Synthpop is probably one of the most significant genres of my generation and it acts as such a good representation of 2000s childhoods. Music became a new medium as we gained new ways to listen, watch and perform. During the recession, we needed an explosion of energy to keep us going, recession pop struck as a high-stimulus comfort item. This synthpop phenomenon only increased throughout the 2000s as tech started to evolve faster than it ever has before. The cultural significance of recession pop to Gen Z is prominent to me now as I constantly need musical stimuli in order to function. I find that no matter what mood I am in, a little synthpop cleanses me. There is something deeply rooted within recession pop that will always provide me comfort, there will always be this interconnectedness between it and my inner child. Synthpop makes me view the world with so much more joy and whimsy. Anytime you’re feeling awkward, embarrassed, shy, sad, or a little too self-aware, synthpop will come and fix that.
Source: Lisa Frank Designs: The epitome of cool in grade school.
Recession pop is powerful in its simplicity—it inspires listeners to live unapologetically. Lady Gaga’s entire discography, ARTPOP, or Born This Way, for example, will always bring me back to a place of childlike wonder where I can be anything. SOPHIE’s entire catalog is a need, she was the founding mother to modern pop, and used her music to push people to truly embrace their identities and be whatever they want. She has inspired significant electronic subgenres and artists, including Charli XCX. Everyone is already experienced with Brat, but even beyond that album her music is bold, confident and influential. “I Love It”, for example, is a Gen Z heirloom. Another fantastic producer from the time, A.G. Cook is a great source for Y2K appreciation.
“Everything is Embarrassing” by Sky Ferreira, a song structured timelessly like an 80s ballad with a Y2k twist, inspired me to write this article. The song is well written, with a catchy hook. It contains all the necessities for a pop hit, but the song itself is about unrequited love. It’s about the feeling of embarrassment after letting yourself put so much effort into someone who it never mattered to; which is probably one of the worst feelings a person could experience and that’s why I have been obsessed with this song. It’s unfortunately so relatable, but that relatability is what makes it so great. The best part about synthpop is how no matter what the lyrical content contains, it will always make you feel better.
Albums I am currently obsessed with include How I’m Feeling Now by Charli XCX, Something to Give Each Other by Troye Sivan, Eyelid Movies by Phantogram, Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories and Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay. These albums are so full of whimsy and energy and they are some of my favorite albums currently. The production is unique and often creative uses of sampling which I really like. I’m currently trying to get more into producing electronic pop, and I’ve been blasting these albums on really bass heavy speakers for the past few days, which has been a music lover’s paradise. If you are in need of a morale boost, something catchy, or loud enough to drown out your worries, I’d recommend some of my suggestions here.
