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This is one of Wham!’s biggest classics for a reason. It’s bounciness paired with George Michael’s silky voice is perfection.

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Who could’ve predicted a country reimagining of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy” would go on to be basically the biggest hit ever? (Actually…) This is such a universal moment that even pop music struggles to experience, and it’ll go down in history.

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This track is scary aggressive, but in the most pleasurable context. A synthpop landmark that has been referenced and sampled and interpolated to death by this point… but nothing tops that bassline when it comes rippin’ out of nowhere.

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Oh! This is a masterpiece and a half! A perfect composition, a perfect arrangement, and perfect vocals; this song will sound good forever.

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Generation upon generation has been introduced to “All Star” in their own way, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. The track has become this amorphous fixture of pop music, where it’s kind of everything and nothing at the same time.

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This is one of Prince’s most pop-forward moments, and it resonated accordingly. With its psychedelic instrumentation and picture-perfect melody, “Raspberry Beret” is undeniably one of his most quintessential works.

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Rufus & Chaka are critical to funk and soul’s evolution, but their final hit together was a radio-ready dance bop that overrides genre in a way only a pop song can.

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The Go-Go’s were a punk band that had incredible pop instincts, and this classic song is the ultimate payoff of those two worlds colliding.

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Despite remaining one of the most famous entertainers on the planet, back when “Jiggy” came out, Will Smith was at the height of his influence. He had conquered hip hop, he had conquered television, and he had conquered film… but now he was coming for pop music. With its mighty “He’s the Greatest Dancer” sample, this became a cultural touchstone.

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