
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT
MONTELL JORDAN
1995
This ultimate party anthem will fill any dance floor, any time, any place. This comes on the radio, you’re turning it the eff up. The call-and-response chorus is beyond a crowd-pleaser, and Montell’s swag is captivating, yet replicable.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD
TEARS FOR FEARS
1985
The production on this track creates such an airy, bouncy shuffle for the vocal melody to lay atop. It’s an enduring classic that feels like it’s been placed and preserved in the time capsule of 80s pop.

COMPLICATED
AVRIL LAVIGNE
2002
At a time when bubblegum pop, boy bands, and the like were still heating up the charts, Avril Lavigne came in like the antidote. “Complicated” had the same target audience, but its punk undertones, and idgaf swag pulled the haters in, too. Not only a moment in time, but a perfect pop rock classic.

LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD
PAT BENATAR
1983
With one of the most powerful voices in rock, Pat Benatar’s success was already widespread, but “Love is a Battlefield” made her an undeniable pop star. The song is impeccable.

HOTLINE BLING
DRAKE
2015
Drake was a behemoth figure in popular music when the “Hotline Bling” emerged, but this really did something. It’s just a perfect little earworm that fits so many vibes, and it’s countless covers and references – even the memes – have made this a classic.

DREAMING OF YOU
SELENA
1995
Selena’s foray into English-speaking pop was swiftly met with fanfare, and her iconic ballad and title track beautifully captures the moment of what she was doing. It maybe hasn’t aged perfectly, but “Dreaming of You” is all the better for it.

HEART TO BREAK
KIM PETRAS
2018
“Heart to Break” is faultless as a song. Kim’s saccharine voice carries this melody like it’s the only one that could, and it’s all her that makes the climax so powerful.

SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW
GOTYE FT. KIMBRA
2011
A rare one hit wonder twofer where both collaborators were unable to replicate its success, but the impact of this song cannot be understated. Prince gave it a thumbs up, Doechii resurrected it, what more do you need?

BEST OF MY LOVE
THE EMOTIONS
1977
The horns, the vocals, the bass! This is gospel-level praiseworthy, but the disco beat and incredible earworm of a hook will keep us dancing to this forever.

I WRITE SINS NOT TRAGEDIES
PANIC! AT THE DISCO
2006
Rock, punk, emo, whatever you wanna throw the word “pop” before/after is fine…this track is one of a kind. From the opening staccato strings that ignite a flame, to Brendon Urie’s undeniable charisma that burns our minds down with it, there’s no denying the power of this song.











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