In honor of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart’s 65th Anniversary, Billboard decided to make a comprehensive list of the Best 500 Pop Songs of All Time.
Basically, the true Pop songs that embody the genre, and stand the test of time.
Here’s the Top 10:
#10: The Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”
I mean, it’s The Beatles.
So, duh.
#9: TuPac and Dr. Dre, “California Love”
Ok, I do love this song. Top 10, though???? Maybe Top 50.
All I know is as soon as I hear the opening “California Lovvvvvveeee”, I go back to my wannabe bad teenage self.
#8: Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
If you say you don’t love this song, you’re lying. It’s pure, mindless Pop perfection.
#7: Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”
It’s the bass line for me. Flipping glorious.
#6: Madonna, “Like a Prayer”
I LOVE Madonna. But Imma have to disagree with this one. While a good song, for sure, out of her entire catalogue, this is the one they put in the Top 10? Not “Vougue”? Not “Get Into the Groove”? Or even “Open Your Heart”?
Nope. I’m not down with this choice. Sorry, Billboard.
#5: Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone”
This song was THE anthem in the Mid-2000’s. So, yeah, totally get it.
#4: Backstreet Boys, “I Want it That Way”
Ok, first off, I was always #TeamNsync, so the Backstreet Boys were always second-tier in my teenage heart. Also, this is possibly their worst song and video. Does anyone even know what this song is about? Because the lyrics have always befuddled me. Also, “You Are My Fire, My One Desire” has to be the cheesiest opening line in Pop.
Seriously, N’Sync’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” should be in this spot.
I will fall on this sword.
#3: The Tempations, “My Girl”
I can’t argue this one. Total classic.
#2: ABBA, “Dancing Queen”
I mean, it’s a great Pop song, but #2? I think that’s stretching. Another Top 50 qualifier to me.
#1: Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
Ok, I have to agree with this one!
80’s Pop was next level. And this song is still being played in heavy rotation and immediately makes people smile and badly attempt hitting high notes. Myself included.
It always makes me think of riding shotgun in my mother’s car as a kid, and singing with this song. My mother LOVED this song, and it always makes me think of her.
Maybe that is what makes a Pop song a classic. The way it puts you right back into a positive memory.
Here’s the full Top 500 according to Billboard:
https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/1-whitney-houston-i-wanna-dance-with-somebody-who-loves-me/
What do you think?
Is Whitney #1?
What song would be your choice?
