HIT ‘EM UP STYLE (OOPS!)
BLU CANTRELL
2001
C’mon revenge! The melody is almost sing-songy in a taunting way… but it’s a rally!
ROCK ME AMADEUS
FALCO
1985
This is ridiculous in all the right ways. The mostly-German ode to Mozart’s rockstardom (accounting for inflation, of course) is a hypnotizing ride you’re getting right back in line for.
PARTY ALL THE TIME
EDDIE MURPHY
1985
Comedian Eddie Murphy fleetingly took a music career seriously, and landed himself a pretty great hit. One of Rick James’ many iconic collab productions.
HOLD ME NOW
THOMPSON TWINS
1983
When a synthpop ballad hits, it really hits. And “Hold Me Now” is perfectly dramatic, melancholy, etc. Just what you want.
CRUSH
JENNIFER PAIGE
1998
No one doesn’t think this is a banger. And if you don’t, get out.
HOW BIZARRE
OMC
1995
I completely respect the general populous in the mid 1990s for understanding this song, and making it hit we’re still bumping decades later. The track is coocoo, but damn it’s a vibe.
UPSIDE DOWN
A*TEENS
2000
Almost inarguably, no one does pop music like Sweden. Through the A*Teens – built in the image of ABBA – they gifted us one of their most saccharine. Listening to this feels like a high school crush every time.
WHAT WAS I MADE FOR?
BILLIE EILISH
2023
One of many Barbie soundtrack hits, Billie’s stark ballad was the one that really got through to the soul of everything. Undeniably amongst her best.
STOP
SPICE GIRLS
1997
During their original run, pop juggernauts the Spice Girls sent every single one of their singles to the top of the UK chart…except for “Stop.” History has nothing but vindicated it, as it’s easily one of their most recognizable hits.
I DON’T WANT TO MISS A THING
AEROSMITH
1998
Taking on Diane Warren’s BRILLIANT composition for the Armageddon soundtrack, rock legends Aerosmith brought to life a pop ballad that probably would’ve made this list no matter who did.
HIDDEN UNDER HEADPHONES 