Beat

Beat music emerged in the early 1960s in the UK, combining elements of rock and roll with a cheeky attitude that made teenagers feel a bit rebellious without getting into too much bother. Featuring catchy hooks and a driving rhythm, it sounds like the soundtrack to a perpetual sunny afternoon spent with friends, where even the laziest of dance moves feels like proper footwork. Its influence is still felt today, particularly in the way it taught us that being slightly out of step could actually be quite groovy.