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Pop is a unique and exciting genre which is why it’s no surprise that some of the best pop songs top the charts each year. Whether you are in the mood to jam along with some attitude or looking to express more dismal emotions, there is a pop song to suit your every mood.
We’ve made a list of the best pop songs to date, and we hope you enjoy adding these tunes to your playlist. So, scroll down to start your journey into the best pop songs.
19. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”—Beyonce
No list of the best pop songs would be complete without a song from the queen herself. Whether or not you are a Beyonce fan, you must admit that her music has shaped a generation of people. This song is no different, and it is pretty catchy.
18. “Dancing Queen”—ABBA
Anyone who gives you a list of the best pop songs without ABBA is kidding themselves. One of the highest-grossing pop groups of all time, there isn’t anyone out there who hasn’t found a song of ABBAs that they want to play on repeat.
17. “Umbrella”—Rihanna feat Jay Z
After Beyonce, Rihanna is probably the next female pop singer that needs a mention. Whether she’s talking about an ex being “Unfaithful” or being supported in “Lift Me Up,” Rihanna’s voice is the favorite of a generation, so much so that she is one of the best-selling digital artists of all time.
16. “Hollaback Girl”—Gwen Stefani
Although she hadn’t released a banger in a while, no one can forget the release of “Hollaback Girl” in 2004. I think we can all thank this song for helping us learn to spell Bananas.
15. “Shake it Off”—Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is another popular pop singer who, like Rihanna and Beyonce, can sometimes be listed under other genres. While some of Swift’s tunes are more country, “Shake it Off” is a pop anthem that took the work by storm.
14. “Shape of You”—Ed Sheeran
British pop singer Ed Sheeran entered the pop scene in the 2010s and was an immediate hit, even though some of his songs stray from traditional pop. He’s so popular his tunes have inspired other pop artists, including Adele and Justin Bieber.
13. “Toxic”—Britney Spears
Who can forget the infamous Britney Spears? Even though she rose to popularity in the ’90s, Spears has repeatedly paved paths in the pop world with her worldwide hits like “Oops I Did it Again” and “Stronger.”
12. “I Kissed a Girl”—Katy Perry
Katy Perry is another pop artist which has won multiple awards for her recognizable pop anthems. While “Firework” is perhaps her most well-known work, we prefer “I Kissed a Girl,” which is one of the first songs which catapulted her to fame.
11. “Blinding Lights”—The Weeknd
This pop anthem has repeatedly made lists of the best pop songs around the world, even though The Weeknd often jumps genres. Regardless, this tune is perfect for almost any pop music occasion, whether it’s a party or a chill night at home.
10. “Bang Bang”—Nicki Minaj, Jessie J, and Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj is another genre switcher, but of her pop tunes, this one is probably the most popular. Ariana Grande isn’t our favorite, but there is something about her voice in this song that is just memorizing.
9. “Closer”—The Chainsmokers Feat Halsey
We admit, putting The Chainsmokers on a list of the best pop songs is a bit weird, but Spotify agrees, “Closer” is a pop anthem and one of the favorites of all time. There is just something about Halsey’s amazing voice paired with the electronic nature of The Chainsmokers that we just can’t get over.
8. “Stay”—The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber
This song is new to the pop music scene compared to many others on this list, but it topped the charts almost immediately, thanks to its catchy tune and lyrics. Perhaps having Justin Bieber in it helped as well.
7. “Old Town Road”—Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is a unique artist as his songs are really a combination of country, hip-hop, and pop, but “Old Town Road” proved it was possible. No one will care if you add this fun tune to your best pop songs playlist.
6. “Hips Don’t Lie”—Shakira Feat Wyclef Jean
Pop is an international genre, especially in central and south America. Shakira brings some amazing pop tunes to both, and while we had trouble picking just one of her songs, “Hips Don’t Lie” is a no-brainer for the top pop songs list.
5. “SexyBack”—Justin Timberlake
While most lists of the best pop songs tend to be female-heavy, you can’t forget Justin Timberlake. He may not be as popular as he once was, but we will never forget the year he released “SexyBack” and “Cry Me a River.”
4. “Poker Face”—Lady Gaga
We can’t believe we have made it this far down the list without mentioning Lady Gaga. Many Gen Xers didn’t know what to do with her when she approached the music scene in the 2000s, but Millennials knew right away she was exactly what they wanted to hear.
3. “Purple Rain”—Prince
Originally from Minnesota, Prince is perhaps one of the most recognized singers in Pop, and for a good reason too.
2. “Treat You Better”—Shawn Mendes
Reaching fame when he was just 17 years old, Shawn Mendes is perhaps one of the best pop artists of all time. His lyrics are heartfelt, catchy, and they’ll play in your mind over and over again.
1. “Billie Jean”—Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. Of course, he would be on this list. Our only crime was having to pick one song. We went with “Billie Jean,” but “Smooth Criminal” was a close second.
What do you think of this list of the best pop songs? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!
