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Ari’s tactfully limited club-ready output has allowed her to explore her own direction, but the Zedd-assisted “Break Free” reminds us she could do it any time she wanted.

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A melody that just seers into your soul. It really is a perfect ballad.

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Rihanna was once one of the most prolific pop stars on the planet. The darker, electrorock-tinged “Disturbia” stood out in a pack of her other megahits.

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This one of the most vibrant, explosive pop moments of the 1980s. Terrible pickup line.

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Lizzo’s massive sleeper hit and self-confidence anthem doesn’t feel like it’s in competition with itself. It’s uncomplicated in the best way.

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This song serves a bigger purpose than the value of the music itself. However, the naughtiness grabbed everyone’s attention, and the earworm made it a hit.

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Duffy’s breakout hit is soulful and sleek, produced and arranged authentically without ever losing its modern edge. And her divine voice carries the melody expertly.

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To say this is anything less than pop perfection would be misguided – you can tell it was written with Swedes.

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Posty’s got hits for days, but “Circles” set itself from the pack. Built around a bouncy, almost yacht rock beat, it’s inherent breeziness gives all the space for that brilliant chorus to shine.

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Voices are compared to Taylor Dayne, not the other way around. A while she’s certainly had more lively hits, this stunning ballad really showcases her chops.

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