3 Genres That Only Exist in One Song

The music industry likes to put things in boxes. Fans like it too–it’s nice to have a finite descriptor for your favorite music. However, there are songs that don’t fit into traditional genres, so we created sub-genres. But even then, there are a fair few songs that still don’t have a corner to call home. They are so undefinable, indescribable that they can’t be put into a box. The three songs below fall into that category. These songs created new genres that failed to catch on with their peers–either for how odd they are or how talented you need to be to pull them off.

Videos by American Songwriter

Opera rock – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen)

We’re starting our list of songs that created genres with the unique melding of sounds in Queen‘s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. When thinking of songs that sparked new musical ideas, this epic track is one of the first that comes to mind. Freddie Mercury’s singular set of influences came together in this track, producing something that cannot be replicated. Only Mercury could pull off opera-rock like this. Others may be able to get close to this stroke of genius, but it will always stand out from the crowd.

[RELATED: “Suddenly One Day It’s Too Late”: Queen’s Brian May Mourns Death of “Bohemian Rhapsody” Hitmaker, Voices Regrets]

Eurodance Country – Cotton Eye Joe (Rednex)

Many country artists today are fusing different genres into their songs. There are a few that toe the line between country and rock, and even more that take notes from the hip-hop crowd. However, there are no other bands but Rednex who have mixed eurodance with a twang. We all know “Cotton Eye Joe”. We’d feel pretty comfortable saying that there are very few corners of the world that don’t know this insatiable floor-filler. We’re waiting to see the brave soul that follows in Rednex’s footsteps, infusing European sensibilities with the appeal of country music.

Psychedelic nonsense – “I Am the Walrus” (The Beatles)

John Lennon admitted that “I Am the Walrus” is nonsensical. Though there are many songs from the psychedelic era that sound like they could have only been conceived by someone on heavy drugs, this one might just take home the trophy for being the most “out-there”. “I Am the Walrus” isn’t just a psychedelic track, it’s something entirely its own. Only the Beatles, with their prestige and die-hard fandom, could pull off a song like this. We don’t know of anyone who has successfully released such a bizarre track and walked away with their career unscathed.

[RELATED: The “I Want To Hold Your Hand” Lyric Bob Dylan Misheard That Led to His Smoky First Encounter With the Beatles]

(Photo by Stephanie Pilick/picture alliance via Getty Images)