Pop music appeals to a broad audience, featuring infectious beats and songs that stick in your head. From Olivia Rodrigo’s empowerment anthem “She Shines” to Adele’s heartbreaking ballad “Lost Star”, there’s something in this genre for everyone.
Since early 2018, Tom Breihan has been posting “The Number Ones” column on Stereogum, delving into the history of Top 40 through twenty game-changing #1 singles.
The Beatles
The Beatles revolutionized pop music, making it a central component of popular culture both in America and Britain. They helped develop an indelible style characterized by simple musical arrangements and unforgettable lyrics; many consider them to be the greatest band ever. Their influence can be felt far beyond pop music genre.
The Beatles members hail from various backgrounds but all share an admiration of American rock and roll music. Together they formed a band consisting of singers John Lennon and Paul McCartney, guitarist George Harrison and drummer Ringo Starr who were inspired by music from Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.
Their close vocal harmonies, subtle arrangements, and innovative production touches set new standards of excellence and beauty in an amateur genre previously associated with amateurism. Their music remains a major inspiration to contemporary musicians while they were an iconic part of 1960s counterculture movements.
After the disbandment of The Beatles in 1970, each member went on to produce solo albums of varying degrees of success. Paul McCartney continued making pop music albums as well as classical recordings (Leeds Oratorio) and singles featuring popular songs from Wings catalogue.
Pop music’s success can be measured by its dominance of the charts. Songs by Mariah Carey such as “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Since U Been Gone” reached number one on these lists, while The Beatles’ iconic track, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, remains one of the world’s most-beloved hits ever.
The Association
The Association was an immensely popular band during the late 1960s. Although often dismissed as being “square,” their music proved otherwise. Jim Yester led an impressive band which could rock out, compose gentle adult contemporary ballads or go full sunshine pop when necessary – two of their hits, “Along Comes Mary” and “Cherish,” remain classics from that era while they recorded Ruthann Friedman’s “Windy” for Barry Manilow to become top-10 hits as well.
This group began as The Men, initially consisting of 13 members, but after an intense disagreement they reduced to six and decided on The Association as their new name, taken from a dictionary entry that read “association.” They achieved many hits during their early sixties years as well as performing on popular TV shows such as Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.
In the 1970s, the group fell apart, with members dispersing into individual lives. Ten years later, however, many original members reunited for a series of reunion concerts; now touring as an ensemble group performing 50 to 70 performances annually.
Pop music has evolved significantly over time, reflecting culture shifts while blending elements from different styles into its unique sound. Today, Miley Cyrus and Kesha have added rock elements into their music while artists such as Bruno Mars incorporate funk elements. Pop remains an entertaining form of entertainment and will likely continue its development alongside changes in society.
Britney Spears
Britney Spears has become one of the most iconic pop music artists ever. She reigned supreme on the teen pop scene for years to come thanks to her high-profile personal life and chart-topping albums in the early 2000s. Millions have heard her songs since 1995; several remain popular today, such as her hit “…Baby One More Time.”
Spears began her career in 1993 by appearing on a revival of The Mickey Mouse Club. Following the end of that show, she sought recognition as an adult singer by sending Jive Records a demo and quickly being signed. Her first album…Baby One More Time became an immense hit that broke sales records; its follow up, Oops!… I Did It Again was even bigger hit selling millions worldwide.
She continued her reign over the charts through studio albums like Blackout (2007), Circus (2008) and Femme Fatale (2011) – even though Femme Fatale wasn’t as successful, it still marked an important step forward for Spears: It featured up-tempo dance tracks as well as one featuring Ke$ha collaborations.
“Sometimes,” Spears’ second single and an emo-inspired track that showed her incredible songwriting talents and risk-taking, remains one of her most widely played hits today. This track serves as a reminder that Spears can write great songs while taking risks; it was a far cry from her robotic disco debut and showcased her range of talent; furthermore, its spoken-word bridge stands the test of time!
The Jackson 5
Pop music may often be dismissed as frivolous or meaningless; however, its influence can have profound ramifications on society and culture. Some of the greatest pop hits ever recorded have become number ones on charts around the world – not simply as signs of success but as markers of cultural relevance and influence.
The Jackson 5 was an acclaimed American musical group comprised of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson; all born and raised in Gary, Indiana and introduced to music early by their parents who also played instruments themselves. Soon thereafter they started performing at local talent shows and competitions before eventually forming 2300 Jackson Street as their band name in 1967 – their address at home!
Berry Gordy, founder of Motown records, was impressed with their sound and signed them to his label. With help from Gordy they released their first single “I Want You Back,” which quickly became a hit and was followed up with several more hits such as “ABC,” which made number two on US charts for 13 weeks – it even went platinum!
The Jackson 5, later known as the Fab Four, were one of the most influential musical groups of the 20th century. They revolutionized how music industry companies promoted artists while leaving an indelible mark on culture; considered among the greatest pop singers ever and having earned many awards and accolades across their careers; from R&B to rock and roll influences they are remembered fondly today.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has made a profound mark on both music and pop culture with her influence spanning across music industry and popular culture. Her outlandish acting talents have garnered worldwide acclaim while her soulful vocals have captured millions of fans within an astoundingly short amount of time – becoming one of the most powerful female artists of the 2000s in short order.
Mother Monster first burst onto the scene in 2008, shocking many with her striking look and unique approach to pop music. Her debut album The Fame rocketed up the charts, including hit singles like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face.” Gaga quickly reinvented herself into an extravagant performer, earning both mainstream and alternative markets success simultaneously.
Gaga continued her chart success after The Fame by both topping the charts and receiving critical acclaim for her acting ability, appearing in American Horror Story and earning a Golden Globe for A Star Is Born respectively. Gaga followed up The Fame Monster album with Artpop which showcased her artistic abilities while expanding upon her musical style even further.
After an extended hiatus, Gaga returned to her roots with two albums: Cheek to Cheek and Joanne. Both albums featured more traditional pop and jazz genres rather than electro-pop influences; both found great success as result of Gaga’s musical versatility.
Marina and the Diamonds and Allie X may have experienced success in alternative music, but neither can match Lady Gaga’s influence in pop culture. Her unconventional combination of fashion and music has set off many artists on their journey toward mainstream success – such as Olivia Rodrigo.