From The Beatles to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, popular music has been shaped and influenced by countless artists and their groundbreaking songs. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles introduced the idea of a boy band and started Beatlemania. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” changed how we think about both popular music and music videos, while “Thriller” broke down barriers between different music genres. Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” ushered in the grunge movement, and “Like A Virgin” by Madonna marked the point where pop music became a darker, more serious place. The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” inspired countless musicians and Van Halen, while Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” set a new standard for musical expression. Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” cemented their place as rock legends, and Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” helped define the boy band genre of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Finally, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars remains a popular party song and a testament to the power of catchy pop hooks and danceable grooves.
1. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
The Beatles burst onto the music scene in the 1960s, and their hit song “I Want To Hold Your Hand” changed the industry by introducing the idea of the boy band. This catchy, upbeat tune had a massive impact on the music industry, and it marked the beginning of Beatlemania. This song’s success demonstrated the power of a group of cute, talented guys who could sing and play their own instruments. It paved the way for other boy bands like NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and One Direction.
2. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson is one of those songs that has stood the test of time, and its influence cannot be understated. Not only did it change the way we think about popular music, but it also changed the way we think about music videos. Michael Jackson’s music video for “Billie Jean” was one of the first music videos ever made that included an actual storyline. It set the precedent for music videos to become a medium for telling a story visually while setting the scene for the rise of MTV.
3. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is one of the most iconic and influential songs of the 1990s. It ushered in the grunge movement, and it transformed the rock genre as we knew it. The song’s powerful, raw sound and socially conscious lyrics have influenced countless musicians, and it remains a cultural touchstone to this day.
4. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is one of the most iconic pop songs and videos of all time. It was a cultural phenomenon, and it broke down barriers between music genres. Before “Thriller,” pop stars and rock stars were separate entities with different audiences. “Thriller” changed that, and it showed that everyone could enjoy pop music with a rock twist.
5. “Like a Virgin” by Madonna
Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” was a turning point in her career and for the entire music industry. It established Madonna as an artistic force to be reckoned with and marked the point at which pop music moved from its sugary, fluffy roots to a darker, more serious place. The song’s unabashed exploration of sexuality marked a watershed moment for female empowerment in pop music, and it was unlike anything that had come before it.
6. “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks
The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” changed the world of music forever. It’s considered one of the first-ever heavy metal songs, and it established a new sound that would dominate the rock genre throughout the decades to come. The song’s fuzzy, distorted guitar riff and raw energy inspired countless musicians and paved the way for bands like AC/DC and Van Halen.
7. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most iconic, innovative, and influential songs in the history of pop music. It’s a six-minute masterpiece that weaves together multiple genres and styles, defying categorization and setting a new standard for musical expression. The song’s blend of opera, rock, and pop elements created something completely unique, and it inspired future generations of musicians to experiment and take risks.
8. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is one of the most recognizable and beloved rock songs of all time. Its iconic guitar riff and soaring vocals have made it a staple of radio playlists and rock anthems. The song’s success catapulted Guns N’ Roses to global superstardom, and it introduced a new generation to the power of rock music.
9. “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” was a game-changing pop hit that established the group as a force to be reckoned with in the boy band genre. The song’s infectious beat, catchy chorus, and danceable groove made it an instant classic, and it helped jumpstart the late-1990s and early-2000s pop wave that would come to define a generation.
10. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars is one of the most popular and successful pop songs of the 21st century. Its upbeat, funky groove and catchy lyrics made it an instant hit, and it was the song that launched Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars into superstardom. Its success demonstrated the power of catchy pop hooks and fun dance beats, and it continues to be a popular party song to this day.