AllMusic

Overview

AllMusic is an online music database cataloging over three million album entries, 30 million tracks, and information on musicians and bands. Launched in 1991 and available on the internet since 1994, it provides reviews, biographies, and genre classifications, including 1,400 subgenres. It serves as a key resource for music discovery and research in the digital media sector.

History

Founded in 1991 by Michael Erlewine as All-Music Guide, it was first published online in 1994. Sold to Alliance Entertainment Corp. in 1996 for $3.5 million, it passed through Yucaipa Equity Fund after bankruptcy in 1999, then to Macrovision (later Rovi/TiVo) in 2007 for $72 million, BlinkX (RhythmOne) in 2015, and now under Netaktion LLC as of 2024.

Notable Products

• AllMusic Database - Comprehensive catalog of over three million albums and 30 million tracks with artist biographies and reviews.
• Genre Classification System - List of 1,400 music subgenres used for organizing and recommending content.
• Music Reviews and Ratings - Editorial reviews and star ratings for albums and tracks.

Reputation

AllMusic is regarded by music enthusiasts and professionals as a foundational early-internet database for its vast catalog and detailed genre taxonomy. It has faced criticism for editorial biases and occasional artist disputes, such as the 2012 removal of Bryan Adams' content at his request. Its longevity and depth make it a standard reference despite changes in ownership.