Pop music has undergone a significant transformation over the past five decades, with a marked increase in sad themes and simpler lyrics. Austrian researchers analyzed over 20,000 hit songs from the US Billboard Hot 100 charts spanning from 1973 to 2023, utilizing automated text-analysis tools to assess sentiment, stress levels, and lyrical repetition. Their findings reveal a trend among contemporary songwriters, who are increasingly incorporating stress-related language into their work.
The study indicates that across genres such as hip-hop, pop, and R&B, emotional expression has grown more straightforward. The authors argue this represents “one of the most pronounced shifts in the character of popular music” in recent history, suggesting that music increasingly serves as a tool for “collective mood management.” Notably, this trend coincides with rising rates of depression and anxiety, evident not just in music but also in literature and media coverage.
Interestingly, exceptions to this trend arise during periods of global stress. For instance, after the September 11 attacks and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, popular songs featured more complex lyrics and positive themes, likely reflecting a need for escapism during challenging times.
A look back at historical chart-toppers illustrates the evolution of lyrical complexity. In the 1970s, sophisticated lyrics were essential, as demonstrated by the Sugarhill Gang’s hit “Rapper’s Delight.” The 1980s saw Tina Turner questioning emotional commitment in “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” In the 1990s, Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” resonated with listeners amid political debates in Australia regarding a shift to a republic.
By the early 2000s, it seemed only established musicians could produce lyrically rich material, as exemplified by Elton John’s “The Bridge.” While Donald Trump’s presidency saw a temporary rise in lyrical complexity, the pandemic briefly nudged listeners toward lighter material. Yet, the overarching trend remains clear: sad songs dominate the charts.
Recent popular tracks support this notion. In 2020, Jack Harlow’s TikTok hit “What’s Poppin’?” exemplified the trend toward simpler lyrics. This year, Taylor Swift’s award-winning album “The Life of a Showgirl” showcased a similar simplicity with lines like, “Did you girlboss too close to the sun? Did they catch you having far too much fun?”
The researchers noted that rising incomes in the 21st century did not correlate with a shift toward happier music. Instead, it appears that financial conditions influence markets, but not the emotional tone of music. While the dataset focused on the United States, similar patterns can be observed in Australia, where streaming charts reflect a growing preference for artists addressing themes of anxiety and emotional unrest.
The landscape of modern music has shifted noticeably. Earlier hits often featured expansive narratives or optimistic messages, while contemporary songs now typically present emotional snapshots of heartbreak, personal struggles, and moments of tension. This shift extends beyond just the music itself; it has influenced radio programming, festival lineups, and record label decisions.
Recent Australian music festival Sidefest showcased indie folk-rock artists such as Stella Donnelley and Sly Withers, highlighting the demand for more vulnerable songwriting. Many new Australian artists, like Spacey Jane, have embraced stripped-back production and diary-style lyrics in their work. Their song “Falling Apart” captures this trend poignantly with the lines: “I keep on calling and calling and calling and calling. But nobody answers.”
The evolving landscape of pop music reflects broader societal emotions, providing insight into the collective psyche of listeners today. As the industry adapts to these changes, it remains evident that the simplicity and sadness that characterize modern music resonate deeply with audiences navigating an increasingly complex world.
