20th century
what it is
The 20th century began on 1 January 1900 (MCMI), and ended on 31 December 1999 (MM). It was the 10th and last century of the 2nd millennium and was marked by new models of scientific understanding, unprecedented scopes of warfare, new modes of communication that would operate at nearly instant speeds, and new forms of art and entertainment. Population growth was also unprecedented, as the century started with around 1.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make 20th century a playlist
turn these 26 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is 20th century?
The 20th century began on 1 January 1900 (MCMI), and ended on 31 December 1999 (MM). It was the 10th and last century of the 2nd millennium and was marked by new models of scientific understanding, unprecedented scopes of warfare, new modes of communication that would operate at nearly instant speeds, and new forms of art and entertainment. Population growth was also unprecedented, as the century started with around 1.
What are good 20th century albums to start with?
Try Kronos Quartet performs Philip Glass by Philip Glass, How to Make Friends and Influence People by Terrorvision, 'Justments by Bill Withers, and Wild Love by Smog.
Who are some women making 20th century?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/20th-century/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making 20th century, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20