Watch this video, and tell me that there is no objective difference in quality between pre-2000 and post-2000 songs.
With a few exceptions, modern music is autotuned-to-death, boring, indistinguishable crap.
With a few exceptions, modern music is autotuned-to-death, boring, indistinguishable crap.
In the previous 10 years (2013-2022) years the songs that clearly fit your description are "Closer" (2016), "Sunflower" (2018), "Stay" (2021). I'd probably say "Old Town Road" (2019) is pretty bad also, with a very boring, repetitive bass track. And "Despacito" (2017) is catchy but has the same cliche beat as a million other songs in the genre.
"Happy" (2013) is a fun song that could be compared to Bobby McFerrin's 1988 hit, "Uptown Funk" (2014) is a 70s throwback, "Hello" (2015) is a vocal fireworks show, "Blinding Lights" (2020) and "As It Was" (2022) are 80s throwbacks.
On the other hand is "Never Gonna Give You Up" (1987) actually a good song? Is "U Can't Touch This" (1990)? Is "Wannabe" (1996)? No, they are fun but none of these are really good songs.
I'm not sure just comparing the most recognizable song of each year gets you very far.
After 1990 it drops right off a cliff for me with a few exceptions.