I think the parent comment is correct. Things were really bleak in the 90s due to Clear Channel and other consolidation. I'd say pop music doesn't mean the same

I think the parent comment is correct. Things were really bleak in the 90s due to Clear Channel and other consolidation. I'd say pop music doesn't mean the same thing now as it did in the 20th century so it's hard to compare it. There's a lot of variety now but not many shared experiences.