PERFECT POP TOP 200. This post: #30-21. Continues: tomorrow.

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…

30

DON'T STOP TIL YOU GET ENOUGH

Michael Jackson

(1979) #1

Michael Jackson re-invented himself in the late 70s, with a new image and new producer: Quincy Jones. No one harnessed the power of the music video like him. This single reached #1 in America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The parent album 'Off The Wall' paved the way for 'Thriller'.

29

(I CAN'T GET NO)

SATISFACTION

Rolling Stones

(1965) #1

Packed with all the frustration of a youth, this track was swiftly adopted as an anthem as well as becoming a rock classic. The Stones achieved a satisfying #1 peak in America, Britain, Australia and a variety of European nations.

28

MY SHARONA

The Knack 

(1979) #1

A pounding beat, lust and an irresistible guitar riff come together on this mix of Beatlesque power pop and new wave attitude. The result was a #1 smash in the USA, Canada and Australia.

27

SWEET CAROLINE

Neil Diamond

(1969)

Singer / songwriter Neil Diamond created this enduring sing-a-long classic. It soon became his signature tune, going Top 10 in America, Britain and Australia.

26

(THEY LONG TO BE)

CLOSE TO YOU

The Carpenters

(1970)#1

The siblings created some beautiful sounds that helped define the 1970s. The single was a sweet love song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Its lush sound propelled the disc to the top of the American, Canadian and Australian charts.

25

YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELIN'

Righteous Brothers

(1964) #1

Songwriting couple Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil co-wrote this mammoth hit with Phil Spector. The latter produced the track, injecting it with the power of his Wall Of Sound. This was a chart topper in America, Britain and Canada.

24

CROCODILE ROCK

Elton John

(1972) #1

The flamboyant pianist never sounded as jubilant as on this bouncy hit single. Its retro rock 'n roll feel attracted enough record buyers to take the single to #1 in America and Canada. In Britain, the disc peaked at #5 and in Australia it reached #2.  

23

OH, PRETTY WOMAN

Roy Orbison

(1964) #1

The guitar riff heard throughout makes this rock staple easily identifiable, while The Big O's growl only made the song catchier. On the charts, it was a #1 in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

 

22

YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT

Olivia Newton-John & 
John Travolta

(1978) #1

In the movie, the song is performed during a pivotal scene. 'Grease' was a box office smash boasting a rich soundtrack that includes this integral duet by its 2 lead actors. Little wonder that the disc sped to #1 in America, Britain, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

 

21

GOD ONLY KNOWS

The Beach Boys

(1966)

Long hailed as one of the most sublime tracks in the rock canon, the American group delivered a true gem. From its acclaimed LP 'Pet Sounds', the track features production by chief architect Brian Wilson. In Britain, the single peaked at #2.

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

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

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte