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the greatest pop song ever?

apropos of absolutely nothing, i just listened to the song "five o clock world" by the vogues for the first time in perhaps 20 years. i heard it on a really good lexus (levinson) sound system and have concluded that it's arguably the greatest pop production ever--the damn thing's incredible. in the space of a quick two minutes you get 12 string guitar, marimba, horns, incredible drumming and a really wild honky-tonk piano, all on top of those weird doowop harmonies. add to the mix a really tight melody and sorta meaningful lyrics and you have something that makes phil spector look unambitious and timid.

also from left field, i've been touting a song called "i can see you" by someone or something called june and the exit wounds as the single most beautiful tune ever written. as far as i know, it's only been released on a sampler by parasol records (an indy label out of urban il). this song sounds like some lost brian wilson masterpiece and is well worth finding for those in search of audio nirvana.
loomisjohnson
tgyeti
83 posts
 
This is kind of a silly thread, who can name ONE "greatest pop song EVER", lol. But having said that, I think "Brandy" by Looking Glass is right up there.

another vote for the Monkees version of "I'm a Believer" as well.
darkmoebius
899 posts
 
I know 4 songs that aren't the greatest pop song ever:

"Love Will Keep Us Together" and "Muskrat Love" by Captain & Tennille

"Afternoon Delight" by Starland Vocal Band

"The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace
darkmoebius
899 posts
 
02-26-10: Tvad
Whichever has sold the most records. That's what pop music is all about. Once the answer is found, no further debate is required.
I'd also say most covered song would qualify as best pop song. There has to be a reason why it's covered the most.

I think for decades, that title was held by "Louie Louie" by Richard Berry circa '55/'57 but made infamous by The Kingsmen in ~1963. There have been something like 1,500 covers/versions of that tune recorded.
jfz
570 posts
 
In the somewhat obscure, yet I definitely love category:

Reading about Five-O'Clock World (which I love) reminded me of The Zombies and "Tell Her No". I also like "She's Not There" a whole lot too.

Fun thread.

Not pop, and not *that* obscure, but, if I could nominate a somewhat obscure rock/blues song, it would be "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed".
jfz
570 posts
 
I don't think of the Rolling Stone list being pop. I've never understood the raves about Satisfaction. I like it, but probably not in my top 100. And Born to Run? I'd put that in the top five easily - rock songs, that is...not pop.
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