Think of how much the concept of space travel captivated America for decades. It was one of the main frontiers of television, inspired numerous songs, and created generational defining media.
When America went for GDP and convenience over awe inspiring goals we lost the luster that inspired millions. The same way we look at historical buildings over brutalism and modern shit shows. Innovation died because of capitalism gone rogue min maxing fiat currency over actually building anything.
I personally think it is confirmation bias.
How many hits from the 1920s can you name off the top of your head? The 1840s? The 1770s?
We get once-a-generation talents, and their works are preserved. And we look back upon the once-a-generation talent, and say "all works back then must have been at this quality".
To be a massive success, greater than all of history, a mere three people across thirty years need to make good content that will be engraved upon history. That would put us ahead of everything that came before.
There's a lot more slop now. It is true. There is also a lot more population, both to consoom the slop, and to produce it. But lets not pretend that the folk songs of 1540 were all bangers, either.
Shout out to Yuki Kajiura. She'll be one looked back upon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B588Yp8uF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txfv0t-dxpI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqG2Cer_CQ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTOemssD-Zs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rudziat8H_k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUuknk81n2w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9oJHpeCmHU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaGQ0yy5F1w