Pop music is everywhere we turn these days – from K-pop to EDM and beyond. And contrary to what many might believe, there are plenty of great pop songs out there!
Clean pop songs 2022 have the power to uplift anyone with catchy melodies and relatable topics that can bring instant happiness. Check out these songs now, and get ready to dance!
1. “Mean” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon. Her music, movies and merchandise have sold millions of units. She holds the record for most number one albums by female artists with 12 in total. Additionally, Taylor is two-time Grammy award winner as well as being nominated multiple times over. Taylor serves as an inspiring role model for young girls while being an Ambassador of CoverGirl as well as appearing in romantic comedies like Valentine’s Day and Twilight on film.
Swift may be known for her reserve when it comes to interviews, yet her music reveals much. Speak Now was filled with references to Swift’s romantic relationships with John Mayer, Joe Jonas from Jonas Brothers and Taylor Lautner from Twilight series fame – as well as references to these experiences becoming commercial successes: CMA and ACM entertainer of the year awards were won on account of them! She went on to conquer pop world with international tours selling millions of tickets and filling stadiums with Swifties (her devoted fans).
On her fifth album, RED, Taylor Swift made use of collaborations with producers and songwriters such as Max Martin, Shellback and Nathan Chapman to explore new avenues. “Mean” is an uptempo banjo-led country track featuring handclaps and multitracked vocals with lyrics depicting how a girl who has been mistreated for her beauty and talent is promising her critics that she will succeed despite them continuing their abuse.
The video for “Need You Now” is equally controversial, featuring an ensemble cast from different walks of life in an upstate New York farm house. This marked a sharp departure from her prior videos which often depicted her traveling exotic locations or performing her songs at intimate venues. Yet this song remains one of her most beloved ones on her new album.
Swift made waves the following year when she released folklore’s sister album evermore, marking a departure from her usual pop sound but employing collaborators with experience in genre, both artistically and commercially. As a result, evermore’s reflective tone resonated well with social isolation experienced during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.
2. “Firework” by Katy Perry
After a decade that was marked by technological advancements, political achievements, and fashion milestones alike, it can be hard to select an artist that epitomized 2010s like Katy Perry. Her bold pop music brought fun and excitement while her songs covered topics that may have otherwise been taboo — including sex, drinking and partying. Although she may no longer perform live concerts due to motherhood commitments, Perry remains influential today’s music with her powerful vocals and potency of messages.
Katy Perry embraces her body with pride and self-worth that empowers all women through this song, paying homage to the empowerment anthems in her past work such as “Roar” and “California Gurls.” Despite her success as a pop singer, Perry is well known as an advocate for various philanthropic causes; receiving numerous awards for her dedication to supporting LGBTQ community causes.
Perry has become adept at reinventing herself through her music career, using this trait to her advantage. She’s successfully introduced several iterations of herself such as short-haired social justice era and sincere flowery blonde eras; also, embracing various philanthropic projects and causes such as LGBTQ rights, environmental protection and women’s empowerment philanthropies and initiatives. However, her latest album and single have not achieved similar success to earlier offerings from Perry.
Although the production quality of Perry’s song may be impeccable, his collaboration with Dr. Luke has caused much debate from fans. This marks Dr. Luke’s first collaboration with Perry since being accused of sexually assaulting Kesha. However, there’s an enormous fan base who remain unaware of any controversy and still enjoy Perry’s catchy pop tunes.
Though Perry’s song may not be quite as catchy as her previous hits, it still provides a lively dance track and should make you bop along to it! One of the top pop tracks from 2023!
3. “Fight Song” by Ariana Grande
Grande’s megahit “Ain’t No Other Way” launched her on a 10-year run of hits and Grande continues to give us memorable songs today! Her latest offering “Fight Song” celebrates self-confidence and loving yourself; making this catchy tune the ideal source of positivity!
Pop music, whether thematically appropriate for children or boasting electropop vibes, will remain an enduring form. From Madonna’s “Padam Padam” and Dua Lipa’s Barbie banger – pop hits will remain timeless all year long.
This song marks a success story: its stars aligned for an intoxicating hit featuring both of 2023’s reigning superstar and rising phenomenon artists. While not particularly groundbreaking or daring, something about hearing two such iconic artists taunting each other over red-carpet synths with a chorus hook set to appear in every movie trailer was truly captivating.
This song’s squelching low end and rap artist Flowdan’s rhythmic delivery have propelled it to be one of 2023’s biggest hits, unstoppable even. Rewind-worthy in every way possible, its lush production and SZA’s sweet lyrics about dancing any night makes it virtually impossible to sit through without hitting replay!
There’s a reason this song has garnered over 30 million views on YouTube: it is an emotional and inspiring ballad about finding strength within yourself during challenging times, which resonates with audiences of all ages.
4. “Shake It Off” by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is an award-winning musician, actor, advocate and New York Times best-selling author who first rose to prominence as a Disney teen star on Barney & Friends and Camp Rock in 2008. Since then she has released eight studio albums that all charted within the Top 10 of Billboard 200; four have garnered over one billion streams on Spotify alone! Fans and peers have applauded Demi for being so open about her own struggles with mental illness as documented through two highly regarded documentaries: 2017’s Simply Complicated and 2021’s Dancing With The Devil respectively.
Demi has always remained true to herself and their musical style throughout their career, creating music that blends country roots with pop, dance and R&B influences. Their most recent release HOLY FVCK is an emotive journey which received overwhelming positive response from both fans and critics.
“Shake It Off” is a pop song from Demi Lovato that features humorous jabs at her critics with lyrics such as, “You are no longer my friend/You just want to cause chaos and call me crazy”. The track features an upbeat tempo with synths and drum beats reminiscent of early 90s music; Dua Lipa and Katy Perry have already covered this catchy tune!
Demi’s own mental illness has long been an area of struggle, and she recently revealed she relapsed after six years sobriety, sharing her journey openly in an attempt to help others with substance use disorders. The song serves as an important reminder about mental health; Demi has herself struggled with such matters herself in the past.
Demi Lovato remains a beloved pop icon around the world despite controversy surrounding her. We can’t wait to see what comes next! For more on Demi, take a look at our comprehensive guide about her. From her real name and sister fame to more general facts – here is everything you need to know about Demi Lovato!