Michael Jackson sang in songs before he was a teenager, as a member of the Jackson 5 since 1965. He was big in Motown, a record label that was founded in Detroit in 1959. It became famous for its distinct style of soul and pop music, often featuring smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and strong rhythms. Motown played a major role in the success of many Black artists, including The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. The “Motown Sound” helped bring Black music into the mainstream and had a huge influence on popular music worldwide. and became very successful with more than 150 songs, popularizing many dance moves along the way, such as the moonwalk. He released Thriller along with an album of the same name in 1982, and it still holds the title of the best-selling album worldwide, at over 70 million copies. The 14-minute music video/short film he released expanded the possibilities of music videos as an art form. The song has a catchy beat and chorus, which make it very recognizable. The creepy aspects of the song also sound great and you can really picture in your mind what the words mean. I think this is a certified classic that will continue to be played for years to come.

Pharell Williams is a musician, songwriter, rapper and fashion designer. He first gained popularity as a part of “The Neptunes,” a pop duo with Chad Hugo, in 1992. Since then, he has been one of the most influential producers in modern popular music. His hit song Happy was written for the Despicable Me 2 movie. The song was released as a single/music video alongside the film in 2013. It is an upbeat, hopeful and happy song with a catchy beat and chorus. The people in the music video are not just backup dancers but regular people of many different backgrounds, all dancing and lip-synching along. The song remains well-known and popular today. Although it’s only 10 years old, I think it will stick around a while longer.

To start, Star Wars is a very influential and famous series. The first movie, A New Hope, was released on May 25, 1977. Its beloved characters, special effects and impact on Hollywood have made it very popular even today, almost 50 years later. “The Imperial March” was written for the second movie, The Empire Strikes Back, and dare I say it might be even more recognizable than the main theme itself. Its big and bold sounding melody combined with the drums and cymbals make it very recognizable and iconic. It is perfect for what it represents:a powerful empire. I think it will be recognizable and beloved for a very long time.

OutKast, the rap duo from Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of Big Boi and André 3000, has produced countless hits, pushing the boundaries of hip-hop with their unique sound and lyrical creativity. The rapper-producer duo possesses an incredible skill set, blending Southern rap, funk, and soul influences to create music that resonates with a wide audience. However, this song is one you’d hope wouldn’t resonate with you on a personal level. “Ms. Jackson,” one of OutKast’s most iconic tracks, is a heartfelt apology to the mother of popular R&B artist Erykah Badu. Inspired by André 3000’s real-life relationship with Badu and their son together, the song delves into the emotional toll of a breakup, exploring themes of regret, co-parenting struggles, and the desire for understanding. André 3000’s verses provide a deeply personal reflection on his relationship with Badu and the challenges that arose from it, particularly in gaining the approval of her mother. Meanwhile, Big Boi offers another perspective, addressing the complexities of breakups and custody battles from a more grounded, real-world lens. The song’s catchy yet melodic hook: “I’m sorry, Ms. Jackson, I am for real,” became an unforgettable anthem, striking a chord with listeners who have experienced similar situations.

At a University of Michigan home game, there is one tradition that has always been a fan favorite. As the 3rd quarter ticks down, you’ll hear the excitement build as you hear the first guitar riff. It gets louder and louder and before you know it, over 100,000 people are singing along to “Mr. Brightside.” This song was created by The Killers who are based in England. It was huge over in the U.K and quickly was adopted by the United States and now that it’s been cemented in Michigan Football history, it will never be forgotten.

As the holiday season rolls around each year, Christmas music is always a favorite. Mariah Carey’s 1994 Record “Merry Christmas” is always met with a huge rise in streams, in what’s known as the “Mariah Effect”. The “Mariah Effect” refers to the annual resurgence of Mariah Carey’s holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” every holiday season. Since its release in 1994, the song has become a Christmas staple, re-entering music charts worldwide every December and dominating holiday playlists. This song is a prime example of why holiday music is so prolific: references to common Christmas traditions packed inside of a catchy love song.

Hip-hop has never been short on bold personalities, but few have been as controversial as Eminem, aka Slim Shady. “The Real Slim Shady” is the lead single from his 2000 album “The Marshall Mathers LP.” As one of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of all time, the song blends sharp satire, rapid-fire lyricism, and infectious production to create something both widely entertaining and deeply provocative.

