The resurrection of recession pop

Let’s rewind to sixteen years ago. The 2008 recession is in full swing. Imagine seeing one in every 10 people unemployed, millions of empty pockets and heavy hearts, and the country groaning under the weight of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Then, turn on the radio.

Despite the anxiety of a period characterized by financial ruin, pop music of the late 2000s and succeeding 2010s bore lyrics and tunes saturated with reckless elation and fast-paced, catchy melodies perfect for a night out. Lady Gaga’s 2008 debut single “Just Dance,” for example, spoke euphorically of abandoning life’s problems for the dancefloor. “Tik Tok” by Kesha, released in 2009, echoed a similar sentiment, as the musical artist brazenly sang, “Ain't got no money in my pocket // But I'm already here,” referring to partying. This specific genre of thrill-seeking, blissfully careless, and dance-able music, in contrast to the economic state of its time, came to be known as “recession pop”.

Fast forward to 2024. Many believe the genre is coming back anew. While data does not indicate that the United States is currently plunging into another recession, between a not-too-long-ago worldwide pandemic and an ever-increasing cost of living, the pessimism needed to set forth a squall of optimistic, feel-good music seems to have become present once more.

During the spring of this year, singer-songwriter Chappell Roan experienced a sudden and overwhelming surge in popularity. Music venues became packed with fans dressed in Midwestern-themed outfits in accordance with the theme of her debut studio album, titled “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Her top song, “Good Luck, Babe,” peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-July and her fame has since spread all throughout the nation, Montgomery Blair High School included.

Sophomore Marilyn Ramsdell is one of many who can attest to her popularity. “I think that it’s kind of impacted social events,” she says. “Like, if you’re at a football game, you’ll hear people chanting ‘HOT TO GO!’ or doing the dance.”

It is not just Roan who is bringing about the resurrection of recession pop. Artists such as Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gracie Abrams have also popped back into the public eye, some after significant periods of inactivity, with new and uniquely energetic sounds to share.

Junior Mary Basa expressed her thoughts on the subject. “I’ve noticed that Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter gained a lot of fame this year,” she says. “I’ve seen that Charli XCX has been at the center of a lot of pop culture discussions recently as well, with people online doing the “Brat” dance and stuff.”

Give one listen to “Brat,” Charli XCX’s latest album and the recurring theme of escapism at the center of many pop songs from a decade ago will make itself obvious once more. This is shown through lyrics such as “I split the apple down symmetrical lines // And what I find is kinda scary // Makes me just wanna drive.” Gracie Abrams also released a new album recently, “The Secret of Us”. The last song on the track, “Close to You,” possesses a laid-back, steady beat and a simple, lighthearted melody reminiscent of the youthful music style of the 2010s. Even Katy Perry, who remained an icon in the music industry for the large part of that decade, came out with another album in September.

Sabrina Carpenter stands out in particular due to her distinctive musical style, as demonstrated in her new album, “Short n’ Sweet.” Her smooth vocals over sugar-sweet, confidence-exuding lyrics and melodies separate her from the larger pop scene.

Junior Kimberly Marquin Lucas noticed that modern pop music has an especially pronounced feminine energy this year. “Especially with Sabrina Carpenter, it’s pretty interesting how many of the popular artists now are female,” she says. “While there are some very well known male artists, it’s nice to see that women make a huge impact on the music industry.”

Ramsdell adds one thing she has observed about recent major pop artists. “I think they’ve all been expressing mostly happy emotions,” she says. “There are obviously underlying tones in certain songs about cheating or other negative things, but I think for the most part they are happy.”

Overall, against a somewhat chaotic, and to many, slightly bleak political and economic atmosphere, the music scene has gained a newfound vitality that has been able to and will likely continue to lift people’s spirits in times of distress.