This Is Pop

"This Is Pop" is a polished, unconventional, and captivating music documentary series from CTV that was released in 2021. The show sets out to peel back the layers of the pop music landscape to reveal how deeply rooted social and cultural phenomena have played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. It's renowned for shedding light on the ever-evolving fabric of pop music as an art form and its unmissable influence on the world of music at large. Not limiting to just the songs and melodies, the series plunges deep into the overall music scenario and encompasses various aspects of the pop music industry.

Comprising of eight zestful episodes, "This Is Pop" unfolds undisclosed stories, personal anecdotes, and globe-spanning musical movements of ever-popular artists from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. What distinguishes this series from other typical music documentary series, is its focus on the intriguing stories behind the genre of pop music, its rise and transformation over time, scandalous facts, and the untold narratives of some of the biggest hits that stroke chords with millions of people worldwide.

Each standalone episode goes beyond the lens of just exploring the music and the artists involved. Instead, it dives into the glitzy yet tumultuous world of the music cosmos, exploring subjects like the effects of auto-tune on the music industry, the rise of music festivals, pop-country's evolution, the 'boy band' commercial template, and much more. It highlights how these culture-shaping elements have not just influenced the industry but also set forth an unending chain of musical trends and movements.

At the same time, "This Is Pop" boasts of its in-depth interviews and exclusive footage featuring some of the biggest names in pop music. These include Shania Twain, Boys II Men, T-Pain, and other iconic music industry figures. Their stories and experiences offer an insider's perspective into the intricacies of the music world.

The first episode, for instance, revolves around exploring the iconic "Festival Scene" and how it has completely transformed over the years. It takes the viewers on a vibrant journey that phases through the evolution of music festivals, illustrated through compelling visuals and first-person narratives from the artists themselves who have graced the festival stages over the years. The other episodes, each with a unique perspective and approach, meticulously unwrap significant musical movements and trends like auto-tune's rise to popularity, the billion-dollar success and impact of boy bands, the oversexualization of women in music, and several other culture-impacting phenomena.

Filmed with striking aesthetics and stylish cinematography, this series distinguishes itself by focusing not just on the finished product, i.e., the song, but rather the journey, the process that leads to its creation and the unheard stories behind those beautiful tunes that we hum along with. Narrated in a reflective, empathetic, and sometimes, humor-bearing tone, the series manages to keep viewers hooked with its allure, insightfulness, and curiosity.

As it dives deep into the dynamics and complexities surrounding the creation of pop music, their impact on the industry and the society at large, the series serves as an informative piece providing an in-depth cultural analysis for music enthusiasts. Each episode, driven by its unique storytelling approach, imparts interesting insights and trivia which even the most passionate pop music fans might not be aware of. It is a must-watch for all those who love to dissect and appreciate the dynamics of music beyond the entertaining melodies and harmonies.

Overall, "This Is Pop" embodies a perfect blend of nostalgia, surprise, and revelation while venturing into the most intricate layers of pop culture and the world of music. With its engaging narratives, fascinating insights, and visually-pleasing cinematic value, the series could become a significant reference point for pop culture studies and a go-to series for music lovers. Certainly, after viewing this show, listeners might not listen to the genre of pop music the same way again.