Gen Z’s Love for Nostalgia: Why Young People Are Rediscovering ‘90s Music (2024)

FAQs

Gen Z’s Love for Nostalgia: Why Young People Are Rediscovering ‘90s Music? ›

Gen Z's love for oldies music, particularly from the 90s and 00s, reflects a desire for a connection to the past in a rapidly changing world. Social media has played a pivotal role in introducing this generation to the timeless tunes of previous decades, fostering a cross-generational appreciation for music.

Simpler times

They've all grown up in the digital age. They know nothing other than the digital age. To them, the 90s was a simple time before smartphones, social media, and 24–7 connectivity. It's far enough away now to be nostalgic, but still close enough to be grasped.

Gen Zers don't just lose themselves in the classics, but also in the musical hits of the early 2000s. It's led to a resurgence of interest in artists like Avril Lavigne, Blink-182 and the emo subculture era. 👟 Oldies but goodies. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Zoomers have made thrifting cool again.

"Reminiscing about the 90s and 00s is comforting because it gives us connection to times in our lives where we felt more free, adventurous and connected to other people". Many fans of the 90s, like fashion blogger Ellie, weren't around then - so why is it nostalgic to her? According to Clay, it's "cultural continuity".

With the advent of technology, nostalgia has seamlessly woven itself into our daily interactions, shaping the way we perceive and engage with the world around us. Our digital devices serve as portals to the past, allowing us to effortlessly access and relive cherished memories with just a few taps or clicks.

While Millennials and Gen X listen predominantly to '90s music, 29% of Gen Z prefer to listen to '90s music over 23% to 2000s music. This trend will continue in 2024 with businesses re-releasing iconic '90s and 2000s toys and accessories, in hopes of appealing to the younger generation.

It's access. Growing up with access to search engines and social media made it really easy to not just hear about the past, but to experience it. Streaming platforms gave us access to millions of stories and videos and songs throughout history from an early age.

Nostalgia is a source of comfort. Sometimes looking back can provide an escape from what's to come or our current predicament. So it shouldn't come as a shock that millennials are heavily gravitating towards products (movies, concerts, and even toys) that hearken back to our childhood.

Emma Baker, a fashion historian, elaborates on this sentiment: "The '90s evoke a sense of pre-digital innocence that is particularly appealing to Gen Z. It was a time when people were not constantly connected, and personal style was less about online validation and more about individual expression."

For many Gen Zers, '90s and 2000s were their formative years, a time of social progress and prosperity. It might also represent an escapist desire for simpler times, especially when people put on nostalgia glasses looking at a distant but noticeable reality.

Why was 90s music so important? ›

Firstly, the theme of the '90s was highly influential and innovative. In addition, it was a time when created many new genres and sub-genres. This meant that there was a lot of variety in the music of the time and still appreciated today. Secondly, the artists of the '90s were highly talented and charismatic.

Arguably, the 1990s produced some of the best - or at least, the most influential - television, music, and movies. Indeed, many movie critics have made the case that 1999 was the best year ever for movies, featuring high-quality films that have become part of the cultural dialogue.

It's fun, basically. Our focus on the nineties can partly be put down to the 30 year theory around nostalgia, which dictates that things start to look interesting rather than just old-fashioned after three decades.

Youth nostalgia fosters a sense of belonging. Ho says that nostalgia reinforces relationships through shared experiences, which builds trust. In a time of social and political turmoil, it makes sense that younger generations (specifically Gen Z) would turn to nostalgia.

The '80s provide a perfect blend of nostalgia, authenticity, and a break from the digital frenzy of the present. The new generation is dancing to the rhythm of a neon-lit, rock-driven era they never truly knew, proving that even in a rapidly changing world, some things never go out of style.

Research has found that nostalgia can increase our sense of well-being, boost inspiration and creativity, make us feel more youthful, alert, optimistic, and energetic, and even encourage us to take risks and pursue our goals.

It's fun, basically. Our focus on the nineties can partly be put down to the 30 year theory around nostalgia, which dictates that things start to look interesting rather than just old-fashioned after three decades.

For many Gen Zers, '90s and 2000s were their formative years, a time of social progress and prosperity. It might also represent an escapist desire for simpler times, especially when people put on nostalgia glasses looking at a distant but noticeable reality.

As you may think, defining the two generations is based entirely on dates—in this case, years. A Millennial is anyone born between 1980 and 1995. In the U.S., there are roughly 80 million Millennials. A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s (end date can vary depending on source).