Have you ever been casually scrolling through social media, watching a seemingly normal video, when suddenly it cuts or zooms into that familiar blue screen? Then, that iconic riff plays, instantly recognizable to almost anyone. Congratulations, you’ve just been “Weezered.” That guitar mini solo comes from Weezer’s 1994 hit “Buddy Holly,” arguably their greatest song of all time. The track’s mix of relatable lyrics about feeling like an outsider, combined with Kurt Cobain-like hooks and an unforgettable music video, helped cement its massive popularity. The video, which cleverly inserts the band into scenes from “Happy Days,” won four MTV Video Music Awards and became an essential part of ’90s pop culture. Beyond its initial success, “Buddy Holly” has taken on a new life as a meme, thanks to its nostalgic sound, internet culture, and connection to iconic moments in media. The song directly references rock legend Buddy Holly, known for his pioneering role in rock and roll. This incredible piece of music has already stood the test of time, effortlessly adapting to the ever-changing internet landscape. And if history is any indication, “Buddy Holly” will continue to resonate for generations to come.

When this song was released in 1995, It was a pivotal part of the ‘90s Britpop movement. The song has since been covered and remixed by hundreds of artists, keeping the legacy alive. It is also often the very first song students learn when taking a guitar class. Along with appearances in TV shows and movies, “Wonderwall” has become a long-running joke in internet culture. It’s often referenced as the stereotypical song someone pulls out at a party or around a campfire when they first learn to play guitar. Memes, tweets, and videos regularly poke fun at people who say, “Anyway, here’s Wonderwall,” making the song both an iconic anthem and a playful punchline online.

If you have ever watched Rocky lll then you remember that legendary song. Surviver’s “Eye Of The Tiger”-1982, is a classic song for a classic underdog story. This song has an inspiring message with lyrics about fighting through adversity, staying focused and never giving up. The song’s melody and punchy rhythm have a driving energy that makes it instantly recognizable and energizing. This song is deeply rooted in the bold, energetic sound of ’80s rock, with its electric guitars and powerful vocals defining the era. Even so, it still manages to feel fresh and exciting today, as if it never went out of style. Part of what makes it so timeless is its simplicity—the straightforward lyrics and catchy rhythm make it easy for anyone to connect with, no matter what era they’re from or what kind of music they usually listen to. Over the years, it’s been remixed and referenced in modern movies, TV shows and sports events, helping it reach more people.

The lead single from Cyrus’s “Time of Our Lives” EP it was a coming-of-age story of Cyrus’s journey from small town Tennessee roots to Hollywood star. Party in the USA was originally meant to be on Jessie J’s debut album, being written by Jessie J and Dr Luke, it was eventually passed on. Soon after Luke headed to Savannah, Georgia where Cyrus was filming “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Together, they recorded the song in a makeshift studio formerly used by celebrity chef Paula Dean, and the rest was history.

Released in the “A Night at the Opera” Album in 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody” shook the entire music industry. One of the most ambitious and groundbreaking songs in rock history as it blends rock, oprah and ballad elements to form the timeless classic we know today. Soft piano ballads open the tune, while the voices evoke mystery and intense emotion. Lyrically, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is open to interpretation, with themes of guilt, fate and existential dread. The meaning was never explicitly revealed, adding to its mystique.

Being the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the song stirred up controversy among many people for the selection of the non-Africian, Columbian pop star Shakira. Nevertheless the track had soccer fans around the world dancing to the African beat the track features. Based off a Cameroonian marching chant and featuring the popular South African group Freshyground, the song holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

The lead single of Swift’s fifth studio album “1989,” it was inspired by the media scrutiny on her public image. The lyrics talk about her indifference to negative sentiment and public hate. It was released in late August, 2014, to promote Swift’s first pop album after her previous history as a largely country artist.

“Uptown Funk” is widely seen as a Bruno Mars single. Despite that perception, the song was created by the British record producer Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars. It was originally released in Nov, 2014 as the lead single from Ronson’s fourth studio album: “Uptown Special (2015).” The song is a fun mixture of funk-pop, soul, boogie and disco-pop, and it has a spirt akin to 80’s era funk music.