In times of economic uncertainty, cycles often repeat themselves in unexpected ways. Just as the Great Recession inspired a wave of escapist club pop anthems led by iconic artists like Lady Gaga, Kesha and Katy Perry, today’s financial tensions have inspired a new era of musicians to recreate and redefine recession pop.
“Recession pop” is a genre that originated during and as a result of the 2008 financial crisis. When society is dealing with significant issues, such as hard financial times, people look to art for comfort, and recession pop’s origin was a cultural response to the economic struggles the average person faced during the late 2000s.
Songs that qualify as recession pop are upbeat, high energy and are made to party to. Recession pop allows people to connect and positively relate to others, even when a community is facing challenging times. Rather than focusing on unemployment, inflation or housing crises, this genre of music gives people an outlet and common interest.
A study from the Journal of Cultural Economics shows that during tough economic times — such as rising inflation, unemployment, high interest rates or declining stock markets—people tend to prefer more upbeat music. This shift is a key element of recession pop.
The U.S. economy has faced significant challenges recently, driven by inflation, geopolitical tensions, and economic stress. Inflation has especially impacted Americans with higher consumer costs, with a Pew Research Center study reporting that 62% of U.S. adults label inflation as a major issue for the country, and the Federal Reserve’s high interest rates have further strained budgets. Geopolitical conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, have also contributed to economic uncertainty by causing fluctuating oil prices and disrupting supply chains.
These nationwide economic issues have put severe financial strain on the average person. The country’s financial state is dire, and the music industry has responded. While voices like Lady Gaga, Kesha and Katy Perry were major influences in the first wave of recession pop, a new era of pop artists is redefining the genre in response to modern financial crises.
Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter are all major names in pop music at the moment, with each artist currently claiming multiple spots on the Billboard Hot 100 list. These women in the industry are enabling a comeback of recession pop through their latest releases, a genre characterized by upbeat, danceable music that provides an escape from economic hardships.
Both Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter’s latest music exemplify the essence of recession pop, blending danceable rhythms with themes of resilience and escapism. Roan’s tracks, known for their vibrant energy and candid lyrics, provide listeners with both joy and defiance against their woes, exemplified by a line from hit “Good Luck, Babe!” saying: “Here’s to heartbreaks and making mistakes / We’re dancing through the pain, babe”.
Similarly, Carpenter’s recent releases feature infectious melodies and optimistic energy, offering a musical refuge from financial and social stressors. Carpenter’s recent hit “Espresso” embodies this, with lyrics such as, “Pour me another shot of dreams / I’m dancing in the in-betweens.” Lyrics like these highlight how both artists use their music to provide listeners with an escape and allow them to commiserate about society’s common problems.
Charli XCX has been particularly influential in the recent revival of recession pop with her sixth studio album “Brat”, released in June 2024, and the cultural phenomenon of “brat summer”. Pitchfork’s review of “Brat” defines today as “the era of the relatable pop star….the world’s biggest musicians are apparently also the salt of the earth, perpetually downtrodden by their relationships or jobs.” Pop music and artists today are real and relatable for the average person. The album is full of tracks that are high energy, escapist and empowering, giving rise to the “brat summer” mentality that is rebellious, carefree, and somewhat chaotic.
Characterized by neon green, club pop, Y2K fashion, indulgence and spontaneity, “brat summer” has gained immense momentum through the album itself and its adoption by social media users. The attitude it promotes is very much reminiscent of the recession pop mentality, particularly the “party girl” essence of “brat summer”.
Some of the worst economic times bring about some of the best pop music the industry has to offer. Pop culture repeats itself throughout history in cycles, and when society is at its darkest, it looks to art for solace. Recession pop, established during the 2008 financial crisis, has evolved across past decades until today, and will continue to reflect the escapism and release that society desperately craves during times of financial disparity.
