Trends come and go, but in 2025, teens are digging into the past and breathing new life into old sounds. It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about expression, vibe, and standing out in a world full of sameness. These genres may not top every playlist, but they’re bubbling under the surface, finding new homes on TikTok edits, moody playlists, and bedroom jam sessions. Here are 8 music genres teens are quietly reviving and making their own again.
1. Pop punk
Pop punk is no longer just for 2000s emos, it’s back, and teens are giving it a fresh twist. Think fast guitars, catchy angst, and lyrics that scream “no one understands me!” Artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Olivia Rodrigo helped spark the revival, but teens are now forming garage bands and rediscovering Blink-182 like it’s brand new. The sound is raw, real, and perfect for venting while still being weirdly danceable.
2. Disco
Yes, disco is glittering its way back into playlists. Teens are embracing groovy bass lines, funky rhythms, and vintage glam like it never left. With artists sampling ’70s beats and platforms like TikTok spotlighting disco remixes, it’s suddenly cool to boogie again. It’s not just about dance, disco brings joyful, feel-good energy that cuts through today’s digital burnout. The sequins are optional, but the vibe is everything.
3. Folk
Folk is making a quiet comeback, literally. Stripped-down acoustic sounds, story-driven lyrics, and emotional vulnerability are appealing to teens tired of overproduced tracks. Whether it’s through indie TikTok covers or Taylor Swift’s Folklore vibes, folk offers space to breathe. Teens are journaling, strumming guitars, and turning their bedrooms into tiny coffeehouse stages. It’s cozy, it’s personal, and it feels like the opposite of performance; it feels honest.
4. Jazz
You’d think jazz would be too “old school,” but teens in 2025 are all about the aesthetic, and jazz fits right in. Lo-fi playlists, study beats, and jazzy interludes on YouTube have reignited interest in smooth sax, cool keys, and laid-back improv. It’s perfect background music, but also deeply artistic when you lean in. Some teens are even learning trumpet or upright bass just to stand out. Jazz isn’t loud, it’s effortlessly cool.
5. Grunge
Grunge is back, but not just in fashion; teens are falling for its gritty, raw sound all over again. Nirvana shirts are more than just a style choice now, and teens are exploring deeper cuts, underground bands, and DIY rock. Grunge’s honest, no-polish attitude feels refreshing in an age of filters and algorithms. Whether it’s the distorted guitars or the “I’m-not-okay” lyrics, this genre is hitting a nerve with a new generation.
6. Synthwave
Synthwave’s retro-futuristic vibe has made a quiet comeback, thanks to neon visuals, nostalgic video game vibes, and lo-fi playlists. Think dreamy synths, pulsing beats, and a soundtrack that sounds like a late-night drive through the 80s. Teens love it for the aesthetic, sure, but also because it feels like a digital escape. It’s music that’s moody, cinematic, and oddly comforting, especially for late-night thinkers and headphone introverts.
7. Ska
Ska isn’t just for 90s kids anymore, teens are starting to notice its offbeat charm and hyper energy. With its punk-meets-horns vibe and danceable rhythms, ska is showing up in underground playlists and high school jam sessions. It’s weird, fun, and unapologetically loud. For teens who want music that doesn’t take itself too seriously, ska brings the perfect mix of chaos and joy. Plus, it’s impossible to stand still when a ska track drops.
8. Classical
Yes, classical music is sneaking back into teen lives. Whether through study playlists, movie scores, or moody TikToks, orchestral music is becoming a vibe. Teens are using it to focus, relax, or add drama to their everyday lives. Some are even picking up violins or piano again, inspired by composers they found on streaming apps. Classical isn’t just background noise anymore; it’s quietly becoming part of the teen soundtrack in 2025.
