Best Pop Songs of All Time

1. 1
   MJ
   ▶

   Billie Jean

   Michael Jackson · from Thriller (1982)

   The bassline, the beat, the moonwalk.

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2. 2
   MA
   ▶

   Like a Prayer

   Madonna · from Like a Prayer (1989)

   Gospel choir and a giant hook.

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3. 3
   PR
   ▶

   When Doves Cry

   Prince · from Purple Rain (1984)

   A number one with no bassline.

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4. 4
   KB
   ▶

   Running Up That Hill

   Kate Bush · from Hounds of Love (1985)

   Art-pop that found a vast new audience.

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5. 5
   AB
   ▶

   Dancing Queen

   ABBA · from Arrival (1976)

   Immaculate, euphoric Swedish pop.

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6. 6
   CL
   ▶

   Time After Time

   Cyndi Lauper · from She's So Unusual (1983)

   A tender, timeless ballad.

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7. 7
   RO
   ▶

   Dancing on My Own

   Robyn · from Body Talk (2010)

   Heartbreak on the dancefloor, perfected.

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8. 8
   LO
   ▶

   Royals

   Lorde · from Pure Heroine (2013)

   Minimalism that reset teen pop.

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9. 9
   DL
   ▶

   Don't Start Now

   Dua Lipa · from Future Nostalgia (2020)

   Disco-pop revival at its most irresistible.

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10. 10
    TS
    ▶

    Blank Space

    Taylor Swift · from 1989 (2014)

    A witty, self-aware pop smash.

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11. 11
    AD
    ▶

    Rolling in the Deep

    Adele · from 21 (2011)

    A stomping, soulful global hit.

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12. 12
    WH
    ▶

    How Will I Know

    Whitney Houston · from Whitney Houston (1985)

    Joyful, big-voiced 80s pop.

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Tap the artwork or "Listen" to find the track on Amazon Music; "Watch" opens a YouTube search; the song title opens its album page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups.