What’s the defining Millennial song?

What’s the defining Millennial song?

From NPR Music by NPR

May 26, 2026 · 1h 4m

About this episode

The episode explores the defining song of the Millennial generation through various historical and cultural lenses.

We weigh the options and attempt to pick the one song that best captures the Millennial experience, from the dizzying highs of the dot-com boom, when anything seemed possible, to the post-9-11 bust, the "hope and change" of the Obama years, and prolonged period of generational disillusionment. NPR Music editors Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton. A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple , Spotify , or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Host: Robin Hilton

Guests: Hazel Cills, Sheldon Pearce

Topics covered

  • Millennial experience
  • music
  • cultural commentary
  • generational disillusionment
  • historical context

Keywords

  • Millennial song
  • NPR Music
  • cultural history
  • music analysis
  • generational themes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR

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