All of the Above with James Brown
The James Brown Commentary
Recession pop
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Recession pop

... and our rotting shared narrative

Google searches for "recession pop" are at an all-time high.

Why? AND What is it? Both are complicated.

In some ways the economy looks good on paper unemployment is low and the stock market has already recovered from recent drops. But many Americans don’t believe it or aren't feeling it.

"I cry a lot but I am so productive, it's an art." 

Casey Lewis, a self-proclaimed trend expert, says there's a "disconnect between how the economy is actually doing and how young people feel financially."

What is recession pop? Lewis and others point to Taylor’s Swift’s new lyrics as an example:

"I cry a lot,” she sang. “but I am so productive, it's an art." 

It's hitting home for many.

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Joe Bennett, a music professor, tells CNBC that this era of "the Katy Perry banger." Upbeat songs during tough times.

But why now? Many young adults are struggling. 52 percent of Gen Z say they don't make enough to live the life they want.

Sure.

But you could argue that we Americans are selfish and materialistic, and we should be happy with some of the highest living standards in the world, and that’s all true, but I think this need to escape from the ravages of daily life screams something deeper.

A rot at the core of our shared narrative.
Something is wrong all around us and we’re not admitting it.
We’re not addressing our many, many problems. 

What do you think? Does music reflect how you feel about the economy? 

Share your thoughts in the comments and support my work at JamesBrowntv.substack.com.

On that note, I'm James Brown, and as always, be well.

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All of the Above with James Brown
The James Brown Commentary
Musings on news, life, and television. A few minutes a day, five days a week. Proudly based in Rochester, New York. Brought to you by Modern Fire Studios.