The Resurgence of Conservative Ideals in Pop Culture
It’s time to face the music — conservative ideals have made their way back into mainstream pop culture. For the first time in over a decade, songs rooted in faith are dominating the charts, reflecting a societal shift towards more traditional values. This article explores the evolution of pop culture, the current landscape, and the implications of this trend.
The Past
Pop culture and music have long served as indicators of the political climate. The summer of 2024 was marked by the rise of boundary-pushing female pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX, whose "brat summer" trend resonated with audiences and even found its way into Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, as noted by Semafor. However, alongside these pop icons, country music began to resonate with young white audiences, many of whom may not identify as conservative but were seeking a more palatable form of populism, according to Rolling Stone.
For some listeners, country music became an art form that provided solace when progressive artists and their politics felt alienating. This shift can be traced back to Donald Trump’s campaign, which tapped into nostalgia for a time when traditional roles were more pronounced and white identity felt less threatened. Since Trump’s victory, Christian and Christian-adjacent music, particularly from male artists, has infiltrated mainstream culture, capturing the zeitgeist of a politically polarized era. As Vox noted, "Christian-coded music has finally broken containment and conquered the airwaves."
The Present
Fast forward to summer 2025, and the cultural landscape has shifted dramatically. This summer has been characterized by "tradpop," a term that describes a blend of traditional pop infused with elements of spiritual and country music, as highlighted by Artistrack. Songs within this genre often feature lyrics centered around family, faith, personal values, and resilience. Notable examples include Benson Boone’s "Beautiful Things" and Alex Warren’s "Ordinary," the latter of which has become a massive hit, easily doubling as a Christian worship song.
Christian artists like Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake have also made significant strides on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a notable presence in mainstream music. Holly Zabka, president of Provident, a Sony subsidiary dedicated to Christian music, remarked to NPR that Christian artists can now "simply exist on the same level as all the other artists in the world," a stark contrast to previous perceptions of Christian music as a lesser version of popular genres.
The Meaning
Tradpop has found a particularly receptive audience among young men. The common thread among these songs is their confessional nature and the raw vulnerability displayed by male artists. This emotional openness is a trait that many modern men, especially those steeped in conservative culture, often struggle to access. This phenomenon aligns with the male loneliness epidemic and the growing ideological divide between men and women in the U.S. and globally. Many young men grappling with depression are turning to Christian music as a means of coping, as Zabka noted.
However, it is somewhat ironic that the very codes of stoic masculinity that often leave these male artists seeking outlets for expression are reinforced by the same Christian culture they are trying to navigate. The shift towards tradpop reflects a broader cultural and political narrative that has leaned towards traditional and conservative ideals since Trump’s return to power. Additionally, the genre’s participatory nature aligns well with today’s social media-driven marketing strategies. Musicians achieving success often position themselves as co-creators with their audience, much like a pastor engaging with their congregation.
In this evolving landscape, the intersection of music, faith, and cultural identity continues to shape the narratives we encounter, revealing the complexities of modern society and the enduring power of pop culture as a reflection of our values and beliefs.
