As worries about economic instability are becoming more widespread, Recession Pop is making a reappearance back onto people’s playlists since first appearing in 2007. The Great Recession lasted from 2007-2009, and was a severe global economic downturn which led to financial instability and economic hardship in many countries. Financial woes hit the US hard, causing a massive increase in house prices. With many economic hardships and emotional upheaval, a new genre and explosion of music was seen.
In response, artists decided to create music that would lift people’s spirits, which became known as the genre of Recession Pop. These fast-paced tunes, designed to get people on their feet, helped many to step away from their struggles and feel the music. Artists such as Rihanna, The Black Eyed Peas, and Kesha all attracted millions of listeners through songs like “Don’t Stop the Music,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “TiK ToK,” respectively.
“I love how the genre is making a comeback because these artists had a huge impact on my childhood,” said freshman Rowan Danow.
After this economic crisis ended in 2010, remnants of Recession Pop lived on in many pop hits through the 2010’s, but eventually would be drowned out by other mainstream music trends. In summer 2024, an unexpected resurgence in the genre was seen, especially on social media platforms like TikTok.
Certainly, there is a nostalgia factor to the regrowth in popularity, but fans have started applying this label to the new generation of mainstream artists. This label started to be associated with big names like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, whose music has skyrocketed in popularity on Spotify, and who has reached enormous fame across other social media platforms. Other artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Kesha, and Lady Gaga are contributing to this comeback. Despite having different themes to their songs, many hold very hopeful, techno, and teenage sentiments that mirror the original genre seen during The Great Recession.
“I really like how upbeat music has become popular once again, and how nostalgic it feels! Unlike all the sad music recently, listening to artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo make me feel so alive. I really enjoy the upbeat nature of the pop hits,” said freshman Sam Penson.
These big techno and dance hits are coming at a time today when there is a lot of economic stability. Despite not reaching the same level of hardship that was seen during the Great Recession, the US is facing decreases in some aspects of the stock market that often result in expression through fashion, music, and art. Many experts have noted that when losses are being shown in the markets, many big name artists have turned to high-energy songs to help the population turn away from their troubles and just party. The whole idea of Recession Pop is to get people on the dance floor, even if it for a short time period.
“I can definitely understand how this type of music could be helpful in getting people through tough spots, like during The Great Recession. Thanks Sabrina [Carpenter], and keep up the great work!,” said freshman Grace Stone.
Although all of these new artists have brought Recession Pop back into mainstream music, Charli XCX has had people talking about the genre ever since the album of the summer dropped. Brat has had the most influence on the comeback of Recession Pop, with songs like “Club Classics,” and “Sympathy Is a Knife,” drawing major influence from the turbulent economic era.
After Brat dropped, many original Recession Pop artists followed the trend. Kesha dropped her new song “Joyride,” which takes inspiration from her past hits, as well as Lady Gaga who also jumped on the Recession Pop bandwagon, dropping “Abracadabra” and her album Mayhem.
Music fans are falling back in love with this fun upbeat genre once again, despite many experts stating that this comeback is signaling hard economic times ahead. With these new, and old artists hitting new heights in popularity and more catchy party tunes, it’s hard to stay away from the genre that is Recession Pop.