LISTEN & WATCH

DECEMBER, 1963
(OH, WHAT A NIGHT)
THE FOUR SEASONS
1975
A rare Four Seasons hit without Frankie on lead, but arguably their most enduring hit.

FADING LIKE A FLOWER
(EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE)
ROXETTE
1991
Roxette was truly one of the best of their generation. “Fading Like a Flower” thrives on the impact of its arrangement; I’ll argue this is their best.

MUSIC
MADONNA
2000
Each of the last four generations has their Madonna. Millennials were gifted a British accent and aerobics, but best of all her Cowgirl Era. “Music” is hypnotically simple, as only the Queen of Pop could bring to life and make a statement with.

IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU
YVONNE ELLIMAN
1977
This Saturday Night Fever standout (of course, Gibb-penned) dazzles in all the right ways. I think it perfectly captures disco’s presence in pop music.

ROAR
KATY PERRY
2013
Katy’s empowering anthem doesn’t shy away from a cliché or three, but it undeniably deserves to be a staple.

JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH
DEPECHE MODE
1981
Vince Clarke’s short stint with Depeche Mode resulted in their one true pop achievement. Of all their many hits, this was the only one that tried.

DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
SNOOP DOGG FT. PHARRELL WILLIAMS
2004
This hooky juggernaut of a Pharrell production was of course a culture touchstone – and a phrase people in their middle age continue to use – but also a testament to hip hop’s mass appeal.

APT.
ROSÉ & BRUNO MARS
2024
Rosé and Bruno’s instant classic “APT.” is inevitably going to be haunting us for years to come, but for now let’s appreciate it for the bop that it is.

THONG SONG
SISQÓ
2000
“You can’t tell me that that’s not a good vocal, cause it is a good vocal. That’s a brilliant vocal. For a song about a thong.” – Cynthia Erivo

DIET PEPSI
ADDISON RAE
2024
The reverberations of “Diet Pepsi’s” shockwaves are going to be felt at some point, mark my words.




















