OT - The search for the perfect pop song

[tanglewood]

My nomination as my favourite pop song, although I know some people certainly wouldn't consider it a pop song. However, when making that judgement they are probably bringing preconceptions about the group who recorded it than actually listening to the record. The VU were certainly a pop band (or at least trying to be a pop band) by this point in their career, out of necessity rather than want perhaps, but I think they certainly struck good on this track.

Originally Posted by The Velvet Underground - 'Sweet Jane'

Standing on the corner
suitcase in my hand
Jack is in his corset, Jane is in her vest
and me, I'm in a rock 'n' roll band, huh
Ridin' in a Stutz Bearcat, Jim
you know those were different times
Oh, all the poets they studied rules of verse
and those ladies they rolled their eyes

Sweet Jane, woh
Sweet Jane, oh-oh
Sweet Jane

I'll tell you somethin' that Jack, he is a banker
and Jane, she is a clerk
And both of them save their monies
hah, and when, when they come home from work
Ooohhh-wah, sittin' down by the fire, oh-wah
the radio does play a little classical music there, Jim
"The March Of The Wooden Soldiers", all you protest kids
you can hear Jack say, get ready, ah

Sweet Jane, ah, come on baby
Sweet Jane, oh-oh-oh-ah
Sweet Jane

Some people they like to go out dancing
and other peoples they have to work, just watch me now
And there's even some evil mothers, haha
well they're gonna tell you that everything is just dirt
You know that women never really faint
and that villains always blink their eyes, ooohhh
And that, you know children are the only ones who blush
and that life is just to die

But anyone who ever had a heart
oh, they wouldn't turn around and break it
And anyone who ever played a part
oh, they wouldn't turn around and hate it

Sweet Jane, oh, wow-woh
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane

Heavenly wine and roses
seem to whisper to her, when he smile, ah
Heavenly wine and roses
seem to whisper to her, hey baby, when he smile

La-la-la-la-la, la-la-la
la-la-la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la, la-la-la
la-la-la-la-la, la-la-la

Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane

I challenge anyone to sit through the song without at least humming along. It just can't be done.

[TLK]

Kelly Clarkson - "Since You've Been Gone"

[lock thread now]

[Senator]

I actually heard a song on the radio that I have not heard in 20 years. I think it may be the perfect pop song. Or it might be the memory of listening to it with my first serious girlfriend in high school.
Ah! Leah - Donnie Iris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyTu_ZdcBCo

[cuervo72]

Is "Ah! Leah" similar in nature to "Oh Sherry"?

[Kodos]

What about "Pour Some Sugar On Me"?

[kurtism]

Seeing this thread pop back up, I have a few additions to the mix:

The Smithereens, "Girl Like You"
Big Star, "When My Baby's Beside Me"
Fountains of Wayne, "Stacy's Mom"
The Wonders, "That Thing You Do" (from the movie)

[cuervo72]

Ohh, I'd forgotten about "Girl Like You". Good one. I've found myself singing to "Stacy's Mom" a few times too...

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by kurtism

The Smithereens, "Girl Like You"

I really like this submission -- a very good hit on the original idea I was thinking about. I happen to think that the rendition itself was pretty good, too, but lyrically it's a great fit.

[cartman]

I just heard this song, and sad as it might be, this thread immediately came to mind:

Borderline - Madonna

Madonna - New Music - More Music Videos

[Ryche]

This Love by Maroon 5 seems like the perfect pop song to me.

[cthomer5000]

Nice bump by whoever. I almost feel like there should be an annual throwback week around here were great threads from the past get revisitied.


I feel like from the past few years I could only think up something like 'Umbrella' by Rihanna to add to the mix.

[path12]

Originally Posted by kurtism

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

This is what immediately comes to my mind for a perfect pop song as well.

[cuervo72]

Do Wah Diddy

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Critch

How did this get to page 4 without mentioning the greatest 80's 'pop' band. The Thompson Twins: Hold Me Now needs to be considered, it's pointless, bouncy, lyrically crap, but still pretty inoffensive. And that just about defines pop for me.

I have recently been reappreciating The Thompson Twins. Doctor, Doctor, King for a Day, Lay Your Hands On Me....

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Then He Kissed Me

Bonus points for being in a great scene in a great movie.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Then He Kissed Me

Bonus points for being in a great scene in a great movie.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Heh, no more like this:

[QuikSand]

Fun thread. Listening to the Weezer version of "I'm a Believer" reinforces my original stance. It's a flawless song.

[Ramzavail]

PYT MJ

[Subby]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

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

So great. kcchief goes through this long-winded TL;dr vetting process and settles on HEAT OF THE MOMENT. BY ASIA.

[thesloppy]

Got your cable just today
Killed my groove I've got
To sayyaaaaaAAAAAAaaaayyy
Western Union
Doot, da doot, da doot
Doot, da doot, da doot, etc.

