In the greater pop music genre, there are many iconic songs that were instant hits upon release. Pop music has never stayed the same, but has evolved and built upon the greats of the genre to create classics for new generations. The pop music hall of fame could go on for miles, as there have been so many amazing artists, songs, and albums that have shaped the way we view pop music today.
When thinking aboutpop songs that define the genre,it’s important to recognize where the genre started and how it has changed. Not only are there great hits from the past, but more recent songs have also made their mark in the industry. Each one of these songs makes you perk up when you hear it, sing along in the aisles of a grocery store, or dance like no one is watching. These songs not only define pop, but they define the lives of their fans.
10Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Cyndi Lauper
The song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper wasn’t always the feminist hit that it turned out to be. Originally written and performed from the male perspective, Lauper wanted to change some of the lyrics in the verses to create a fun and upbeat female-power anthem. She succeeded, with the end result being a track that would stand the test of time. Itsolidified Lauper as a force in the industrywho wouldn’t conform to the ideals of how a female pop star should behave.
The song was a commercial success for Lauper, becoming her big breakout single and reaching number two on theBillboardHot 100 chart. Even being used in TV shows and movies over the years, the iconic lyrics and pop beat have continued to make this song a staple in pop culture. Ever since its release in 1983,this track has inspired everyone to have fun the way that they want to.
9Just Dance
Lady Gaga featuring Colby O’Donnis
Just the title of this song tells listeners exactly what to do, and the party-centric beat and lyrics definitely help too. It’s easy to see why this song became a massive hit for Lady Gaga, starting off a long and impressive career.Lady Gaga has become a powerhouse in the pop music industry, and her experimental drive has allowed her to play with different genres,like in her country-inspired albumJoanne,or the electronic pop releaseARTPOP.Her most recent record,Mayhem, harkens back to the early 2000s and the sound that made her a household name.
“Just Dance” quickly topped the charts, receiving critical praise and popularity among listeners.
“Just Dance” quickly topped the charts, receiving critical praise and popularity among listeners. The song’s unique bridge became an early sign that Lady Gaga would always do whatever the public or her fans would least expect. Thoughany one of Lady Gaga’s massive hits could be argued to have changed the pop music landscape, I think it’s most fitting to start where it all began.
8Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles
Though he became famous from his time in themassively popular boy band One Direction, Harry Styles' solo career has also been poignant and memorable in the pop music sphere.“Watermelon Sugar” is everything that summer is,with a light beach vibe and a catchy chorus. Though Styles has had many hits in his solo career, this song was a massive song of the summer following its original release in 2019.
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The song was definitely a commercial success, evenwinning Styles a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance. It has allowed the singer to show off his songwriting skills and become more experimental in his future projects. Styles was able to find his own voice and flair after being a part of a group, and he has made waves in the pop music industry because of his dedication and passion.
7Pink Pony Club
Chappell Roan
After exploding onto the scene with her iconic stage presence and campy lyrics, Chappell Roan quickly became one of the most famous pop stars of the 2020s. Each hit she has is fun to sing along to and one even has its own choreographed dance, reminiscent of the “YMCA” by the Village People or Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” However, “Pink Pony Club” is certainly her standout track and for good reason.The song tells the story of finding a safe place where you feel like you belong and aren’t afraid to be your true self.
Along with other drag artists, the music video features a cameo from Victoria “Porkchop” Parker, the first drag queen ever eliminated onRuPaul’s Drag Race.
Originally released in 2020, Chappell Roan’s first record label did not think that the song would be a hit and was reluctant to release it. Chappell Roan believed in her music, and she was able to include it on her debut album,The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.The song has gained much of its popularity from social media, whether it’s fans singing along or sharing videos of her performing it live. Her Grammys performance also highlighted the community in the music industry amid the California wildfires.
6Oops!…I Did It Again
Britney Spears
From the dance moves we all tried to learn to theTitanicreference in the bridge, this song is quintessential Britney Spears. Co-written by pop music legend Max Martin, it peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and was a massive hit for Spears as the 2000s were just starting. While her hit “…Baby One More Time” put Britney Spears on the map,“Oops!…I Did It Again” cemented her legacy as a true princess of pop.
Britney Spears has no shortage of pop hits. She has had a long and successful career, and has amassed a huge fan following over the years. Her entire discography is iconic, and any one of her songs could be a defining track, but I think"Oops!…I Did It Again" is everything we love about Spears wrapped up in one track. Her vocals are on point, the production is perfect, making for a memorable pop hit.
5Blank Space
Taylor Swift
As Taylor Swift’s first jump into the genre, “Blank Space” takes the typical pop song and flips it on its head. Taylor Swift uses the lyrics to poke fun at critics and reporters who have commented on her relationships and dating life throughout her career. Branded as a serial dater,Swift used “Blank Space” to create a narrative where she is the crazy ex-girlfriend just checking names off a list.
…Taylor Swift was able to thrive, not just survive, in her new genre.
This song is a masterclass in songwriting, showing off Swift’s storytelling and lyrical abilities. The album it is featured on,1989, was the artist’s transitional album going from country to pop. Though many singers have done that before, Taylor Swift was able to thrive, not just survive, in her new genre. As she continues to release new pop music and re-record her older masters, she is constantly breaking records and changing the game.
4Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
In 2014 and the years following, it was difficult to go anywhere and not hear this earworm of a tune. Bruno Mars is no stranger to having a chart-topping hit, andthis song is considered one of his biggest of all time.His smooth voice fits perfectly with the funky disco-pop vibes of this song, making it an instant classic. It spent 14 consecutive weeks at the top of theBillboardHot 100and has over 5.5 million views on YouTube.
“Uptown Funk” is a feel-good song, full of upbeat lyrics that make you want to strut down the street to the beat. It takes inspiration from early funk tunes, from the bass notes at the beginning to the spark of trumpets in the chorus. It’s easy to sing along to and remember. Skippy Peanut Butter even used the song in an ad, since the brand is featured by name in the lyrics. Whether you love it or not, it’sundeniable how much this song influenced the pop music scene.
31999
Prince
When Prince said “party like it’s 1999,” he meant it. The lyrics talk about partying like it’s the end of the world, living it up while we still have the time. The synth beat and classic 1980s flair make this song memorable and recognizable.Prince broke the mold of the pop anthem,using funk and rock elements in “1999.” He stood out among the other artists at the time, paving the way for those who wanted to be unique in their own art.
The lyrics talk about partying like it’s the end of the world, living it up while we still have the time.
Songs like “1999” helped to grow Prince’s career as an artist and solidify his legacy in the years to come. With40 albums in his discography, Princeleft a major mark on the music industry. His influence can be heard throughout pop music from the last several decades and even in today’s most notable radio hits. Though Prince had many popular hit songs, I believe that “1999” is the one that influenced the pop music genre in the most major way.
2Wannabe
Spice Girls
If you say the words “really want,” chances are someone else will follow them up with the next few lines of this iconic track from the ultimategirl group, the Spice Girls. The catchy and upbeat nature of the tune is what makes it a certifiable pop hit. The lyrics have a girl-power feel to them, asthey highlight the importance of their female friendships over their romantic relationships.The song has become a feel-good feminist anthem with a dance-pop twist.
As one of the most recognizable pop songs out there, it is no surprise that “Wannabe” has become a sort of blueprint for those who have followed. The song reached number one in almost 40 countries and has been a consistent staple of pop culture. From its empowering lyrics to its easy-going beat, this song has impacted not only girl groups but the pop music scene as a whole.
1I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Whitney Houston
From the very first synth beats and hand claps,“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is the ultimate song to get anyone out on the dance floor.Whitney Houston’s iconic vocals highlight the true emotion of the song, as she wishes to just be with someone who loves her. The disco elements and soaring melody make the listener feel the same emotions, belting out the heartfelt lyrics right along with Houston.
The song was a standout of Houston’s debut album, even earning her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It has been revered as one of the best pop songs of all time, and for good reason. It has catchy lyrics and a great build from beginning to end. It has been iconic throughout the years, inspiring others to achieve the same level of success or put out a song with the same vibes. It’s been a familiar tune in pop culture, something that audiences can call back to and lean on. It’sthe most defining song of pop music,encapsulating the emotion and feel of this genre that we all know today.
