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Raise the Roof:
During times of crisis, the music produced tend to be faster, which is incidentally more danceable. These types of rhythms are popular as people want an escape from their lives into the fantasy of pop culture (ie. Escapism). So, despite current calamities, pop music is generally faster and happier than ever. But why House Music? The blend of techno, disco and soul is the perfect soundtrack for a modern global, work-driven and restless world. It’s positive, uplifting but still relaxed, and the lyrics usually deal with love and spiritual topics.
Rewind Time:
In 2009, the worst financial year of the Great Recession, the chart toppers were hits like The Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”, Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”, Kesha’s “Tik Tok” and Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop The Music”. These songs were upbeat and luxurious, telling people to love life and get money. Despite the economic situation, the music was fast, and people were dancing. These days the chart toppers are from artists like The Weekend, Doja Cat and Dua Lipa, again with similar themes, BPMs and danceability. Most recently, both Drake and Beyonce released comebacks that are heavily House-inspired.
Correlation isn’t causation, but I think it’s a fun and peculiar observation to make. More House Music doesn’t guarantee we’re in a recession but hey, a bit more dancing can’t hurt anybody, so don’t stop the oontz oontz. 🕺
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