LISTEN & WATCH

VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR
THE BUGGLES
1979
A poignant commentary on technology’s infiltration of society that came decades before personal computers and the internet found their way into every household…but also a bop and a half.

EVERYBODY (BACKSTREET’S BACK)
BACKSTREET BOYS
1997
This a bona fide boy band classic. First of all, we love a self-referential anthem. Second, we love a call and response. Interestingly, to US fans, BSB were brand-spakin’-new… but they were “back.” And we love that, too.

WAITING FOR TONIGHT
JENNIFER LOPEZ
1999
J.Lo’s got a ton of hits, but this is the one that still does. It’s popified Latin house with a perfect chorus, and it honestly holds up.

BREAK MY SOUL
BEYONCÉ
2022
Kicking off not only her legendary RENAISSANCE campaign, but a mysterious trilogy of works we’re still in the midst of, “Break My Soul” was Beyoncé’s victory lap-in-a-song. She plays by no-one’s rules, but it remains flawlessly, meticulously executed.

ROCK WITH YOU
MICHAEL JACKSON
1980
The groove of “Rock With You” remains one of Quincy & MJ’s many opuses. Despite being one of the more understated moments of their collaborative era, it’s no less intricate – and its staying power speaks for itself.

99 LUFTBALLONS
NENA
1983
When the German version becomes the hit in English-speaking territories… Likely because the people just wanted to dance to it and not think about the nuclear war angle.

S&M REMIX
RIHANNA FT. BRITNEY SPEARS
2011
Inarguably “S&M” was perfect from the jump, but adding Britney? Like (Na-na-na) come on! This kinky dance pop hit was only slightly reimagined for the remix, but it did in fact level up… and now we get to remind ourselves that these two legends are actually on a track together.

1 THING
AMERIE
2005
Oh this song is a masterpiece! That percussion? That hook? That other hook? It can’t be touched.

I’M SO EXCITED
THE POINTER SISTERS
1982
This track isn’t just exciting, it’s jubilant! The songwriting is honestly incredible, and we will always give the Pointer Sisters a standing O for their vocals.

FAITH
GEORGE MICHAEL
1986
The most pop-forward moment of George Michael’s solo career, “Faith” is a nothing short of a staple. That riff is glorious, but it’s the way he slithers around it.





















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