay and clever lyrics.
Overall sound
* 1960s: The overall sound of 1960s pop and rock music was characterized by its warmth and analog feel. The guitars were often distorted, the drums were played with a heavy backbeat, and the vocals were often raw and emotional.
* Today: Today's popular music is much more diverse in sound, with a wide range of genres and styles to choose from. Some of the most popular genres include pop, rock, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music.
Despite all these differences, there is still a lot that 1960s music and today's music have in common. Both eras have produced some of the most memorable and iconic songs of all time, and both eras have had a profound impact on popular culture.