Twenty Chart Topping Hits That Reveal The History Of Pop Music

Pop music has always been an integral part of our culture. It has evolved over the years, with each decade bringing its unique sound and style. The popularity of pop music can be attributed to its catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and ability to connect with a wide audience. Through chart-topping hits, we can trace the history of pop music and understand how it has changed and influenced the music landscape.

1. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" - The Beatles (1964)

When The Beatles released this song in 1964, it marked the beginning of the British Invasion. The catchy tune and the band's charisma propelled them to international fame, revolutionizing the pop music scene. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" became a cultural phenomenon and set the tone for the coming decade.

The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music

by Afsoon Hamid (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35866 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

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2. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen (1975)

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" defied the conventions of pop music with its operatic structure and genre-blending elements. This groundbreaking hit showcased the band's musical prowess and became an anthem for individuality and self-expression.

3. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson (1982)

Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" not only established him as the King of Pop but also revolutionized the music industry. It introduced innovative music videos, intricate choreography, and a distinctive sound that continues to inspire artists today.

4. "Like a Virgin" - Madonna (1984)

Madonna's "Like a Virgin" symbolized the boldness and feminist empowerment of the '80s pop music. With her provocative image and catchy tunes, Madonna became an influential figure, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future female artists.

5. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana (1991)

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" brought grunge rock to the forefront and defined the '90s alternative music scene. Its raw energy and angsty lyrics resonated with a generation disillusioned by mainstream pop music, making Nirvana an iconic band of the era.

6. "Wannabe" - Spice Girls (1996)

The Spice Girls' "Wannabe" exemplified the rise of girl power and pop anthems in the late '90s. With their catchy tunes and empowering messages, this British girl group became a global sensation, inspiring a new wave of female pop stars.

7. "Crazy in Love" - Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z (2003)

Beyoncé's solo debut with "Crazy in Love" solidified her status as an international superstar. The song's infectious groove, Beyoncé's powerhouse vocals, and the addition of Jay-Z created a timeless hit that exemplified the R&B-infused sound of the 2000s.

8. "Somebody That I Used to Know" - Gotye ft. Kimbra (2011)

"Somebody That I Used to Know" showcased Gotye's unique indie-pop sound and became an international sensation. The song's melancholic lyrics and Kimbra's haunting vocals struck a chord with listeners, making it one of the most memorable hits of the 2010s.

9. "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran (2017)

Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" dominated the charts in 2017 with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics. This upbeat pop hit showcased Sheeran's ability to create catchy tunes while maintaining his signature acoustic sound.

10. "Dance Monkey" - Tones and I (2019)

Tones and I's "Dance Monkey" became a global phenomenon, breaking streaming records and dominating the charts. This quirky pop hit showcased the power of viral success and highlighted the changing dynamics of the music industry.

11. "Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears (1998)

Britney Spears' debut single, "Baby One More Time," catapulted her to superstardom and defined the late '90s pop music era. The song's infectious hooks and iconic music video solidified Spears' status as a pop princess.

12. "Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)

"Uptown Funk" brought back the funk and soul influences of the '70s, infusing them with Bruno Mars' modern pop sensibilities. This collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars quickly became a global hit and a party anthem.

13. "Hey Jude" - The Beatles (1968)

Another timeless hit by The Beatles, "Hey Jude" showcased their songwriting prowess and experimental approach. With its uplifting message and catchy chorus, this song continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

14. "I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston (1992)

Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" remains one of the greatest ballads in pop music history. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery cemented this song as a timeless classic.

15. "Poker Face" - Lady Gaga (2008)

Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" propelled her to stardom and showcased her unique blend of pop and electronic dance music. The song's catchy hooks and provocative lyrics contributed to Gaga's image as a boundary-pushing artist.

16. "Rolling in the Deep" - Adele (2010)

Adele's powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics brought a soulful sound back to pop music. "Rolling in the Deep" became a global hit, solidifying Adele as one of the greatest vocal talents of her generation.

17. "Vogue" - Madonna (1990)

"Vogue" showcased Madonna's ability to push boundaries and reinvent herself. This iconic dance-pop hit served as an anthem for self-expression and individuality in the LGBTQ+ community.

18. "Gangnam Style" - Psy (2012)

"Gangnam Style" by South Korean artist Psy went viral and became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. Its infectious beats and quirky dance moves introduced the world to the global phenomenon of K-pop.

19. "Yeah!" - Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris (2004)

"Yeah!" was a massive hit that combined Usher's smooth vocals with energetic rap verses from Lil Jon and Ludacris. This R&B-infused track dominated the charts and became a club favorite.

20. "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga (2009)

"Bad Romance" showcased Lady Gaga's ability to merge pop music with avant-garde visuals. Its catchy chorus and dramatic production solidified Gaga's status as a pop icon.

These twenty chart-topping hits represent milestones in the history of pop music. They have shaped the genre and influenced countless artists who followed in their footsteps. From the British Invasion and feminist anthems to viral sensations and boundary-pushing pop superstars, these songs reveal the evolution of pop music as a cultural force.

The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music

by Afsoon Hamid (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35866 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

Beloved music critic Tom Breihan's fascinating narrative of the story of popular music through the lens of twenty game-changing number one singles from throughout the history of the Billboard Hot 100, inspired by the author's ongoing Stereogum column.

When Tom Breihan launched his column in early 2018, "The Number Ones"—a space in which he has been writing about every #1 hit in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, in chronological order—he figured he’d post capsule-size reviews for each song. But as he dug in, he realized there was so much more to uncover. The column expanded to full-on essays, in which Breihan unpacks the history of each track, its place in the culture at the time, its legacy (or lack thereof), and, of course, the song itself. The column has taken on a life of its own, sparking online debate, attracting constant readers, and occasionally death threats from, say, the guy who wrote “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”

The Billboard Hot 100 began in 1958, and after four years of the column, Breihan is still in the mid-‘90s, with decades of music and years of posting to come. But readers will no longer have to wait for Breihan’s brilliant synthesis of what the history of number ones has meant to music and our culture. In The Number Ones, he writes about twenty game-changing #1s throughout chart history, revealing remarkably fluid and connected story of music that is as entertaining as it is enlightening. He marks the greatest pop artists of all time, from the Brill Building songwriters to the Beatles and the Beach Boys; from Motown to Michael Jackson, Prince, and Mariah Carey; and from the social media revolution and the Korean pop system. Breihan also ponders great artists who have never hit the top spot, like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and James Brown. Breihan illuminates what makes the indelible ear candy across the decades, leaving readers to wonder what could possibly happen next.