OT - The search for the perfect pop song

[Ksyrup]

Actually, since QS started this thread, I thought about nominating a Billy Joel song.

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Katrina

She went to Stuttgart American High School back in the seventies.

Go Stallions!!!

[Ksyrup]

If I was goign to choose a Beatles song, it would be the obvious - the one I think that was voted greatest song ever - In My Life.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Actually, since QS started this thread, I thought about nominating a Billy Joel song.

Up yours, pal.

[Fritz]

Walking on Sunshine was a good nomination.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by Fritz

Walking on Sunshine was a good nomination.

I agree.

[Fritz]

shal I say it? yes.

Wake me up before you go-go. Wham!

[Fritz]

I guess Pop Music should be here

[Fritz]

as should be FunkyTown

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Also, there's a difference (as I intend it) between "a song that has been released in the rock/pop genre" and "a pop song." As much as I love the song Bridge Over Troubled Water, it's not at all what I'm talking about here - and even Billie Jean, I would argue, is too sophisticated to be a true pop song.

When I think "pop song," I immediately rule out songs that are "too sophisticated" as well. Some of the suggestions above I'd put into that category would be songs by REM and something like the Police's "Every Breath You Take." I think you have to rule out songs with irony or deep messages.

I also tend to rule out songs that are a bit too novelty. A song like "Centerfold" by the J Geils Band fits that category -- great song, just a bit too "fun." As much as I'd like to give the nod to Fozzie's "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves -- great song -- it also doesn't quite have the weight either.

I initially thought of two songs when I read Quik's first post -- "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion and "Yesterday" by the Beatles. But despite the pop appeal of those songs, they are a bit too slow for my taste for this discussion.

If I had to pick an artist that would have the perfect pop song, it would be either Madonna or Prince. Sure, both have songs that are too deep ("Like a Prayer") or novelty ("Raspberry Beret"), but I don't know if you could go wrong with a "When Doves Cry" or "Like a Virgin." For less popular artists, I'd go with everyone's favorite Sweedish duo, Roxette. I admit I was a sucker for this group. They had a number of great pop songs, my favorite of which would have to be "Fading Like a Flower."

My two nominees are clearly tainted by my background -- pop music was perfected between 1982 and 1990, or the from the time I discovered "pop music" through high school. My two picks:

"Don't You Want Me?" by the Human League
"Heat of the Moment" by Asia

[Fonzie]

OK, I think I'm getting a better feel for what 'pop' songs are (as opposed to 'records'). Here's a submission that I think is a bit closer to what you were thinking of QS:

(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper

Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the 'Frisco bay
'Cause I've had nothing to live for
And look like nothin's gonna come my way

So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same, yes

Sittin' here resting my bones
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home

Now, I'm just gonna sit at the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Oooo-wee, sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

(whistle)

[Fritz]

betty davis eyes does not have the sugar, but it has the hook

[kurtism]

Notable for it's absence is Crowded House's "Something So Strong"

(Although I personally prefer "Weather With You," but it is more obscure.)

Neil Finn is, in my mind at least, the perfect pop songsmith. Incredible hooks, nice beat, and excellent lyrics. Plus, you can cash in on the LoTR New Zealand craze!!!

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

If I had to pick an artist that would have the perfect pop song, it would be either Madonna or Prince.

something like Lets go crazy?

[kurtism]

Staying out of the states, what about "Mayor of Simpleton" by XTC?

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

No, Billie Jean was the best MJ song bar none! Fonzie wins!

No no no. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough.

I would like to throw out Don't Bring Me Down by ELO and My Sharona by the Knack. Viva 1979!!!

[QuikSand]

I might offer up "Tempted" from Squeeze. A little bit complex for the original category... but it has the other elements that have been discussed.

[Fritz]

Oh Mickey - Toni Basil

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

No no no. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough.

Now that is the MJ song that fits the original bill.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

I might offer up "Tempted" from Squeeze. A little bit complex for the original category... but it has the other elements that have been discussed.

I've always liked Hourglass myself.

I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow is also a good little song.

[kurtism]

"Tempted" is great, Quik. Another worthy contribution, this time from the states, is "Girlfriend" by Matthew Sweet.

[MJ4H]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Sorry if i was unclear above. I'm trying to separate the concepts of "song" and "record." If you're focusing on best-selling singles, weeks on the pop chart, melodies, and the like -- you're answering a different question than I'm asking. It's a fine debate, just not the one I thought I was starting.

Also, there's a difference (as I intend it) between "a song that has been released in the rock/pop genre" and "a pop song." As much as I love the song Bridge Over Troubled Water, it's not at all what I'm talking about here - and even Billie Jean, I would argue, is too sophisticated to be a true pop song.

Fritz is on my wavelength. These are pop songs.

But carry on... it's an interesting discussion, regardless of what I think/thought.

Ok I just disagree with the definition of pop song you are using here.

[Bad-example]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

No no no. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough.

I would like to throw out Don't Bring Me Down by ELO and My Sharona by the Knack. Viva 1979!!!

Hey! Don't throw those songs out!



They're still good.


Daniel
Tiny Dancer
Rocketman
Don't Go Breakin' my Heart
Bennie and the Jets

Sir Elton has several songs that deserve consideration.

[Frozenrope]

I would like to submit the following:

You Don't Know How it Feels Tom Petty

Cuts You Up Peter Murphy

Anything by the duo kings of pop: Daryl Hall and John Oates

Stupidly Happy XTC

Black Velvet Alanah Myles

[Fritz]

something harder, but still pop would be Blitzkrieg Bop

[Passacaglia]

Maybe NoMyths can suggest one.

[RealDeal]

From a pure pop song crafting standpoint, I think probably the best two songs are Happy Together by the Turtles and Billie Jean by Jacko.

[mckerney]

Swing, Swing

[Bad-example]

Something Tells Me I'm into Something Good - Herman's Hermits

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by kurtism

Another worthy contribution, this time from the states, is "Girlfriend" by Matthew Sweet.

That entire album fits the category.

[SunDancer]

I have a general interest for pop music (as with any music, I really dont have artists I follow, but if a song sounds good, I like it), but I found that most of the mainstream pop music are talent that really, well, aren't talented.

[Frozenrope]

I Can See Clearly Now has to be the all-time feel good pop tune.

[QuikSand]

How about Blue Suede Shoes. And maybe Devil in a Blue Dress. Both very solid pop songs, perhaps before we really had defined "pop" too well.

[cuervo72]

Goody Too Shoes by Adam Ant
Centerfold by J. Geils Band (also Freeze Frame)

[kurtism]

"There She Goes" by the Las... modern pop nirvana (the state of being, not the band)

[clintl]

Waterloo Sunset, The Kinks

[thesloppy]

The Righteous Brothers released a couple classic pop-epics in 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling' and 'Unchained Melody', although both had a little too much white-boy soul to be considered true pop. The Everly Brothers also put out some truly excellent material that often gets overlooked when people talk about good pop music, they also might suffer due to genre-blending, but unlike the Righteous Bros. barritone soul, the Everly's affected more of a country twang.

Although I don't know if I would put any of his songs in the very top spot, Burt Bacharach penned a simply staggering number of pop masterpieces, remarkable both for their quality and sheer quantity. Bacharach, much like his earlier mentioned contemporary Neil Diamond, also benefitted greatly by having his material performed by some of the days premier performers like Dusty Springfield, Gene Pitney, the Drifters, and Dionne Warwick. 'Do You Know the Way To San Jose', 'Walk on By', '(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me', '(They Long to Be) Close to You', 'Wishin' and Hopin'', is just a small fraction of some of Bacharach's hits, and there are just as many not-as-popular gems hidden in his catalog that surpass the hits.

[Buzzbee]

One that might fit the bill:

What I Like About You
by The Romantics


What I like about you
You hold me tight
Tell me I'm the only one
Wanna come over tonight?

Warm whispering in my ear
Tell me all the things that I want to hear
'Cause it's true
That's what I like about you

What I like about you
You really know how to dance
When you go up down, jump around
Talk about about true romance

Warm whispering in my ear
Tell me all the things that I want to hear
'Cause it's true
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you

What I like about you
You keep me warm at night
Never wanna let you go
You know you make me feel alright

Warm whispering in my ear
Tell me all the things that I want to hear
'Cause it's true
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you
That's what I like about you

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by thesloppy

The Everly Brothers

YES. Wake Up, Little Susie --one of the great pop songs, for certain. Yes.

[thesloppy]

This is a great thread QS, some of the suggestions get you tapping your feet and humming along just by hearing the title.

Some truly excellent suggestions by others having just scanned the thread again:

In My Life - Beatles -- I think that would be my beatles pick too, gives me the 'music shivers' still sometimes.
Tempted - Squeeze -- What a great song, from start to finish.
Don't You Want Me - Human League -- Of course!
Anything by Hall and Oates -- God I hate the fact that I luvs me some H&O.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - MJ -- Can't feel down when I hear that one start up.
Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks -- Great great song, personally I'd go with 'Starstruck'.

As for Funkytown, if that makes the list then I think there's some Chic and Earth Wind and Fire songs that merit consideration.

Also, shouldn't there be some Duran Duran in here somewhere? Rio perhaps?

[Fonzie]

Originally Posted by Frozenrope

Anything by the duo kings of pop: Daryl Hall and John Oates

I was thinking they might be worthy of a nomination as well, but am uncertain as to which song. Rich Girl should be a contender, but I'm partial to She's Gone, myself.

[Fonzie]

Originally Posted by thesloppy

Also, shouldn't there be some Duran Duran in here somewhere? Rio perhaps?

Dola-

I agree - but was thinking of The Reflex because it is a classic "nonsense" song. Rio or Hungry Like The Wolfwould also be good choices.

[thesloppy]

Originally Posted by Buzzbee

What I Like About You
by Ramones

Great song! But somehow, this is an insult to both the Ramones and the Romantics at the same time. Reminds me of the good old days of napster when practically every MP3 ID file was completely wrong and if you did a search for Willie Nelson the only song that would come back is 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer'.

[CentralMassHokie]

Bus Stop by The Hollies

[Buzzbee]

Originally Posted by thesloppy

Great song! But somehow, this is an insult to both the Ramones and the Romantics at the same time. Reminds me of the good old days of napster when practically every MP3 ID file was completely wrong and if you did a search for Willie Nelson the only song that would come back is 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer'.

Nice catch. Missed that in the cut and paste. Will correct out of respect for both groups.

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

I'd go with everyone's favorite Sweedish duo, Roxette. I admit I was a sucker for this group. They had a number of great pop songs, my favorite of which would have to be "Fading Like a Flower."

w00t! That's an awesome song, good call. I also like "It Must've Been Love" and "Joyride" by Roxette.

Speaking of Swedish bands and pop, no ones mentioned Abba yet. They dominated the 1970s pop scene all over the world. You've got literally dozens of songs to pick from, but "Dancing Queen" is probably the most memorable.

And how about the Go-Gos? "Our Lips Are Sealed" or "We Got the Beat" might get some votes. Madonna's already been mentioned but she's a heavy pop hitter, especially her early stuff.

[clintl]

What about "Route 66", written by Bobby Troup and performed by just about everyone?

Or Hank Williams' "Move It On Over"?

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Okay, I know from previous musical threads here that true pop music isn’t many people’s cup of tea. I’m sure there are some people here who will confess to really liking it … but for each one of them there are ten who will say “All pop music is crap, and you couldn’t make me listen to it even if you attached electrodes to my genitals!” perfect pop song?

What does being pro-electrodes on genitals have to do with pop music?

[Ksyrup]

This thread just confirms what I've known for years - by the 90's, the art of the pop/rock song was relegated to the bottom of the barrel. Not sure if that's the fault of radio conglomerates, MTV, or just a change in public taste. It used to be that pop music was, at least in part, made up of songs written and performed by actual bands, like many of the 60's, 70's, and 80's suggestions in this thread. For the most part, those kinds of artists are no longer in the mainstream and thus, very few people are nominating any songs from the 90's to present.

[thesloppy]

Some more guilty (and not so guilty) pleasures in the pop vein:

America - Sister Goldenhair
Culture Club - Karma Cameleon / Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
Modern English - Melt With You
Oasis - Wonderwall
Rod Stewart - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy
Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
Sonny and Cher - Baby Don't Go
Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight
Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels
New Edition - Candy Girl / Cool It Now
Hollies - King Midas In Reverse
Miami Sound Machine - Conga
The Jets - Whatever the hell their song was
Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley
English Beat - Sooner or Later


I also agree with ABBA as a great pick!