Schlager

Schlager music, born in mid-20th century Germany, is essentially what happens when you combine catchy melodies with lyrics that usually revolve around love, heartbreak, or, quite charmingly, life on the Autobahn. The sound is upbeat, often punctuated by lush orchestral arrangements and a sing-along quality that would annoy even the most stoic of buskers. It's a genre that proves you can be both cheerful and slightly cheesy, showing that a little bit of kitsch can go a long way in a singlet and sequins.