Determining the “best” pop songs is subjective, but here is a list of some of the most popular and influential pop tracks from various eras, based on Billboard’s lists and other sources. Below you will find the top 10 pop songs of all time.
Top 10 Pop Songs Of All Time
1. “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys
The lyrics of “I Want It That Way” have long been debated. Even Chrissy Teigen questioned their meaning, to which the band offered a cryptic response. AJ Mclean stated, “It means whatever each individual’s interpretation is.” The song is by an American boy band. It was released on April 12, 1999, as the lead single from their third studio album, “Millennium,” which was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson. The pop ballad tells of a romantic relationship strained by emotional or physical distance.
2. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
“Blinding Lights” holds the record as Spotify’s most streamed song, surpassing four billion streams. The Weeknd reflected on the song’s creation, saying, “I feel like I’ve been making that record for a decade. While some believe the lyrics are about Bella Hadid, The Weeknd has also connected the song to the theme of drunk driving.
3. “The Twist” by Chubby Checker
Out of the top 10 pop songs, this one is a foundational song of the rock and roll era, sparking a dance craze. “The Twist” was originally a B-side by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, released in 1958. Checker’s cover made it famous. The magazine described The Twist: The upper body sways…. hips and shoulders twirl erotically…arms thrust…like baffled bird keepers fighting off attack blue jays. Despite the dance’s integrated nature, TV dance shows were largely segregated during its peak popularity.
4. “Smooth” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas
This one of the top 10 pop songs is a breakthrough hit that blended rock and pop elements. Carlos Santana sought a comeback hit after his children teased him about not hearing his music on the radio anymore. He even consulted a spiritual advisor for guidance. Rob Thomas’ lyrics for Smooth were inspired by his then-fiancée, Marisol Maldonado, incorporating lines like “My munequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa as a tribute to her Puerto Rican heritage. “Smooth” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks, making both the last #1 hit of the 1990s and the first of the 2000s.
5. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
A timeless anthem of joy and celebration. Few songs capture the magic of an era quite like ABBA’s Dancing Queen. As one of the most iconic tracks of the 1970s, this timeless disco anthem continues to get people dancing across generations. Released in 1976, Dancing Queen became the disco, joy, and unforgettable moments on the dance floor. Dancing Queen is one of the most popular and enduring hits of all time.
6. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
One of the top 10 pop songs that revived the funk genre. Bruno Mar’s line “Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold” is a tribute to the actress. The two later posed for a photo together. The song faced copyright issues, resulting in The Gap Band being added as songwriters due to similarities with their song “Oops Upside Your Head.” Mars explained that the line “This one for them hood girls, them good girls, them girls’ straight masterpieces” is a dedication to all beautiful girls. An X Factor contestant Fleur East covered “Uptown Funk” before its release date, surprising Ronson.
7. “Smooth Operator” by Sade
A sophisticated and iconic pop song, this song tells the story of a charming man who attracts many women. “Smooth Operator” was one of the first songs Sade recorded, even before they had a record deal. This songs’ unique recording process, combining traditional piano and Fender Rhodes, contributed to its distinct sound. “Smooth Operator” was co-written by Ray St. John, guitarist and bassist from Sade Adu’s previous band, Pride.
8. “Billy Jean” by Michael Jackson
“Billy Jean” delves into themes of suspicion, fame, and the perils of stardom. The song tells the story of a woman named Billie Jean who claims that the narrator is the father of her child. The inspiration for Billie Jean reportedly came from real-life experiences Jackson had encountered, including encounters with obsessive fans and false paternity claims. Jackson’s electrifying performance of “Billie Jean” at Motown 25 is considered a landmark moment in music history.
9.”Yesterday” by The Beatles
Paul McCartney dreamt the melody “Yesterday” initially fearing it was a song he already knew and played it for others to confirm its originality. McCartney later reflected that the song might be about losing his mother, admitting to lingering regrets after her death. “Yesterday” is one of the most covered songs ever, with over 2,200 versions recorded. It is definitely one of the top 10 pop songs.
10. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
This last top 10 pop song is a powerful and iconic song of empowerment. Aretha transformed Otis Redding’s “Respect” from a man’s plea into a woman’s demand, turning it into an anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements. Franklin herself stated that the song reflected the need for a nation and held monumental significance. Respect soars to over 3.5 million units in total, and more singles move past 1 million total sales.
Conclusion
This is just a selection of the top 10 pop songs of all time, and there is many other great pop songs that could be included. The fact is it just depends on individual taste and the preference of an individual.
