STAYIN’ ALIVE
BEE GEES
1977
Yes, this is the Bee Gees’ biggest, most famous song. No, this is not the best thing they ever did. “Stayin’ Alive” is a bona fide disco anthem, and thus has been overplayed into a shell of itself. The Brothers Gibb can write a hook like no-one else, but this is a rhythmic masterwork.
TAINTED LOVE/
WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO
SOFT CELL
1981
Two covers for the price of one, and the only way this track should genuinely be experienced. While “Tainted Love” is clearly the part we all point to, it’s a brilliant medley and one of the most important synthpop hits ever.
MOTOWNPHILLY
BOYZ II MEN
1991
This is how you launch a career. Mostly known for their gorgeous ballads and insane harmonies, Boyz II Men’s debut single was a dancy bop that new jack swung for the fences – and it was a grand slam.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
MADONNA
1989
Madonna has so many important moments, but “Express Yourself” continues to make waves and stand out as one of her most famous works. A turn-of-the-decade feminist anthem with a perfect chorus; it speaks for itself.
DON’T SPEAK
NO DOUBT
1996
The fact that this never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 because they never released a damn CD single. Yet, in all practicality, this is unequivocally No Doubt’s biggest hit. What a flawless, heartbreaking track.
THERE SHE GOES
THE LA’S
1988
Point blank, this is one of the greatest songs ever made. It’s astoundingly dreamy and floaty, with the most incredible chorus ever written. So incredible, in fact, that almost the entire song is just the chorus on repeat.
THE BOY IS MINE
BRANDY & MONICA
1998
Duets are fine, but this is a duel. Brandy and Monica’s iconic “The Boy is Mine” profoundly lives on to this today. It’s canon.
PHYSICAL
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
1981
For all of the many hits in ONJ’s illustrious catalog, “Physical” is the one. She’s just that girl. It really goes beyond just flirty into down-right saucy. When it turns into, “Let’s get Animal!” Like come on.
COME ON OVER BABY
(ALL I WANT IS YOU)
CHRISTINA AGUILERA
2000
What set this apart from the other huge hits off Xtina’s debut album is that it doesn’t try too hard. Not only does her incredible voice sit front and center without showing off, the melody itself is craveable.
MY LOVIN’
(YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET IT)
EN VOGUE
1992
Mmm that James Brown sample! The funky “My Lovin'” is one of the greatest girl group hits of all time, and you know you’re going to turn this the eff up whenever it comes on. That breakdown? Stunning.
HIDDEN UNDER HEADPHONES 
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