Recession Pop Is the Playlist of the Year: Defining the Genre

The words “recession” and “pop” don’t sound like they belong in the same sentence. But when you combine the two, you have this year’s buzziest music genre. And spoiler alert: Recession pop is composed of songs you’ve heard before (and likely had on repeat). Think back to the year 2008, when it all started, and how artists like Lady Gaga, Usher, and Katy Perry took over the soundwaves with their high-energy, pop tracks. 

With 2025 seeing economic shifts similar to those of ‘08, and 79% of listeners turning to music or podcasts to reduce stress during difficult times, recession pop is making a comeback as a form of auditory escapism for listeners. As advertisers navigate consumer changes and evolving habits in response to the shifting climate, here’s how nostalgia and audio make a worthwhile strategy—especially when combined. 

What Is Recession Pop?

Music has long served as an escape for listeners, and it’s especially true for recession pop. Known as an upbeat pop genre that started in as early as 2007 and lasted until as late as 2012, this genre mentally takes one to the dance floor and serves as a distraction for whatever is happening in the world. 

If the song titles themselves are any clue, you’ll find a common theme of artists looking to bring up the energy and forget about any woes for as long as the song lasts. Think back to tracks like: 

• “Party Rock Anthem” - LMFAO, Lauren Bennett, GoonRock 

• “DJ Got Us Falling In Love” - Usher, Pitbull 

• “Don’t Stop the Music” - Rihanna 

• “Just Dance” - Lady Gaga 

Strike While the Nostalgia’s Hot

Despite the widespread popularity of today’s pop artists, from Sabrina Carpenter to Chappell Roan, listeners are reaching for familiar favorites. According to Luminate’s 2025 Midyear Music Report, there’s been a +6.4% increase in US audio streams of pop tracks from the 2007-2012 recession period—outranking genres like Latin, rock, and world music during the same time period. This resurgence of nostalgic music isn’t reserved for streaming audio platforms either, popular artists from the last few decades are making a comeback on reunion tours. 

Oasis started their reunion tour this year, quickly selling out in multiple markets. Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys extended their Las Vegas residency into 2026 due to popular demand. And the Jonas Brothers commenced a tour to celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary in 2025, too. It’s evident that nostalgia sells, and listeners are lining up to remember past memories and feel the vibes of yesteryear. 

Brands can reach recession pop listeners on throwback Pandora stations like 2010s Pop, 2011: Hits, or 2012: Hits. With 84% of Pandora listeners saying nostalgic music brings them comfort/peace of mind, you can target them when they’re in the right headspace for your brand messages.  

Recession Pop Is Part of a Larger Trend: Collective Escapism

Music serves as a cultural and historical timeline. And in the current state of the world, over seven in 10 Americans are worried about the economy and potential economic downturns.

Consumers are responding by turning on the speakers and wearing their headphones, with 69% of listeners seeking out positive or uplifting audio content when feeling overwhelmed, making recession pop an easy choice. Audio comes out on top when compared to other media—over half of listeners say music helps them process social and emotional challenges better than any other content.

Listeners are flocking to Pandora when they’re feeling some type of way, with 21K average daily unique visitors to “sad” mood-based stations in February of this year. Thanks to Pandora’s advanced targeting, brands can find listeners in any type of mood in real time, whether your target consumers are feeling angsty (reaching almost 15M listeners) or soothing (reaching almost 10M listeners). With the ability to target listeners in specific moods, listening to specific music, you can personalize your message whether you’re offering reassurance, relatability, or comfort during uncertain times. 

Prioritize Zillennials in Your Target Audience

Not all recession pop listeners are the same, and some audiences are more likely to turn to nostalgic music than others. Meet zillennials, the oldest Gen Zers at ages 25-29, who are the in-between generation of Gen Z and millennials. This group of Gen Zers are what we call the Realists, and to them, recession pop was likely a large part of their adolescence and carries memories of their childhood.

As Realists come close to starting a new decade in their lives, it comes as no surprise that 82% of them still listen to the same music they grew up with, and 46% say that music from past decades resonates more with them than current hits. With Pandora housing music of past eras that have influenced today’s bangers, it’s a no-brainer to lean on its diverse ad solutions to reach Realists—from audio-only ads, to display or video formats, to rewarded ads. 

Rewind on the Good Ol’ Days with SiriusXM Media

The current economic shifts won’t last forever, but nostalgic music is here to stay. Music has long been a historical recordkeeper of the economy and culture, and audio remains stable as consumers’ go-to remedy and pick-me-up during times of change. Now, don’t mind us as we’re off to curate our recession pop playlist. 

Ready to connect with listeners who are looking for a blast from the past? Let’s chat. 

More Music Genres to Explore