“I don't like pop music.”
- Michael jackson
What makes for a great pop song? What makes one “Popular?” A catchy, memorable hook? Upbeat and positive vibe? Danceability? Is there a formula?
I guess there's still a general Top-40 that churns out “hits.” Music genres now are divided and sub-divided and sub- divided again so I'm not sure there are “hits” with the broad cultural connections that there once were. In 20 years will there be nostalgia for the Top 40 Hits of 2025? I listen to plenty of new music but it's mostly in the sub-sub-genres that interest me, so I don't know what going on elsewhere.
I pulled up a list of the “Greatest Pop Songs of All Time.” It was compiled by people who compile those kinds of lists. Here's their Top Ten based on Billboard's numbers. Nothing from the last 15 years.
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston (1987)
- Dancing Queen - ABBA (1976)
- Billie Jean - Michael Jackson (1982)
- Like a Prayer - Madonna (1989)
- I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles (1963)
- Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen (2011)
- Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson (2004)
- Hey Ya - Outkast (2003)
- I Want it That Way - Backstreet Boys (1999)
- Baby One More Time - Britney Spears 1998)
I'll bet you take exception with some of those and would replace one or two with your own. Maybe all of them. Based on nothing more than my contrary nature I'd offer up three replacements. They're not necessarily favorites of mine but I think they're superior “Pop” songs to some on the list. What have you got?
John gives his opinion: