Ratings · Songs
Pop ratings
Superstition to Espresso, six decades of it. The pop pool is the deepest in the songs topic and the one where the streaming era distorts things most, which is exactly why the ratings are built the way they are.
How these ratings are built
Every song is rated on one hard number: its lifetime Spotify play count, taken from the public totals published by kworb.net. The judgement call is what to do with it. Spotify launched in 2008, so raw plays lean enormously towards recent music, and putting every song on one absolute scale would leave the 70s and 80s pools flat and unplayable. Instead each song is ranked against the other songs of its own decade, so a 1978 song and a 2024 song can both be a 99. The all-time pool takes the best of each decade and re-spreads them, which is why its numbers differ from the decade tables below.
Every rating in this category runs on the same 40 to 99 scale the rest of the game uses. There are 220 entries here across 7 pools. In the game itself these numbers stay hidden until the verdict screen, which is the whole point of the auction; this page is the reference copy, for settling arguments after the fact.
Jump to: The 70s and before · The 1980s · The 1990s · The 2000s · The 2010s · The 2020s · All-time
The 70s and before
30 in this pool, from September at 99 down to Lean on Me at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire · 1978A joyous dance through a remembered autumn night. | Spotify plays: 2,432,904,091 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 98 | Dancing QueenABBA · 1976A seventeen-year-old owns the dance floor completely. | Spotify plays: 2,122,206,928 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 97 | Ain't No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye · 1967A vow that no distance or obstacle can break. | Spotify plays: 1,977,622,818 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 96 | Stand By MeBen E. King · 1961A quiet plea for loyalty when the sky falls. | Spotify plays: 1,805,019,795 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 95 | Ain't No SunshineBill Withers · 1971Restless longing for someone who just walked out. | Spotify plays: 1,435,068,747 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 94 | My GirlThe Temptations · 1964Sunshine imagery for the one girl who matters most. | Spotify plays: 1,320,660,532 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 93 | I Want You BackThe Jackson 5 · 1969A young voice begging for a second chance at love. | Spotify plays: 1,294,572,201 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 91 | Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)ABBA · 1979Lonely midnight hours craving someone to appear. | Spotify plays: 1,261,305,771 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 90 | Lovely DayBill Withers · 1977Waking up and feeling like everything might be alright. | Spotify plays: 1,101,094,704 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 89 | Rock With YouMichael Jackson · 1979An invitation to move together under low lights. | Spotify plays: 1,021,616,421 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 88 | Don't Stop 'Til You Get EnoughMichael Jackson · 1979A restless urge to keep dancing past midnight. | Spotify plays: 1,011,064,033 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 86 | Sweet CarolineNeil Diamond · 1969A tender, sing-along ode to a woman named Caroline. | Spotify plays: 973,668,230 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 85 | You're The One That I WantOlivia Newton-John · 1978A flirty duet declaring sudden, electric attraction. | Spotify plays: 904,779,503 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 84 | Mamma MiaABBA · 1975Exasperated devotion to a lover who keeps returning. | Spotify plays: 870,760,811 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 82 | I Say a Little PrayerAretha Franklin · 1968Quiet daily prayers whispered for someone far away. | Spotify plays: 833,158,683 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 81 | Mrs. RobinsonSimon & Garfunkel · 1968A wry ballad written for a scandalous screen seductress. | Spotify plays: 812,260,792 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 80 | RespectAretha Franklin · 1967A forceful demand to be honored, spelled out letter by letter. | Spotify plays: 806,797,914 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 78 | Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)Stevie Wonder · 1970A joyful promise of complete devotion, delivered in full. | Spotify plays: 806,239,189 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 76 | Let's Stay TogetherAl Green · 1971A smooth-voiced plea to weather love's rough patches together. | Spotify plays: 784,636,823 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 75 | SuperstitionStevie Wonder · 1972A funky warning against trusting old superstitious beliefs. | Spotify plays: 777,674,385 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 73 | The Sound of SilenceSimon & Garfunkel · 1965A haunting meditation on isolation and unheard voices. | Spotify plays: 752,475,018 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 71 | I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)Four Tops · 1965Helpless devotion to someone who won't behave. | Spotify plays: 676,812,323 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 69 | I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor · 1978Defiant strength after being left for someone else. | Spotify plays: 565,116,874 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 67 | I Heard It Through The GrapevineMarvin Gaye · 1968Painful news about a lover's betrayal arrives secondhand. | Spotify plays: 526,724,372 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 64 | Hopelessly Devoted To YouOlivia Newton-John · 1978A heartbroken ballad of loyalty to someone unsure. | Spotify plays: 514,869,245 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 62 | ABCThe Jackson 5 · 1970Young love explained like an easy schoolyard lesson. | Spotify plays: 503,688,231 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 59 | CeciliaSimon & Garfunkel · 1970A playful, percussive gripe about a flighty lover. | Spotify plays: 492,357,995 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 55 | For Once In My LifeStevie Wonder · 1968Finally finding someone worth holding onto tightly. | Spotify plays: 491,739,993 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 51 | Killing Me Softly With His SongRoberta Flack · 1973Feeling exposed hearing a stranger sing your own story. | Spotify plays: 455,467,407 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 40 | Lean on MeBill Withers · 1972A gentle offer of support through someone else's hard times. | Spotify plays: 452,414,697 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
The 1980s
30 in this pool, from Billie Jean at 99 down to How Will I Know at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Billie JeanMichael Jackson · 1982A tense denial after a dance-floor encounter turns into accusation. | Spotify plays: 3,241,851,628 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 98 | Take On Mea-ha · 1985A synth-charged plea to be swept into someone's world. | Spotify plays: 2,923,260,931 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 97 | Everybody Wants To Rule The WorldTears For Fears · 1985A moody take on humanity's hunger for control. | Spotify plays: 2,695,142,420 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 96 | Last ChristmasWham! · 1984A wounded heart given away and carelessly wasted. | Spotify plays: 2,238,272,295 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 95 | Beat ItMichael Jackson · 1982A call to walk away before a street fight starts. | Spotify plays: 2,144,772,356 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 94 | Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics · 1983A cool-eyed look at everyone chasing something different. | Spotify plays: 2,002,757,105 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 93 | Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)Kate Bush · 1985Wishing to trade places just to understand a partner. | Spotify plays: 1,810,095,961 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 91 | I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)Whitney Houston · 1987A joyful search for connection out on the dance floor. | Spotify plays: 1,768,727,675 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 90 | Summer Of '69Bryan Adams · 1984Nostalgic memories of a garage band and a first love. | Spotify plays: 1,762,715,947 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 89 | Girls Just Want to Have FunCyndi Lauper · 1983A bright anthem for freedom from overprotective rules. | Spotify plays: 1,747,311,394 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 88 | Careless WhisperGeorge Michael · 1984Guilty regret over a betrayal that ruined a dance. | Spotify plays: 1,632,939,117 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 86 | You Make My Dreams (Come True)Daryl Hall & John Oates · 1980An upbeat ode to a love that just works. | Spotify plays: 1,456,861,585 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 85 | Smooth CriminalMichael Jackson · 1987A tense narrative asking if Annie is alright. | Spotify plays: 1,309,694,794 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 84 | Time After TimeCyndi Lauper · 1983A tender promise to be found again and again. | Spotify plays: 1,308,825,178 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 82 | The Winner Takes It AllABBA · 1980A devastating account of a breakup's one-sided ending. | Spotify plays: 986,285,770 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 81 | Just the Two of UsBill Withers · 1980A smooth, easy ode to quiet togetherness. | Spotify plays: 934,343,454 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 80 | Like a PrayerMadonna · 1989Devotion described through vivid, church-tinged imagery. | Spotify plays: 892,936,468 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 78 | Lay All Your Love On MeABBA · 1980An urgent plea against sharing a lover's affection. | Spotify plays: 846,342,584 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 76 | La Isla BonitaMadonna · 1986Wistful longing for a tropical island romance. | Spotify plays: 803,665,958 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 75 | Material GirlMadonna · 1984A tongue-in-cheek ode to chasing cash over romance. | Spotify plays: 762,008,796 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 73 | I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder · 1984An unprompted phone call meant only to express love. | Spotify plays: 669,536,264 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 71 | What's Love Got to Do with ItTina Turner · 1984Skeptical musing on whether love matters at all. | Spotify plays: 666,505,020 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 69 | KissPrince · 1986A funky come-on that values attitude over appearances. | Spotify plays: 601,843,819 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 67 | All Night LongLionel Richie · 1983A festive call to dance until sunrise. | Spotify plays: 594,541,968 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 64 | Sexual HealingMarvin Gaye · 1982An intimate plea for comfort found in closeness. | Spotify plays: 579,205,824 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 62 | Hungry Like the WolfDuran Duran · 1982A predatory chase through jungle-tinged desire. | Spotify plays: 569,372,705 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 59 | Super TrouperABBA · 1980A touring performer's loneliness eased by one familiar face. | Spotify plays: 486,243,930 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 55 | The BestTina Turner · 1989An unrestrained declaration that a partner outshines everyone. | Spotify plays: 481,723,165 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 51 | Endless LoveLionel Richie · 1981A duet vowing a love that never fades. | Spotify plays: 479,764,683 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 40 | How Will I KnowWhitney Houston · 1985Anxious guessing over whether a crush feels the same. | Spotify plays: 460,192,850 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
The 1990s
30 in this pool, from All I Want for Christmas Is You at 99 down to Come Undone at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey · 1994A Christmas wish list with just one name on it. | Spotify plays: 2,527,722,837 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 98 | I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys · 1999Confused longing over a relationship drifting apart. | Spotify plays: 2,178,140,681 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 97 | No ScrubsTLC · 1999A firm rejection of broke, no-good suitors. | Spotify plays: 1,714,674,896 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 96 | WannabeSpice Girls · 1996Insisting a new partner earn friendship's approval first. | Spotify plays: 1,531,220,382 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 95 | ...Baby One More TimeBritney Spears · 1998A schoolyard-set ache after pushing someone away. | Spotify plays: 1,461,678,244 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 94 | Say My NameDestiny's Child · 1999Testing a partner's loyalty through a suspicious phone call. | Spotify plays: 1,207,004,358 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 93 | BelieveCher · 1998Resilient moving-on set to a warped, robotic vocal. | Spotify plays: 1,011,891,333 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 91 | I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston · 1992A bittersweet farewell wishing an ex well. | Spotify plays: 999,989,323 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 90 | Everybody (Backstreet's Back)Backstreet Boys · 1997A boisterous group announcing themselves back at the party. | Spotify plays: 879,829,382 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 89 | Genie In a BottleChristina Aguilera · 1999A genie metaphor for desire that needs the right approach. | Spotify plays: 826,499,061 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 88 | As Long as You Love MeBackstreet Boys · 1997Vowing that outside judgment won't matter if love is real. | Spotify plays: 816,232,427 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 86 | All That She WantsAce of Base · 1992A cautionary tale about a woman chasing flings, not love. | Spotify plays: 805,646,314 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 85 | They Don't Care About UsMichael Jackson · 1995A raw protest against injustice and being overlooked. | Spotify plays: 764,243,504 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 84 | Truly Madly DeeplySavage Garden · 1997An earnest vow to be everything a partner needs. | Spotify plays: 732,706,020 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 82 | I Have NothingWhitney Houston · 1992A desperate plea against losing everything that matters. | Spotify plays: 731,005,130 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 81 | My Heart Will Go On - Love Theme from "Titanic"Celine Dion · 1997A vow that love survives even after tragedy at sea. | Spotify plays: 726,778,929 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 80 | Remember the TimeMichael Jackson · 1991Wistful memories of a romance from an earlier time. | Spotify plays: 662,063,094 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 78 | Livin' la Vida LocaRicky Martin · 1999A whirlwind romance with an unpredictable, wild woman. | Spotify plays: 651,928,034 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 76 | FantasyMariah Carey · 1995A breezy daydream built around desire and escape. | Spotify plays: 640,920,602 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 75 | Because You Loved Me (Theme from "Up Close and Personal")Celine Dion · 1996Heartfelt gratitude for someone who provided constant strength. | Spotify plays: 633,859,944 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 73 | Ordinary WorldDuran Duran · 1992Searching for normal footing again after a painful loss. | Spotify plays: 604,610,254 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 71 | Let's Get LoudJennifer Lopez · 1999An energetic call to let loose and celebrate. | Spotify plays: 592,947,501 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 69 | Black or WhiteMichael Jackson · 1991A plea for unity that dismisses racial division. | Spotify plays: 571,527,851 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 67 | Always Be My BabyMariah Carey · 1995Quiet confidence that a lost love will return. | Spotify plays: 540,678,778 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 64 | The SignAce of Base · 1993Clarity arriving after finally seeing a relationship's truth. | Spotify plays: 484,851,788 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 62 | It's All Coming Back to Me NowCeline Dion · 1996Overwhelming memories of a passionate love resurface suddenly. | Spotify plays: 427,013,034 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 59 | Bills, Bills, BillsDestiny's Child · 1999Frustration over a partner who can't cover his own bills. | Spotify plays: 391,152,698 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 55 | VogueMadonna · 1990A glamorous ode to dance-floor escapism and old-Hollywood icons. | Spotify plays: 381,548,348 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 51 | I Knew I Loved YouSavage Garden · 1999A sense of destiny the instant two strangers meet. | Spotify plays: 381,311,478 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 40 | Come UndoneDuran Duran · 1993A hazy, vulnerable spiral into intense infatuation. | Spotify plays: 348,114,210 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
