The Ultimate Collection of Best Pop Songs Top Hits, Underrated Gems, and Must-Have Additions to Your Playlist
Best pop songs album songs has been dominating the industry for decades, producing countless hits that have become staples in our everyday lives. From upbeat dance anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, pop songs have the power to connect with people from all walks of life.
With so many amazing pop songs released over the years, it can be overwhelming to create a comprehensive playlist. But fear not, because in this blog post, we have curated the ultimate collection of the best pop songs that every music lover needs to hear. Get ready to add these top hits, underrated gems, and must-have additions to your playlist!
Top best pop songs album songs
Without further ado, let’s kick off our list with the top pop songs of all time. These are the timeless classics that have stood the test of time and continue to be loved by generations.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
It would be remiss to start a list of the best pop songs without mentioning “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. This epic rock opera is often considered one of the greatest songs of all time, with its iconic operatic section and head-banging guitar riffs. It’s a song that you simply can’t resist singing along to, no matter how many times you’ve heard it.
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Another undeniable classic, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson is a must-add to any top pop songs list. The song’s infectious beat and catchy chorus make it a hit on the dance floor, but it’s the underlying message about rumors and speculation that gives it depth and enduring relevance.
Table 1: “Bohemian Rhapsody” vs. “Billie Jean”
| Criteria | “Bohemian Rhapsody” | “Billie Jean” |
|---|---|---|
| Chart Performance | Reached No.1 in multiple countries | Reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Impact | Considered one of the greatest songs of all time | Broke down racial barriers and became an international sensation |
| Musicality | Combines rock, opera, and ballad elements | Incorporates disco, funk, and pop influences |
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is a powerful ballad that has become synonymous with her name. The song’s soaring vocals and emotional lyrics have made it a staple at weddings, funerals, and everything in between. It’s a testament to Houston’s vocal prowess and ability to connect with listeners through her music.
Greatest Album Songs in Pop Music
While there are many amazing pop songs that have been released as singles, there are also hidden gems within albums that often go unnoticed. Here are a few of the greatest album songs in pop music that deserve more recognition.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
While “Don’t Stop Believin'” gained popularity when it was used in the series finale of “The Sopranos,” it was actually released as a single in 1981. However, it wasn’t until years later that the song became a pop culture phenomenon, thanks to its inclusion in various TV shows and movies. The song’s message of never giving up and holding onto your dreams resonates with audiences of all ages.
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Adele’s powerhouse vocals and emotional lyrics are on full display in “Rolling in the Deep,” the lead single off her album “21.” The song’s haunting melody and powerful chorus make it an instant classic, and its success propelled Adele to global superstardom. Despite being a fan favorite, it often gets overshadowed by Adele’s other hits such as “Someone Like You” and “Hello.”
List 1: Greatest Album Songs in Pop Music
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
- “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
- “No Scrubs” by TLC
Best Pop Songs to Add to Your Playlist
Now that we’ve covered the timeless classics and underrated gems, let’s take a look at some of the best pop songs that you should add to your playlist.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Released in 2014, “Uptown Funk” became an instant hit thanks to its catchy hook and Bruno Mars’ smooth vocals. The song’s retro-inspired sound and funky rhythm make it impossible not to dance along to. It’s a perfect addition to any party playlist and guarantees to get everyone grooving on the dance floor.
“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
The power-ballad from the 2018 film “A Star is Born” took the world by storm, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Lady Gaga’s raw and emotional vocals paired with Bradley Cooper’s rugged voice make this duet a standout in the pop music scene. Its message about taking risks and diving into the unknown resonates with listeners, making it one of the best pop songs of recent years.
Table 2: “Uptown Funk” vs. “Shallow”
| Criteria | “Uptown Funk” | “Shallow” |
|---|---|---|
| Chart Performance | Spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 | Reached No.1 on multiple charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Collaborators | Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper |
| Impact | Became one of the best-selling singles of all time | Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song |
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” was a massive hit when it was released in 2017, staying at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks. The song’s infectious beat and romantic lyrics make it a fan favorite, and it has become a staple in many people’s workout playlists. Its success solidified Sheeran’s status as one of the top pop artists of the decade.
Iconic Pop Songs That Defined a Generation
Certain pop songs have a way of capturing the essence of a particular generation, becoming anthems that define a cultural moment. Here are a few iconic pop songs that have left a lasting impact on music and society.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
The British Invasion of the 1960s brought us numerous iconic pop songs, but “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles stands out as one of the most influential. The band’s first No.1 hit in the United States, this song introduced the world to Beatlemania and sparked the beginning of what would become one of the biggest music groups in history.
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” caused quite a stir when it was released in 1989, with its controversial music video and lyrical content. Despite the backlash, the song became a chart-topper and is now considered one of the most iconic pop songs of all time. It’s a testament to Madonna’s ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through her music.
List 2: Iconic Pop Songs That Defined a Generation
- “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
- “Hey Ya!” by Outkast
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
Must-Have Pop Songs for Every Music Lover
No matter what your music preferences may be, there are certain pop songs that every music lover should have in their collection. Here are some must-have pop songs that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate listeners.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Released in 1983, “Thriller” became the biggest hit off Michael Jackson’s album of the same name. The song’s iconic music video, featuring zombies and a cameo from Vincent Price, is considered one of the greatest music videos of all time. Its success solidified Jackson’s status as the King of Pop and cemented “Thriller” as a must-have in any pop music collection.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a rock anthem that has become a staple at concerts and sporting events. Released in 1986, the song’s catchy chorus and guitar solo have made it an instant hit, with its popularity standing the test of time. It’s a song that everyone knows the words to and can’t help but sing along to whenever it comes on.
Table 3: “Thriller” vs. “Livin’ on a Prayer”
| Criteria | “Thriller” | “Livin’ on a Prayer” |
|---|---|---|
| Chart Performance | Reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 | Became Bon Jovi’s second No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Iconic Music Video | Featured groundbreaking special effects | Became one of the most-played music videos on MTV |
| Enduring Popularity | Remains the best-selling album of all time | One of the most-streamed songs from the 80s |
The Ultimate Pop Songs Collection
Now that we’ve covered some of the best pop songs from different eras and styles, it’s time to compile them into the ultimate pop songs collection. This playlist features the top hits, underrated gems, and must-have additions that every music lover needs to hear.
| Song | Artist | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| “Bohemian Rhapsody” | Queen | 1975 |
| “Billie Jean” | Michael Jackson | 1983 |
| “I Will Always Love You” | Whitney Houston | 1992 |
| “Don’t Stop Believin'” | Journey | 1981 |
| “Rolling in the Deep” | Adele | 2010 |
| “Uptown Funk” | Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | 2014 |
| “Shallow” | Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper | 2018 |
| “Shape of You” | Ed Sheeran | 2017 |
| “I Want to Hold Your Hand” | The Beatles | 1963 |
| “Like a Prayer” | Madonna | 1989 |
| “Thriller” | Michael Jackson | 1983 |
| “Livin’ on a Prayer” | Bon Jovi | 1986 |
Chart-Topping Hits: Best Pop Songs of the Decade
As we enter a new decade, let’s take a look back at the best pop songs of the past 10 years. These are the chart-topping hits that have dominated the airwaves and become anthems for a new generation.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
We’ve already mentioned this hit in our previous sections, but it’s worth noting that “Uptown Funk” was not only one of the best pop songs of 2014, but also the entire decade. Its success on the charts and its impact on pop culture make it a standout hit of the 2010s.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
Another artist who dominated the pop charts in the 2010s is Adele. Her second album “21” spawned numerous hits, including “Someone Like You,” which became her first No.1 single in the United Kingdom. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful vocals cemented Adele as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
List 3: Best Pop Songs of the Decade
- “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke ft. T.I. and Pharrell
- “We Are Young” by Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe
- “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
- “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye ft. Kimbra
Classic vs. Modern: The Evolution of Pop Songs
One of the fascinating aspects of pop music is how it has evolved over the years, from the classic hits of the past to the modern-day bangers we hear on the radio. Let’s take a closer look at this evolution by comparing some iconic pop songs from different eras.
