PERFECT POP TOP 200. This post: #120-111. Continues: next week.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL

PERFECT

POP

SONGS

Sometimes it’s a hook, a gimmick or an irresistible sound. Whatever that special ingredient is, it elevates a track to pop perfection.

Here are 200 unforgettable examples of songs with that wow! factor…

120

BLACK OR WHITE

Michael Jackson

(1991) #1

MJ showed he could still produce great pop in the 1990s with this song. Its positive universal message about equality resonated enough to rush it to #1 in America, the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and Israel.

119

SEXUAL HEALING

Marvin Gaye

(1982) #1

This sexy track revived the legendary R&B singer's career. In the process, its title entered the lexicon. The single went to the top in Canada and New Zealand. It reached #1 on the US R&B chart and #3 Pop. In Britain and Australia it peaked at #4.

118

THE WAY WE WERE

Barbra Streisand

(1973) #1

The Oscar winning title song from a film starring the singer and Robert Redford reached #1 in America (where it was the year's top single) and Canada. In Australia, the ballad went Top 10. The song still evokes the past.

117

HAPPY TOGETHER

The Turtles

(1967) #1

There are tunes that instantly put a bounce in your step and this is definitely one of them. The Turtles reached #1 in America and Canada with this upbeat song about being with the one you love. 

116

WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

The Carpenters

(1970) #1

This single had the unenviable task of following up "Close To You". It proved a worthy choice. With the siblings' harmonies pushed to the fore, this sweet song was endearing enough to top the US Adult Contemporary Chart and peak at #2 Pop. It did make #1 in Canada and went Top 10 in Australia.

 

115

UMBRELLA

Rihanna 

featuring Jay-Z

(2007) #1

This instantly became the singer's biggest hit. The single reached #1 in America, Britain, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Its success also raised the profile of collaborator Jay-Z.

114

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL 

(PART 2)

Pink Floyd

(1979) #1

Until 1979, Pink Floyd was essentially an albums-oriented band. This track took the group to the top of the charts in America, Britain, Europe, New Zealand, Israel and South Africa.

113

UNCHAINED MELODY

Righteous Brothers

(1965) #1

The duo released its remake of the song in the 1960s and it went Top 10 in many countries. Its use in the box office hit film 'Ghost' exposed the love song to a wider audience. As a result, the track was re-issued in 1991. Second time around, it proved even more popular, reaching #1 in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe.

112

RING RING

Abba

(1973) #1

ABBA's first attempt to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest was with this track. The national heat's judges voted it into 3rd place, defying the public's preference. Swedes rushed to record stores and turned the single into a #1 hit. Even before the group won Eurovision the following year, this upbeat disc made inroads in many countries, including far off Australia. At the time, the release was credited to Bjorn, Benny & Agnetha, Frida. Re-issued after ABBA's Eurovision triumph, the song was a global Top 10 smash.

111

FOOTLOOSE

Kenny Loggins

(1984) #1

This title song from a hit film starring Kevin Bacon topped charts in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In Britain, the dance track peaked at #6.

Hear the songs as they are added to the playlist available on spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte