PERFECT POP TOP 200. This post: #130-121. 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…
130
BEAUTIFUL
Christina Aguilera
(2002) #1
Penned and produced by Linda Perry, this ballad has gained anthem status. The Grammy Award-winning track topped charts in Britain, Canada and Australia. It peaked at #2 in the U.S.A.
129
HALLELUJAH
Jeff Buckley
(1994) #1
The singer only recorded 1 complete studio album, but 'Grace' remains a cherished disc, hinting at a talent that would never be fully realized. This remake of a Leonard Cohen song has gathered popularity in the wake of Buckley's tragic death in 1997. It has repeatedly been re-issued and resurfaced on charts around the world. In 2008, the track reached #1 in France.
128
VIVA LA VIDA
Coldplay
(2008) #1
Its Spanish title may have made little sense to those that purchased the song, but this swiftly became Coldplay's biggest hit. The track reached #1 in Britain and America and made the Top 5 in Europe, Canada and Australia.
127
HOT STUFF
Donna Summer
(1979) #1
The disco track was injected with a shot of rock, a radical move in a genre often derided for its lack of creativity. Giorgio Moroder co-produced the cut with Pete Bellotte. The latter co-wrote the hit with Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey. The guitar solo was contributed by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. This won the inaugural Best Female Rock Vocal Grammy Award. It enjoyed time at #1 in America, Japan, Canada and Australia.
126
WHERE IS THE LOVE
Black Eyed Peas
featuring Justin Timberlake
(2003) #1
This single ushered in a new phase for the hip hop group. Showcasing the latest addition to its line-up: Fergie, the single broke the act around the world, going to #1 in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The track seamlessly mixed hip hop beats with social commentary.
125
DAYDREAM BELIEVER
The Monkees
(1967) #1
This irresistible pop nugget from The Monkees was written by John Stewart of The Kingston Trio. Davy Jones' cute lead vocal appealed to enough teen girls to push the disc to #1 in America. It also made the Top 5 in Europe, Japan, Britain and Australia.
124
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
Cyndi Lauper
(1983) #1
This was the zany singer's breakthrough single. She went on to enjoy a string of hits and shape fashion in the 1980s. The single shot to #1 in Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It peaked at #2 in America and the UK.
123
BORN TO RUN
Bruce Springsteen
(1975)
Some songs percolate for a time before gaining legendary status. Although this single barely dented the charts, it has since became a signature song for the Boss. Its message of hope and escape has made it an anthem for the marginalised, downtrodden and, well, the everyman.
122
DON’T BE CRUEL
Elvis Presley
(1956) #1
Released as a double A-sided single with Elvis' cover of "Hound Dog" assured this disc would attract massive sales. This side topped the US Pop, Country and R&B charts.
121
SAME LOVE
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
featuring Mary Lambert
(2012) #1
This disc marked a watershed in hip hop. The genre once seen as homophobic delivered a song that advocated gay rights and same sex marriage. It reached #1 in Australia and New Zealand and went Top 10 in Britain, Canada and parts of Europe.
Hear the songs as
they are added to the playlist available on spotify:
spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte
