With the recent rise of the 2016 trend that began this year, music from this era is resurging, and those artists are also creating new releases. The wave of dance-pop draws from mid-2010s sounds, with both new and returning artists embracing the upbeat, summery style.
One standout artist is Zara Larsson, a Swedish singer and songwriter whose 2010s hits are gaining renewed attention. Her 2016 smash hit “Lush Life,” has over 2 billion streams according to Spotify. Fans loved the song for its catchy, summery vibes. In December 2025, it went viral via a popular TikTok dance trend, inspiring a new generation of fans and reengaging longtime listeners.
Larsson released her 2025 album, “Midnight Sun,” which quickly became a fan favorite. The title track captures the joys of summer and pure happiness. Recently, she went No. 1 with PinkPantheress for their song, “Stateside,” partially due to the success of Olympic gold medalist, Alysa Liu, and her performance at the Olympics showcase. Larsson’s tour has also gone viral, especially when she brings fans up to the stage to perform the “Lush Life” dance with her.
“I don’t listen to Zara Larsson much but I would definitely say she makes light-hearted and feel good music,” special education teacher Ms. Tracey said. “I would listen to it more in the summer when I’m driving.”
Similarly, Addison Rae has made her mark with dance-pop, channeling a similar 2010’s vibe. Rae first gained fame as a TikTok influencer in 2019, posting dance videos that earned her a massive following. She expanded her career into music and acting, starring in “He’s All That.” Her early music, like the single “Obsessed,” didn’t receive much love from fans, but her 2023 EP “AR” brought renewed attention. Her collaboration with famous singer, Charli XCX on the song “Von dutch” helped her music career take off. Her partnership with Charli XCX provided her guidance and mentorship in the music industry.
Rae’s 2025 album “Addison” includes hits like “Diet Pepsi” and “Aquamarine,” which has surpassed one billion streams. She also earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 68th Grammys, showcasing her transformation from TikTok star to pop sensation.
“My favorite song from Addison Rae is ‘Fame is a Gun,’” junior Harine Balasubramaniyam said. “I love her music because of its catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo.”
Charli XCX has also had a comeback in dance-pop. Her 2024 album “BRAT” went viral online, sparking her “brat era” and “brat summer” according to fans. She first rose to fame in 2016 with her EP “Vroom Vroom” and her feature on Icona Pop’s “I Love It.”
“I really enjoy Charli XCX’s music because the songs are really catchy and she has a unique but bold style,” senior Shania Jacob said. “She’s a really interesting artist because she pushes the boundaries of pop.”
Dance-pop has always shaped musical culture, especially in the mid-2010’s. Fans miss that nostalgic, summery and euphoric feeling that comes with this genre. With social media and short-form content driving trends, new and returning artists are reshaping this music, blending nostalgia with fresh digital influences to create something both familiar and new.
