Specialist contributor focusing on architecture, science, technology and urbanism.

By Alexander Stone

The year 2007 was a remarkable one for pop culture. It witnessed the introduction and development of some of the most influential trends, genres, and icons that would revolutionize the 21st century. From music to films, from television to fashion, from art to literature, from dance to design, from theatre to gaming, 2007 was a year of innovation, experimentation, and transformation. Here are some of the highlights of pop culture in 2007 that still resonate today.

Music: The Breakthrough of Pop and Hip Hop Music and the Resurgence of Rock and Indie Music

2007 was the year that pop and hip hop music broke through and became relevant, as artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, Timbaland, and Fergie released some of their most successful albums and singles. Pop and hip hop music also influenced other genres, such as R&B, soul, and dance, creating a diverse and eclectic musical landscape. Some of the most memorable songs of 2007 include Umbrella by Rihanna, Stronger by Kanye West, Rehab by Amy Winehouse, The Way I Are by Timbaland and Keri Hilson, and Big Girls Don’t Cry by Fergie.

2007 was also the year that rock and indie music resurged and became popular, as artists like Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, The White Stripes, and Arcade Fire released some of their most acclaimed and influential albums and singles. Rock and indie music also challenged the mainstream and the industry, as they experimented with new sounds, formats, and platforms, such as digital downloads, online streaming, and social media. Some of the most notable songs of 2007 include Fluorescent Adolescent by Arctic Monkeys, The Pretender by Foo Fighters, Nude by Radiohead, Icky Thump by The White Stripes, and No Cars Go by Arcade Fire.

Films: The Diversity and Quality of the Superhero and Fantasy Films

2007 was the year that superhero and fantasy films showcased a diversity and quality of genres, as films like Spider-Man 3, The Bourne Ultimatum, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Ratatouille entertained and amazed the audiences with their spectacular visual effects and action sequences. Superhero and fantasy films also featured a mix of genres, such as comedy, thriller, drama, and animation, as well as a mix of new and old characters, such as Tobey Maguire, Matt Damon, Daniel Radcliffe, and Patton Oswalt. Some of the most popular films of 2007 include Spider-Man 3, The Bourne Ultimatum, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Ratatouille.

Television: The Innovation and Experimentation of the Drama and Comedy Shows

2007 was the year that drama and comedy shows innovated and experimented with new and exciting genres, as shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Big Bang Theory, and 30 Rock entertained and amused the viewers with their original, creative, and hilarious plots and characters. Drama and comedy shows also featured a mix of new and old shows, such as Dexter, Lost, The Office, and The Simpsons. Television of 2007 also reflected the social, cultural, and political issues of the time, such as advertising, drugs, science, and media. Some of the most influential shows of 2007 include Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Big Bang Theory, and 30 Rock.

Fashion: The Trend of Edgy and Glamorous Styles

2007 was the year that fashion followed the trend of edgy and glamorous styles, as celebrities, models, and influencers embraced the trends of the present, such as the punk, goth, and metallic styles. The fashion of 2007 was influenced by the music, films, and television of the time, as well as by the events and issues of the world, such as the iPhone launch, the death of Anna Nicole Smith, and the pregnancy of Britney Spears. Some of the most notable fashion trends of 2007 include skinny jeans, leather jackets, studded belts, leggings, and high heels.

Art: The Popularity and Controversy of Modern Art

2007 was the year that modern art became popular and controversial, as artists like Damien Hirst, Banksy, and Jeff Koons gained recognition and exposure for their bold and innovative artworks. Modern art also utilized new technologies, platforms, and mediums, such as installation, sculpture, photography, and video, to express their artistic vision and message. Some of the most controversial and remarkable artworks of 2007 include For the Love of God by Damien Hirst, The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum by Banksy, and Balloon Flower by Jeff Koons.

Literature: The Bestselling and Award-Winning Books of Fantasy and Mystery

2007 was the year that fantasy and mystery books became bestselling and award-winning, as authors like J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, Stephen King, and Stieg Larsson published some of their most acclaimed and popular books. Literature of 2007 also reflected the social, cultural, and political issues of the time, such as religion, crime, war, and corruption. Some of the most celebrated and award-winning books of 2007 include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, Lisey’s Story by Stephen King, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson.

Dance: The Fusion of Styles and Cultures

2007 was the year that dance fused different styles and cultures, as dancers like Beyoncé, Shakira, and Justin Timberlake showcased their unique and diverse talents and influences. Dance of 2007 also incorporated elements of music, film, and television, creating a dynamic and entertaining spectacle. Some of the most memorable dance performances of 2007 include Single Ladies by Beyoncé, Beautiful Liar by Beyoncé and Shakira, and What Goes Around…Comes Around by Justin Timberlake.

Design: The Elegance and Efficiency of Minimalism

2007 was the year that design embraced the elegance and efficiency of minimalism, as designers like Jonathan Ive, Philippe Starck, and Marc Newson created some of their most sleek and functional products and projects. Design of 2007 also focused on the user experience, usability, and sustainability, as well as on the aesthetics and innovation. Some of the most impressive designs of 2007 include the iPhone by Jonathan Ive, the Gun Lamp by Philippe Starck, and the Dish Doctor by Marc Newson.

Theatre: The Adaptation and Innovation of Musicals

2007 was the year that theatre adapted and innovated musicals, as shows like Wicked, Avenue Q, and Spamalot continued to transform the stage with their original and creative stories, songs, and characters. Theatre of 2007 also attracted a wider and younger audience, as well as a star-studded cast, making it a popular and profitable form of entertainment. Some of the most successful shows of 2007 include Wicked, Avenue Q, and Spamalot.

2007 was a year that revolutionized the pop culture innovations of the 21st century, as it introduced and developed some of the most influential trends, genres, and icons that would revolutionize the 21st century. From music to films, from television to fashion, from art to literature, from dance to design, from theatre to gaming, 2007 was a year of innovation, experimentation, and transformation. 2007 was a year that made history.