We all have a secret. Even the most serious, most intellectual music listener probably has a song they blast in the car when they're alone, but would never play in front of their friends. We call them 'guilty pleasures'.

But why should a pleasure be 'guilty'? What's so shameful about enjoying a piece of music? The term itself reveals a strange social pressure we feel about our musical tastes.

A 'guilty pleasure' is usually applied to music labeled as 'simple', 'commercial', 'cliché', or 'lacking artistic depth'. Most often, these are pop songs, memorable but 'basic' hits from the 80s or 90s, or emotional ballads.

This feeling of guilt stems from a phenomenon known as 'music elitism' or 'snobbery'. This is the idea that certain genres of music (usually classical, jazz, 'serious' rock) are inherently 'superior' or 'more valuable' than others (pop, dance music).

Historically, this distinction came from class divisions. Opera or classical music belonged to the educated and wealthy upper classes, while folk music or ballads were seen as the entertainment of the 'common people'.

In the modern world, this distinction runs on lines of 'authenticity' and 'commerce'. Rock bands that play 'real' instruments and write their own songs (supposedly 'authentic') were considered 'superior' to pop stars created by a team of producers (supposedly 'commercial').

For decades, music critics reinforced this perception. They created a 'canon' that determined what 'good' music was and which albums should be considered 'classics'. Those outside this list were generally not taken seriously.

However, the rise of the internet and streaming platforms has shaken this fortress to its core. We no longer need 'gatekeepers' of music. A library of millions of songs is at our fingertips.

Streaming algorithms don't judge us. Spotify or YouTube doesn't find you 'inconsistent' for listening to Beethoven and then immediately switching to a K-Pop song. They just take your data and recommend similar things.

This new freedom has also led us to question the concept of the 'guilty pleasure'. So, why do we love those 'simple' songs so much? The answer lies in psychology.

The first reason is 'nostalgia'. Those songs remind us of our youth, our first love, or a carefree summer vacation. We are attached to the powerful emotional memory it evokes, more than the artistic value of the song itself.

The second reason is simple: Dopamine. Pop music is designed to grab the listener immediately. Catchy melodies (hooks), simple rhythms, and predictable structures provide instant gratification for our brain. This is scientifically pleasurable.

The third reason is emotional honesty. Sometimes we don't want 'deep' and 'complex' music. Sometimes, all we need is an emotional ballad that describes a breakup in simple terms or an upbeat rhythm written just for dancing.

In recent years, a new cultural movement called 'Poptimism' has emerged. Poptimists argue that pop music is a valuable art form in its own right, one that deserves to be taken just as seriously as other genres.

Thanks to this movement, critics are now including pop albums in their 'best of the year' lists and subjecting them to serious analysis. Just because pop music is 'simple' doesn't mean it's 'bad'.

Radios have always played an important role in breaking down this elitism. Radio is democratic by nature. It focuses on what the public loves, not just what the critics say is 'good', and it plays those hit songs.

A radio station, by playing a brand new pop hit right after a rock classic, actually breaks down the artificial walls between these genres. It gives the listener one simple message: 'If you enjoy it, it's good music.'

Perhaps it's time to abandon the term 'guilty pleasure'. We don't have to apologize to anyone for the joy we get from music.

The primary purpose of music is not to be an intellectual exercise, but to move our emotions. If a song makes you happy, sad, want to dance, or brings back an old memory, then that song has successfully done its job.

So next time that 'embarrassing' song comes on your radio, don't turn it down. Enjoy it. Because pleasure should never involve guilt.