
GREEN LIGHT
LORDE
2017
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.

RETURN OF THE MACK
MARK MORRISON
1996
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.

I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU
STEVIE WONDER
1984
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.

AROUND THE WORLD
(LA LA LA LA LA)
ATC
2000
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.

(I’VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE
BILL MEDLEY & JENNIFER WARNES
1987
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.

RATHER BE
CLEAN BANDIT FT. JESS GYLNNE
2014
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.

LITTLE RED CORVETTE
PRINCE
1983
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.

GUESS REMIX
CHARLI XCX FT. BILLIE EILISH
2024
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.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
JUSTIN BIEBER
2015
This track is impeccable. The production is sparse, but that space easily filled by Justin’s free-flowing melody. It all fits together flawlessly.

I WANT CANDY
BOW WOW WOW
1982
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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