RESPECTABLE
MEL & KIM
1987
One of Stock Aitken and Waterman’s biggest in-house creations, “Respectable” is a magnificent whirlwind of a pop song you just need to strap in and go along with.
WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS
ANNIE LENNOX
1992
Annie Lennox’s mind has always seemed to be more adventurous than pop music, but the genius, staccato-laced “Walking on Broken Glass” is proof she could make a hit any time she wanted.
WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS?
PET SHOP BOYS FT. DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
1987
Not only a massive revival for the immortal Dusty Springfield, but pop masterminds the Pet Shop Boys delivered one of their finest overall works with this one. There’s a loose structure, but every moment is so intentional it’s easy to follow.
GRACE KELLY
MIKA
2007
This borderline-showtune anthem showcases the power of effervescence. MIKA’s grandiose vocal performance feels like it blows open the doors for all the weird kids, the queer kids, and generally everyone, to escape out of.
SAY YOU’LL BE THERE
SPICE GIRLS
1996
Following up a debut single a la “Wannabe” is an impossible task. The only way to do it is with a ton of balls, which the Spice Girls had in spades, and a technically better song, which “Say You’ll Be There” is. This track was beyond their years, but they made it what it was.
RUSH
TROYE SIVAN
2023
Gay anthems are so seldom by gays, about gays. But Troye fixed that in a profound way, and “Rush” is gonna be around for a long time.
NO ONE DIES FROM LOVE
TOVE LO
2022
This song is stunning. Astounding. Perfection. How dare she make something this good? Few songs are able to build into a climax so effortlessly. And it’s exciting each and every time.
RELAX
FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
1983
Frankie Says Relax! This synthpop legend is an incredible assault of the senses, counterintuitive to the title, but it keeps sucking you in deeper as it goes.
DANCING IN THE DARK
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
1984
The Boss could have a whole fleet of “Dancing in the Dark” type hits, but he’s reserved his pop instincts for special occasions. This has everything you’d expect of a Springsteen song, but with a little more bounce and polish.
U CAN’T TOUCH THIS
MC HAMMER
1990
This song didn’t just help bridge the gap between hip hop and pop, it showed that the moment had already arrived. It’s not just the sample that made this so palatable, it’s the way Hammer sold it.
HIDDEN UNDER HEADPHONES 
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