[Sweed]

ABBA... SOS

Seeing Agnetha and Frida perform this on American Bandstand (1975) in their short "cat" outfits left quite an impression on this, then teenage American male!

[Izulde]

Candle light and soul forever,
A dream of you and me together,
Say you believe it, say you believe it,
Free your mind of doubt and danger,
Be for real don't be a stranger,
We can achieve it, we can achieve it
Come a little bit closer baby, get it on, get it on,
'Cause tonight is the night when two become one
I need some love like I've never needed love before
(wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more
(wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, it's the only way to be
Silly games that you were playing, empty
Words we both were saying,
Let's work it out boy, let's work it out boy,
Any deal that we endeavour,
Boys and girls feel good together
Take it or leave it,
Take it or leave it
Are you as good as I remember baby, get it on, get it on,
'Cause tonight is the night when two become one
I need some love like I've never needed love before
(wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more (wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, it's the only way to be
Be a little bit wiser baby, put it on, put it on,
'Cause tonight is the night when two become one
I need some love like I've never needed love before
(wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more (wanna make love to ya baby)
I need some love like I've never needed love before
(wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more (wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, it's the only way to be
It's the only way to be

Best safe sex song ever.

[Toddzilla]

I know it's corny but "I Want To Hold Your Hand" always struck me as the perfect pop song.

[britrock88]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

I know it's corny but "I Want To Hold Your Hand" always struck me as the perfect pop song.

I'll take "All My Lovin'" from those same fab four.

[cuervo72]

<---- Prefers "Hard Day's Night."

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by oykib

The Temptations -- "Can't Get Next to You"

I didn't know any better in 2004, but damn do I love that song (and others from The Temptations) now.

[stevew]

Fight Song is a great modern pop song. Was looking for that other thread where you change the lyrics to a song, cause I sing that shit to my dogs all the time

[ISiddiqui]

Speaking of modern pop songs, "Black Space" by Taylor Swift probably has to be on that list of the perfect pop song (Hell, anything by Swift really).

[korme]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Speaking of modern pop songs, "Black Space" by Taylor Swift probably has to be on that list of the perfect pop song (Hell, anything by Swift really).

Was wondering if she would be brought up

[stevew]

Did anyone mention Bizarre Love Triangle? Cause that song is aces, much like There She Goes.

[stevew]

Generally I'd think less is more in the lyrics when it comes to the perfect pop song. Perhaps a progression of events in the narrative, but let's keep it simple. That's why all the classic songs are so good

[aknott]

As far as modern pop songs, I can't stop listening to "Rollercoaster" by Bleachers.

[nol]

Having a hard time thinking of what I'd list as second after the Jackson 5's I Want You Back.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by nol

Having a hard time thinking of what I'd list as second after the Jackson 5's I Want You Back.

It's a great single, maybe the best. It does make my list as a great single but not necessarily a great song, but clearly that distinction (as far as this thread goes) got lost a long time ago.

[Maple Leafs]

Interesting article on modern pop songs, and how a couple of bald Norwegian dudes are creating most of today's big hits:
Karl Martin Sandberg, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen and Other Songwriters Behind the Hits of Katy Perry and Taylor Swift - The Atlantic

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Speaking of modern pop songs, "Black Space" by Taylor Swift probably has to be on that list of the perfect pop song (Hell, anything by Swift really).

Blank Space.

I'm happy to turn in my man card now, but honestly all of "1989" (except the first track, "Welcome to New York", which is dreck) is catchy, earwormy, perfectly crafted pop. It's always enjoyable to see anyone operating at the top of their game, and that album is exactly that for Swift. And I was not interested in her music prior.

[Grover]

Originally Posted by stevew

much like There She Goes.

The La's are a fucking gem. That album is still one of my all time favorites.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

Blank Space.

I'm happy to turn in my man card now, but honestly all of "1989" (except the first track, "Welcome to New York", which is dreck) is catchy, earwormy, perfectly crafted pop. It's always enjoyable to see anyone operating at the top of their game, and that album is exactly that for Swift. And I was not interested in her music prior.

Ryan Adams nails Welcome to New York on his cover of the album

[Suicane75]

Throwing out a couple of my underrated faves. Marys Prayer by Danny Wilson and I Can Dream About You by Dan Hartman.

[AENeuman]

Scientists say this is the most feel-good song ever written - TODAY.com

ABBA's "Dancing Queen"
The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations"

Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl."

[britrock88]

I know where Quik stands on BJ, but I think Uptown Girl is a gem that people refuse to acknowledge as such.

[cuervo72]

I thought "Walking on Sunshine" (which has probably already been mentioned?) was pretty feel-good.

[frnk55]

ABBA Anything abba.

[QuikSand]

Currently listening to cover after cover of "Because the Night" and persuaded to dig up this old thread. That is one hell of a song.