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What is the 'millennial whoop' and why is it taking over pop music?
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Sep 6, 2016
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What is the 'millennial whoop' and why is it taking over pop music?
It's that "wa-oh-wa-oh" line that if you haven't noticed before, you will now. And no, millennials aren't totally to blame for it.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19:  Singer Katy Perry performs at The BRIT Awards 2014 at 02 Arena on February 19, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Singer Katy Perry performs at The BRIT Awards 2014 at 02 Arena on February 19, 2014 in London, England.
(
Ian Gavan/Getty Images
)

It's that "wa-oh-wa-oh" line that if you haven't noticed before, you will now. And no, millennials aren't totally to blame for it.

When it comes to contemporary pop music, you've no doubt heard this charge before: it all sounds the same.

That might be a bit of an overstatement, but there is a certain sonic sequence that seems to be taking over a lot of pop songs recently. 

It's called the "millennial whoop."

You know, that “Wa-oh-wa-oh” line you've heard in so many songs? 

If reading it doesn't ring a bell, here are just a few examples:

Katy Perry's California Gurls (at 0:51 and 1:05):

Demi Lovato's "Really Don't Care" (at 1:00):

And Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Good Time" (at :04):

Musician and composer Patrick Metzger coined the term "millennial whoop" on his blog The Patterning. He joined Take Two to explain more about the melodic pattern and why so many pop singers are glomming onto it. 

To hear the full interview, click the blue player above.