Why ‘recession pop’ is in right now — and what it means for our feelings about the economy
In times of economic uncertainty, people often turn to music as a source of solace and escapism.
This phenomenon has given rise to a genre known as "recession pop" — a style of music characterized by upbeat tempos and lyrics that prioritize optimism (and partying). As we find ourselves in the midst of a "vibecession,” with a growing disconnect between economic indicators and public sentiment, it's worth exploring the psychological and cultural factors that have led to the resurgence of this musical trend.
The origins and evolution of recession pop
The concept of recession pop is deeply rooted in the history of music's relationship with economic downturns.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, jazz and swing music provided a much-needed escape from the grim realities of widespread poverty and unemployment. Similarly, the disco era of the 1970s emerged against a backdrop of economic stagflation and political turmoil, offering a glittery distraction from the anxieties of the time.
However, the term "recession pop" gained particular prominence during the Great Recession of 2008. As the global economy teetered on the brink of collapse, a new wave of pop stars emerged, dominating the charts with their infectious, dance-oriented hits.
Artists like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry became the faces of this movement, with songs like "Don't Stop the Music," "Just Dance," and "Teenage Dream" offering a potential respite from the stress and uncertainty of the economic crisis.
From an industry perspective, the rise of recession pop during this period was potentially no accident. Record labels and producers, aware of the market's desire for feel-good, escapist anthems, may have actively pushed this type of music onto the airwaves.
While the trend may have begun organically, with artists responding to the cultural mood of the moment, it quickly snowballed as the music industry recognized the commercial potential of this genre.
The psychology behind recession pop
To understand the enduring appeal of recession pop, let’s delve into the psychological mechanisms that drive its popularity during times of economic hardship.
At its core, this genre taps into our innate need for emotional regulation and escapism. When faced with financial stress, people often seek out ways to manage their negative emotions and find temporary relief from the burdens of reality. Music, with its ability to evoke powerful emotional responses, serves as a natural coping mechanism.
Psychologists have long recognized the role of music in emotional regulation. Studies have shown that listening to music can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and boost mood. The high-energy, positive vibes of recession pop are particularly effective in this regard, providing a burst of dopamine that can temporarily override feelings of worry and despair.
But the appeal of recession pop goes beyond mere escapism. On a deeper level, this genre taps into our desire for a sense of control and agency in a world that often feels overwhelmingly uncertain. When faced with economic hardship, people can feel powerless and at the mercy of forces beyond their control.
Engaging with recession pop, whether through dancing, singing along, or simply immersing oneself in the music, provides a way to reclaim a sense of autonomy and self-determination.
Recession pop — and music, generally — may also foster a sense of community and shared experience during times of uncertainty. When people collectively engage with these musical trends, they feel less alone in their struggles. The rise of social media and streaming platforms has only amplified this effect, allowing younger generations to seek out others who share their experiences and use music as a means of connection and solidarity.
How today’s ‘vibecession’ is driving music preferences
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a complex economic landscape. On the surface, many indicators suggest a robust economy: the stock market is reaching record highs, unemployment rates remain low, and consumer confidence, while slowing, has been relatively strong in the face of persistent inflation. Yet beneath this veneer of prosperity lies a growing sense of unease, particularly among younger generations.
This disconnect between official economic metrics and lived experiences has given rise to the term "vibecession"— a portmanteau of "vibe" and "recession" that captures the pervasive sense of financial anxiety and instability, despite seemingly positive economic indicators.
For Generation Z, in particular, this sense of financial precarity is all too real. A recent Bank of America survey found that more than half of Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 27 feel they don't earn enough to live the life they want, with nearly as many relying on financial assistance from family to cover basic expenses like food and rent. This generation, which came of age during the Great Recession and its aftermath, has been shaped by a culture of economic anxiety and uncertainty.
But the factors contributing to this "silent depression" go beyond generational divides. The housing market, for instance, remains a significant source of financial stress for many Americans. Despite a cooling of inflation in the broader economy, housing prices and mortgage rates have remained stubbornly high, putting the dream of homeownership out of reach for a growing number of people.
This, combined with the lingering effects of the pandemic, has led many to exhaust their savings and rely on credit cards to make ends meet.
The new wave of recession pop
It's against this backdrop of economic anxiety and generational malaise that a new wave of recession pop has emerged. Artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX are at the forefront of this movement, crafting songs that embody the genre's key thematic elements: consumerist anthems, mechanical intimacy, and vague empowerment messaging.
These songs, with sometimes unapologetic embrace of consumerism and material wealth, tap into a deeper psychological need for control and validation in the face of economic uncertainty.
This tendency towards emotional distance and superficiality in recession pop can be seen as a reflection of the broader social and economic forces that shape our lives. In an era of late-stage capitalism, where human relationships are increasingly mediated by technology and the demands of the market, it's perhaps unsurprising that our music would mirror this sense of disconnection and alienation.
However, recession pop is not entirely devoid of genuine emotion or social commentary. Many songs in the genre also incorporate elements of vague empowerment messaging, offering listeners a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. While these messages of empowerment may ring hollow in the face of systemic economic inequality, they nevertheless serve an important psychological function.
What the future holds
While recession pop may not provide tangible solutions to the systemic issues that underlie our economic struggles, it serves a vital psychological function. Through its infectious beats, catchy hooks, and relatable themes, this music allows us to assert a sense of control and agency in the face of overwhelming circumstances. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we can find moments of joy, connection, and resilience.
