‘Recession pop’ through the ages

“Recession Pop” is a term used to describe the sudden influx of fast-paced, positive dance-pop on Western music charts during and in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2009. Music has always reflected the attitudes and culture of its time as well as the events occurring alongside it – whether it’s Springsteen singing about the Vietnam War or Gaga dancing through the pain of financial hardship. Music also fosters a connection between listeners and artists alike through a portrait of the human experience – of love, loss, and life.

This piece takes a look at the state of popular music during some of the biggest global recessions of the last century.