Best Pop Songs Ever?

[RadioFreeAtlanta]

We are in a period of great pop songs right now. Top 40, as we all know, ebbs and flows between extremes (A/C to Rap to Alt.); however, right now there is a great variety of music that takes place on CHR airwaves. That got me to thinking.... what are the best pop songs that have been released? I am thinking of songs that Top 40/ CHR owned.

Some of my recent favorites:

Umbrella - Rihanna (2007): From the initial top hat cymbals to the "ella, ella, ella," this is what good pop songs are all about. This song strikes all the right notes: sultry, laid back, strong. I know that R&B radio borrowed this tune but it is one of the strongest pop songs in a long time. This one could end up like "Waterfalls" by TLC, having a very long shelf life. After three years, I still crank up the radio everytime I hear it.

4 Minutes - J.T. and Madonna (2008): This one may not have long legs but it is an example of a great pop song. A legend and a future legend team up for a gitty-up-and-go romp. Lyrics are fun and the song doesn't take itself too seriously.

Your Love is My Drug - Ke$ha (2010): So much stronger than Tik Tok, this tune is just a feel-good melody that is owned by CHR. It has all the hooks, is fun and makes you want to sing along. I don't know about the longevity of this record, however when you think of 2010, this is one of those tunes you'll remember.

Yours?

 

[Martin Mac]

Damaged - Danity Kane (2008): The song starts off with a bang, as the vocals of the Danity Kane members immediately make you take notice! Shortly thereafter, a strong electro-synth swiftly jumps into place, and the track then sails into the chorus. This song is the definition of Pop, from the lyrics, to the production, to the image of Danity Kane. This song may have not done superbly amazing on the charts, but it is definitely what pop is about.

The Way I Are - Timbaland/Keri Hilson (2007): I would argue that this is the song that finally pushed CHR away from the Urban/Hip-Hop sound that was dominating the Pop chart for a couple of years, and started to move it in a different direction. The song is fun, perfect for the club, and was well ahead of a time, as it could easily fit into today's CHR climate, which is the electro-rhythmic area were currently in for 2010.

So Sick - Ne-Yo (2005): So Sick was a song that was easy to remember, catchy, and related to a vast majority of people. This R&B ballad was not overdone, but not under done either, as it perfectly complemented Ne-Yo's vocals, and made him the R&B-Pop superstar he's known as today. Definitely Ne-Yo's signature song, So Sick is still recieving gold plays on CHR stations across the country daily, 5 years after its release date.

Forever - Chris Brown (2008): I believe that this was the strongest pop song in all of 2008. This song stayed in the Top 100 of iTunes for months on end! Originally an ad campaign for Wrigley's gum, the song starts off with a four-to-the-floor beat brings you along for a ride. One of the few songs on CHR that you could get away with for spinning at a club full of 18-25 year olds or in the car with your toddler. Definitely a feel-good tune that everybody can relate to.

(I have alot more I want to post, but right now these are the ones that come off the top of my head)

 

[CHRles]

No offense guys but with a header like Best Pop Songs Ever I was expecting to see a list that would include some of the greatest songs of alltime.

Michael Jackson "Bad"
Beatles "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"
The Eagles "Hotel California"
Marvin Gaye "Sexual Healing"
Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
Elton John "I'm Still Standing"
Elvis "Jailhouse Rock"
Mamas And The Papas "California Dreamin"
Madonna "Material Girl"


If we're talking about some great pure Pop records from the past decade how about
Kelly Clarkson "Since You Been Gone"
Gnarls Barkley "Crazy"
Outkast "Hey Ya"
Beyonce "Sweet Dreams"
Rihanna "Umbrella"
Jason Mraz "I'm Yours"
One Republic "Apologize"
Pink "So What"
3 Doors Down "Here With You"
Alicia Keys "No One"
Mary J Blige "Family Affair"
Michelle Branch "Everywhere"
City High "What Would You Do"
Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling"

 

[KarsonWithaK]

What Goes Around, Comes Around - Justin Timberlake

 

[BRH]

City High "What Would You Do""

This is a particular favorite of mine that I rarely ever hear anymore. You'd think more CHRs would play this as a gold title, or certainly more Rhythmic ACs would spin it. But I hardly ever hear it on either format anymore. I just heard it during the "Noon Throwback Mix" on Rhythmic CHR WKHT "Hot 104.5" Knoxville the other day, and was thinking about this. Seems like it would test well as a gold track to throw in during middays at CHR's.