Intellectual music is a tag used to categorize musical works that are often perceived as demanding active engagement and contemplation from the listener. This typically includes genres and compositions characterized by complex structures, intricate harmonies, experimental approaches, or philosophical and conceptual underpinnings. Listeners often associate intellectual music with a focus on artistic innovation, technical proficiency, and a departure from conventional popular music forms.
It is important to note that the classification of music as "intellectual" is subjective and can vary significantly among listeners. What one person finds intellectually stimulating, another may not. This tag serves as a broad descriptor for music that prioritizes mental engagement over immediate emotional or physical response.