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston vs. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
Both of these songs are irresistible dance tracks, but they come from two different eras. While Whitney Houston’s hit was released in 1987, Justin Timberlake’s song came out in 2016. However, both songs have the power to get people on their feet and bring joy to any gathering.
“Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears vs. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
Another interesting comparison can be made between these two hits, which were released almost two decades apart. “Baby One More Time” is a classic pop song from the late 90s that catapulted Britney Spears to stardom, while “Shape of You” is a modern-day hit that showcases Ed Sheeran’s versatility as an artist. Despite their differences, they both embody what it means to be a catchy pop song.
Table 4: Classic vs. Modern Pop Songs
| Criteria | Classic Pop Song | Modern Pop Song |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released | Late 80s – Early 90s | Late 2010s |
| Impact | Became one of the best-selling singles of all time | Reached No.1 on multiple charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Danceability | Irresistible dance track | Guaranteed to get people on their feet |
Underrated Gems: Hidden Pop Songs You Need to Hear
We’ve covered some of the best pop songs that have achieved mainstream success, but there are also hidden gems within the genre that often go unnoticed. Here are a few underrated pop songs that deserve more recognition.
“Good as Hell” by Lizzo
Lizzo has taken the music world by storm with her confident and body-positive anthems, but one of her most underrated songs is “Good as Hell.” Released in 2016, this upbeat track celebrates self-love and reminds listeners to embrace their flaws and imperfections. It’s a feel-good song that deserves a spot on any playlist.
“1983” by Neon Trees
Fans of alternative pop music may be familiar with the band Neon Trees, but their song “1983” often gets overlooked. Released in 2010, this upbeat track is a nostalgic nod to the 80s, complete with synthesizers and catchy hooks. It’s a fun and infectious song that deserves more recognition.
List 4: Underrated Pop Songs You Need to Hear
- “Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa
- “You Should Be Sad” by Halsey
- “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve
- “Wide Awake” by Katy Perry
- “The Wire” by HAIM
Discover the Hottest New Pop Songs on the Radio
From Ballads to Bangers: The Best Variety of Pop Songs
Finally, no ultimate pop songs collection would be complete without a mix of ballads, dance tracks, and everything in between. Here are a few more must-have additions to your playlist that showcase the diversity and versatility of pop music.
“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
Released in 2001, “A Thousand Miles” is a timeless ballad that showcases Vanessa Carlton’s stunning vocals and piano skills. The song’s romantic lyrics and beautiful melody have made it a favorite for weddings and other special occasions. It’s a classic pop song that will never go out of style.
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys
No pop music collection would be complete without some boy band hits, and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” is a staple in this genre. Released in 1997, this song became an international hit and solidified the Backstreet Boys as one of the biggest boy bands of all time. Its catchy chorus and iconic music video make it a fan favorite even today.
Table 5: From Ballads to Bangers: The Best Variety of Pop Songs
| Criteria | Ballad | Dance Track |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released | Early 2000s | Late 1990s |
| Impact | Became a signature song for the artist | Reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Nostalgia Factor | A timeless classic | An iconic song that defined an era |
Conclusion
From timeless classics to modern chart-toppers, this ultimate collection of the best pop songs has something for every music lover. These top hits, underrated gems, and must-have additions to your playlist showcase the evolution of pop music, proving that it continues to capture the hearts of listeners all over the world. So go ahead, press play, and let these iconic pop songs bring joy, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments into your life.
