Why in 2026, We No Longer Need to Hide Our Playlists
We’ve all been there: the first beat of Dr. Alban’s „It’s My Life“ or the catchy chorus of a 90s boyband starts playing, and suddenly, your foot is tapping. For a long time, we labeled these moments as „guilty pleasures“—secret joys we felt we should be ashamed of. But why? As a musicologist, I say: it’s time to drop the shame and celebrate the 90s analytically.
The Arrogance of Taste
The term „guilty pleasure“ is rooted in a sociological distinction described by Pierre Bourdieu: taste as a means of social distinction. People listened to Jazz or Progressive Rock to distance themselves intellectually from the masses. The pop music of the 90s, especially Eurodance and bubblegum pop, was discredited as „functional“ and „overproduced.“ But by 2026, the tide has turned. In a complex world, we are seeking the unapologetic directness of that era.
The Compositional Brilliance of „Trash“
When we look at 90s music through a scientific lens, we often find a level of craftsmanship that is underrated today. Many Eurodance productions were pioneers in sound design and the use of synthesizers that are staples in high-end studios today. The harmonies of the great boyband anthems (think Max Martin) are often closer to classical songwriting structures than many modern trap tracks.
Authenticity Through Nostalgia
Why are the 90s booming right now? Because they represent a form of analog lightheartedness. The „authenticity“ we strive for today is, ironically, found in the bright colors and pumping beats of the past. It’s a longing for a time when music wasn’t optimized for an algorithm, but for the dancefloor (or your bedroom radio).
Conclusion: Listen to What You Love!
A „guilty pleasure“ only exists if you judge music by its social status rather than its emotional impact. If a Vengaboys song makes you smile, you are experiencing genuine resonance—and that is the ultimate goal of music.
Let’s leave the shame in the past. Music is meant to be felt, not used as a tool to polish one’s intellect.