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Technically, this song plays by its own rules, and would otherwise be dismissed as “pop.” But do we really need a proper chorus? Do we really need a textbook structure? Lorde doesn’t need sh*t, and despite being this song lyrically complex, it is musically exultant.

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This will get the party going 100% of the time. Yes, these are some of the most hilariously iconic ad-libs, but the beat is irresistible and the hook goes off like dynamite.

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Stevie Wonder’s repertoire is saturated with pop hits, but during this particular time period, it’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” that takes the cakes. It’s picture perfect arrangement and vocal (hello key changes!) sounds effortless – almost cheesy – but there’s nothing easy about this.

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This is a masterclass in europop and dance. When you have an instrumental melody so recognizable, so craveable…and you tack on such an instantaneously simple hook…game over.

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Love it or hate it or just simply over it, this song is immortal. There is no denying the composition of this track, and while Jennifer Warnes has her moment, it’s the ex-Righteous Brother’s comeback moment that steals the show.

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Clean Bandit flawlessly integrates classical instrumental into house music into one of the most buoyant productions this century. But Jess Glynne’s vocal and melody makes this a pop anthem.

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Prince is one of those artists who I think it’s safe to say the status of “pop star” is beneath, but he also knew he could make himself a hit any time he wanted. “Little Red Corvette” remains one of his most beloved works, simply because it does pop on his own terms…but in a way that’s so easy to get lost in.

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Until last year, it had been way too long since we’d had a hit about underwear. What began a standout bonus track on Charli’s seminal brat, turned into a duet with Billie, and thus the biggest hit of the project. Shoutout to the Dare.

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This track is impeccable. The production is sparse, but that space easily filled by Justin’s free-flowing melody. It all fits together flawlessly.

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This version of “I Want Candy” is definitely the most famous and the most well-executed. This song sounds like cotton candy tastes, and I’d say that’s mission accomplished.

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