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The Latin explosion of the late 90s was one of pop’s most vibrant eras of the last five decades, and “Livin’ La Vida Loca” made it spicy. But also, this woman sounds terrifying! What do you mean, “…she took my money, she must’ve slipped me a sleeping pill.” Call the police!

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First and foremost, Timbaland really did the thing with this beat. Not sure sexy particularly went anywhere, but this is so f*cking perfect we’re happy to let JT think he revived it.

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By any account, this is one of the most gorgeous songs ever written. It has such a stunning melody from start to finish, and it really builds into a soaring climax that will give you chills.

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I mean this track virtually birthed a whole genre of rock and pop music. A perfectly written song doesn’t need much to bring it to life, and this is a testament to that. Just little nuances here and there hit so much harder.

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Daryl & John and their blue-eyed souls have such a unique presence in pop music. Through all of their many classics, the effervescent “You Make My Dreams” is their most natural and uninhibited.

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Who saw this coming? JADE’s debut solo single is a herald of angelic proportions. With more twists and turns than any three-minute pop song should ever have, this is genius-level introspection that will undoubtedly be talked about for years.

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The Rise of Mimi was profound. Fifteen years into her illustrious career, Mariah made a statement only a diva of her stature could. “We Belong Together” is a jam, a bop, a hit, a slay. All the words. Her voices carries this melody so affectively, it’s truly some of her best work.

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Who can hate Justin for wanting to jump on this track? While the original is arguably the better song in a grander context, the Biebs mix is what cemented into the pop music history books. And with good reason, from start to finish this is deliriously catchy and almost alluring.

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The synth hook that ended all other synth hooks. Paired with the iconic chorus that crescendos into a glorious falsetto roar, this is just one of the greatest moments in synthpop history. As time goes on, this has shed all of it’s cliché and only becomes more beloved.

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This is the ultimate diva anthem. By diva, for divas. One of Ashford & Simpson’s truly greatest compositions, Chaka Khan’s iconic disco-laced solo single – her first away from Rufus – has lived on as a landmark moment in popular music. Even Whitney’s equally-exultant cover pays its dues to the track’s rightful mother.

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