LISTEN & WATCH
STARSHIPS
NICKI MINAJ
2012
“Starships” was such a moment amongst several many at this time for Nicki. Not in spite of its unseriousness, but because of it.
THE LOOK OF LOVE
ABC
1982
A synthpop classic that prides itself on its taste for the finer things in life.
THERE’S NOTHING HOLDING ME BACK
SHAWN MENDES
2017
Yeah he’s had hits, but this is Shawn Mendes’ big pop moment. His franticness feels like he’s in competition with the music (which isn’t interested in competing with him)…and it works.
AFRICA
TOTO
1982
For being a “perfect” song (no sarcasm) that truly everyone knows and loves, these lyrics say absolutely nothing whatsoever.
BECAUSE OF YOU
98º
1998
These guys can really sing, and “Because of You” really put their talents to good use on a pop song.
BREAK MY STRIDE
MATTHEW WILDER
1983
Who had their money on this quirky little ditty making a comeback?
AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME
JUSTIN BIEBER FT. BIG SEAN
2012
Bieber’s coming of age era was chalk full of bops, but this track stood out amongst them. And to this day, it still sounds the best of the lot.
GIVE ME EVERYTHING
PITBULL FT. NE-YO, AFROJACK & NAYER
2011
Ah, Mr. Worldwide really gave us everything on this one. There are so many hooks packed in here, from all participating artists, it’s kind of a work of art.
CAKE BY THE OCEAN
DNCE
2015
Love cake, love the ocean, I don’t know that I love them together. Thank God this is about sex.
JUMP
KRISS KROSS
1992
A quintessential 90s classic for a reason! Every verse is iconic, the hook is iconic, the sample is… you get the idea.
HIDDEN UNDER HEADPHONES 