Pop music relies heavily on catchy melodies and beats, but to craft memorable songs it takes more. Lyrical content, production techniques and social context all play vital roles in its success.
This week, we’re exploring some of the most influential pop hits ever created. Ranging from boy band songs to Adele’s mature themes explored in her songs, these tracks have stood the test of time and have endured.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley remains one of the greatest pop music artists of all time. His musical style and stage presence had an enormous influence on artists well into the 21st century. Even after his death in 1977, millions visit Graceland estate each year and his music continues to be enjoyed by new generations – many credit him with reinventing rock-n-roll as it had previously been dominated by country and gospel genres.
Presley was also a gifted musician and could play various instruments effortlessly. With a two-and-a-third octave vocal range and his trademark style as his hallmarks, Presley became an incredible performer who brought energy and excitement to his performances – becoming popular movie star during the 1960s before returning to live performances in the 1970s.
At his peak of his career, he was an international icon, both as an iconic sex symbol for much of America and an inspiring figure for young people across the world. He pioneered cross-over audiences between white and black audiences and often made waves for his unconventional fashion sense and provocative performances.
Presley’s early music was heavily influenced by black artists he listened to as a youth, including blues singers like Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup and B.B. King. His initial single, which became an instantaneous success, was an interpretation of Crudup’s That’s All Right cover – followed by Hound Dog and Don’t Be Cruel – both number ones in their respective charts.
Elvis preserved the spirit and vocal character of these songs while making guitar his primary instrument – not piano! Additionally, he added his unique spin by infusing each tune with his signature style and adding touches of R&B into them. Elvis made rock and roll popular to a wider audience and had an enormous influence on musicians that came after him.
Presley amassed no less than 149 songs to chart on the Top 100 Pop charts, with 10 reaching number one. Furthermore, his influence extended far beyond this market into American country and R&B charts.
The Association
Pop hits are defined by high sales figures and catchy melodies and lyrics that appeal to younger listeners, often featuring repeated choruses with two or more verses that repeat throughout. Pop songs are popular because of this feature and easy listening for any age range, making them easy for people of any age group to enjoy listening and singing along to.
Popular music encompasses various genres such as rock, country and soul music, but these styles all hold their place within the music industry. Over the course of history, pop has grown increasingly diverse over time – from its predecessors in rock ‘n roll days to now being part of our culture and expanding over time.
The Association, a 1960s singing and musical act, had an enormous influence on pop music during that decade. Established in 1966 by Jim Yester and Bob Brunning as vocalists; guitarists Al Kooper and Brian Cole; bassist Ted Bluechel and drummer Mike Berkowitz as guitarists; bassist Ted Bluechel as bassist; and drummer Mike Berkowitz (bassist Ted Bluechel and Berkowitz, respectively); they achieved immense success, scoring hits such as Window, Cherish and Never My Love during that period of time.
Touring alongside similar acts at the time, and appearing on television shows and nightclubs; their vocal harmonies set them apart from other bands at the time; additionally they reworked earlier hits to incorporate newer musical styles; plus they made several covers that reached the top 40 charts.
In the 1970s, they went into hiatus before eventually reuniting for some performances and ultimately recording and touring again. Their music played an influential role during this psychedelic era and continues to influence later artists.
Over time, pop music has evolved quickly; yet some songs remain at the top of charts and radio playlists to this day – becoming timeless classics that will continue to be part of popular music scenes today and tomorrow.
The Police
Since 1977, when they formed amid the dying flames of British punk music, The Police were not your typical punk band. Their members–Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers–were expert musicians hailing from various backgrounds such as progressive rock/jazz fusion (Curved Air’s drummer), rhythm-and-blues (The Hollies and Spencer Davis Group), reggae (Desmond Dekker was prominent), and reggae. These varied influences helped create their unique brand of New Wave that rose to top spot on U.K. charts while dominating American airwaves.
The Police were an instant radio hit during their debut album release of Synchronicity (1980). Their debut single “Message in a Bottle” made #1 that year while “Every Breath You Take” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethingin'” also placed in the Top Five (1984 and 1983 respectively).
Though Sting was responsible for most of the tracks on Synchronicity, Copeland’s raw, gawky amateur tracks saved half the album with their charm and catchiness. His song “Can’t Stand Losing You”-a song about an Italian villa landlord–was so good it returned briefly to number one on Billboard chart after they had to bleach their hair to appear in an unaired chewing gum commercial!
“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” stands out from their catalogue of dark tunes with its upbeat guitar-synth groove and catchy back-beat vocal. This song quickly became one of their top-selling singles both sides of the Atlantic.
The Police were well known for experimenting with their music; on their debut eponymous album they explored different musical avenues while experimenting with electronic effects; however, at heart they were still pop band and songs like this had catchy melodies and lyrics anyone could sing along to. Though clunkerish in sound quality it’s an amazing example of how different styles came together to form their unique sound while also helping introduce Sting to audiences around the globe as his hypnotic delivery set the course for future solo success.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson led The Jacksons as lead singer and dancer to become one of the biggest music acts ever, touring regularly, making hit singles, and becoming one of the first family groups with its own television show. Their music had an enormous influence on other artists as their albums sold well and popularity spread. Jackson became well-known as an actor, philanthropist, trendsetter, earning himself the moniker “King of Pop.” To this day his songs remain an influential source in pop music.
Michael stood out as an exceptional performer with talent and charisma that were unparalleled by other performers; his signature moves mesmerized audiences. Influences included James Brown’s singing and dancing, but Michael developed his own mesmerizing stage style based on those early influences. Michael became the first performer ever to drop the microphone without it hitting the floor and catch it before dropping again, inventing what is now an iconic pop music dance move known as moonwalking.
Michael’s career exploded after several hits in the late ’70s with the release of Off the Wall and Thriller albums in 1982 and 1983 respectively, both of which became monumental successes, particularly Thriller, which produced seven Top 10 hits on Billboard charts; its title track as well as dance singles “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You” helped drive disco dance fad into mainstream consciousness; thus winning eight Grammy awards and becoming best-selling album ever produced.
Jackson continued making music and film throughout the ’90s. His 1991 album Dangerous marked an ambitious departure from previous recordings; its diverse repertoire incorporated R&B, funk, gospel rock and classical elements – drawing fans both commercially and critically alike. Dangerous was both commercial and critical success with its 14-minute music video for its lead single, “Black or White”, directed by John Landis becoming a cultural phenomenon and being inducted into the National Film Registry as a cultural landmark in 2009.
Jackson experienced health issues during his later years. In 2003, it was discovered he was living with undiagnosed HIV; and then, allegations surfaced of him sexually abusing children; allegations which Jackson strongly refuted. Nevertheless, Jackson passed away at 50 and remains one of the greatest entertainers ever.