This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Maya Stokley. Find her on Instagram at @maya.aesthetic. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Friends, it is that time of the economy! The government’s handling of the economy is becoming very apparent that everyone’s pockets are struggling! But that means it is time to wear our business casual clothes to the club and party our worries away! Recession pop is a generational genre that combines EDM and pop music to create a sense of escapism and positivity. Most songs have a good message or lyrics about the current economic/political climate! If anything, recession pop is that genre that makes you feel good at any time and anywhere. Artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Pitbull, Ne-yo, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry’s careers launched during the Great Recession in 2008, solidifying their status in pop royalty. With talks of a potential recession, what songs are at the forefront of the DJ’s playlist? Let’s find out together!
Recession Pop Royalty: Abracadabra by Lady Gaga
If Lady Gaga is releasing a “feel-good” single, you know that the times are near. Abracadabra is Lady Gaga’s latest single and an absolute banger! The visuals pay homage to her 2008 aesthetic from her debut album, “The Fame”, her role as The Countess from American Horror Story, and her “Artpop” album! If anything, Gaga’s single combines all of her visuals as an artist into a work of art with the help of Parris Goebel with the iconic hand choreography.
The song’s message uses the meaning of “Abracadabra” as the magical word for a magician to perform a trick and combines it with the message of loving yourself. Also, the message can be conveyed as being magical in a time of uncertainty and obstacles. One of the most meaningful lyrics is:
“Save me from this empty fight in the game of life!”
This lyric has a positive message that everyone can relate to currently politically, economically, emotionally, mentally, or physically. Gaga knows how to get a crowd going and rejoice in unity to overcome these challenging times. Even at her Coachella performance, the audience was electrifying and feeding into her energy as a performer. Also, you know that Gaga ate when critics say that her performance is demonic. She is just iconic like that! When I go to the club, this song has to be replayed like 10 times throughout the night!
Die With A Smile – Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga
Yes, I have another Lady Gaga song here! She is just the queen of recession pop. What more do you want from me?! But this one is with Bruno Mars because he is the King of Yearning! Die With A Smile is a ballad (yes, play a ballad at a club) about enjoying life to the fullest regardless of what life throws at you. Honestly, this is the perfect song for a recession. Right now, pop lovers are singing this song at the top of their lungs, whether on the radio or on Spotify. Even at my college, if I play this song anywhere, someone is either emotional, singing out loud, or mumbling the lyrics.
With Bruno’s heavenly vocals and Gaga’s beautiful tone, the song gives a sense of joy and the vibe of “everything will be okay.” So, you must smile through life because there will always be light on the other side of the tunnel. Like the beginning of the hook of the song is so iconic like:
“If the world was ending, I want to be next to you!”
Like, you cannot tell me that it is not an earworm. Even if you don’t listen to the whole song, you know the first line of the hook! If the DJ plays this at the club, know that I will be crying while sipping my drink in my right hand, calling my future lover in the other hand. This song has to be in the queue.
Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan
I am not a Chapell Roan fan. I know it is a very bold statement. Let me clarify: I listen to her music here and there, but I am not an avid listener. Big difference. But, this song is a bop! I mean, truly the song has a very easygoing vibe that puts you in a daze. Even better, this is a song that you sing to yourself at the club or slow dance with someone else. Roan is definitely good at creating music that is all about expressing oneself. Because she owns her authenticity, she puts that message in her songs. In these times, it is very important!
Okay, onto the song! The lyrics value finding a safe space and expressing yourself in a community. Community is vital, and we are all family in the club. I know that everyone knows the lyrics:
“Pink Pony Club, I’m gonna keep on dancing at the Pink Pony Club”
You cannot tell me that this hook does not go hard! Roan is setting a strong precedent of using your creativity to help people find their place in their communities. Even though this song is five years ago, it still hits today.
Like JENNIE – JENNIE
You know that I had to put a K-pop song on here. It is my mission to promote this genre as much as possible. Jennie’s solo album showcases who she is as an artist, especially without Blackpink. LIKE JENNIE is about declaring her independence and being unapologetically yourself. Now, how does this go with recession pop?
Because it slaps! The energy and vibes of the song make you “feel good” and have a positive vibe! With the influence of amapiano, it goes with the current trend, and it is a song that you want to blast in the club. Yes, we are not all JENNIE but we can feel like JENNIE in the club!
Sports Car by Tate McRae
You know the economy is falling apart when nostalgia starts returning. Tate McRae is one of the biggest upcoming pop artists and her new album did not disappoint! “Sports Car” became a bonafide hit in a matter of months on TikTok and social media! Now, how is this song considered recession pop? It is because her song samples “Buttons” which came out in 2005 (I mean, who doesn’t know this song!). But, her lyrics talk about having a no-strings relationship with someone and just having fun in a car. This song is a club hit because of the whisper chorus and the visuals to match. Next time, in the club, I will be dancing to this song all night!
What other songs do you think should be included in recession pop? Share in the comments!
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