The 2000s
30 in this pool, from Hips Don't Lie at 99 down to Since U Been Gone at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Hips Don't LieShakira · 2006Body language that flirts louder than any words. | Spotify plays: 2,688,840,163 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 98 | I'm YoursJason Mraz · 2008A laid-back surrender to love without overthinking it. | Spotify plays: 2,540,805,497 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 97 | UmbrellaRihanna · 2007A promise of shelter through any storm together. | Spotify plays: 2,398,915,546 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 96 | Party In The U.S.A.Miley Cyrus · 2009A nervous transplant finding her footing through a song on the radio. | Spotify plays: 2,307,351,438 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 95 | Poker FaceLady Gaga · 2008Hiding true desire behind an unreadable card-table stare. | Spotify plays: 2,306,549,007 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 94 | I Gotta FeelingBlack Eyed Peas · 2009Electric anticipation for one unforgettable night out. | Spotify plays: 2,261,710,940 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 93 | She Will Be LovedMaroon 5 · 2002Quiet devotion to a woman stuck in the wrong relationship. | Spotify plays: 2,181,611,614 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 91 | Yeah!USHER · 2004Club-floor flirtation set to a booming beat. | Spotify plays: 2,151,555,886 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 90 | PromiscuousNelly Furtado · 2006A flirty duet full of teasing back-and-forth banter. | Spotify plays: 2,118,768,015 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 89 | HaloBeyoncé · 2008A love so overwhelming it feels almost holy. | Spotify plays: 2,069,715,899 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 88 | ToxicBritney Spears · 2003An addictive pull toward a dangerously bad lover. | Spotify plays: 2,050,051,315 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 86 | Bad RomanceLady Gaga · 2009Theatrical obsession with a love that's clearly unhealthy. | Spotify plays: 2,002,208,291 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 85 | Crazy In LoveBeyoncé · 2003Losing all composure to overwhelming infatuation. | Spotify plays: 1,969,188,416 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 84 | UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield · 2004An open invitation to write your own future. | Spotify plays: 1,957,269,662 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 82 | TiK ToKKesha · 2009A chaotic night of partying that never seems to end. | Spotify plays: 1,941,282,615 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 81 | Just DanceLady Gaga · 2008A hazy party night saved by losing yourself in the music. | Spotify plays: 1,897,767,577 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 80 | Don't Stop The MusicRihanna · 2007Getting lost in rhythm with a stranger nearby. | Spotify plays: 1,882,136,236 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 78 | This LoveMaroon 5 · 2002A consuming relationship that burns out painfully. | Spotify plays: 1,850,376,871 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 76 | Back To BlackAmy Winehouse · 2006Bleak despair spiraling after a devastating breakup. | Spotify plays: 1,724,715,319 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 75 | If I Ain't Got YouAlicia Keys · 2003Insisting real connection matters more than any fortune. | Spotify plays: 1,660,085,172 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 73 | Sexy ChickDavid Guetta · 2009Dumbstruck attraction to a striking woman across the room. | Spotify plays: 1,604,832,494 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 71 | CrazyGnarls Barkley · 2006A soulful meditation on flirting with madness. | Spotify plays: 1,585,443,646 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 69 | Hot N ColdKaty Perry · 2008Exasperation with a partner who can't make up their mind. | Spotify plays: 1,547,061,668 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 67 | SexyBackJustin Timberlake · 2006A brash, funky reclaiming of swagger and sex appeal. | Spotify plays: 1,527,230,582 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 64 | Where Is The Love?Black Eyed Peas · 2003A pointed question aimed at a world full of hatred. | Spotify plays: 1,491,241,010 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 62 | ComplicatedAvril Lavigne · 2002Frustration with someone hiding behind a fake persona. | Spotify plays: 1,480,082,423 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 59 | Make You Feel My LoveAdele · 2008A tender vow to ease someone through any storm. | Spotify plays: 1,417,836,362 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 55 | Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC · 2000A decisive, upbeat goodbye to a manipulative ex. | Spotify plays: 1,322,885,862 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 51 | Love Story (Taylor's Version)Taylor Swift · 2008A Shakespeare-inspired teenage romance defying family disapproval. | Spotify plays: 1,255,615,840 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 40 | Since U Been GoneKelly Clarkson · 2004Freeing relief after breaking away from a stifling relationship. | Spotify plays: 1,165,120,460 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
The 2010s
30 in this pool, from Blinding Lights at 99 down to One Kiss at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Blinding LightsThe Weeknd · 2019A late-night drive through neon streets chasing someone missed. | Spotify plays: 5,594,126,973 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 98 | Shape of YouEd Sheeran · 2017A bar encounter that turns into an instant spark. | Spotify plays: 5,099,728,282 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 97 | StarboyThe Weeknd · 2016A flashy reinvention leaving an old identity behind. | Spotify plays: 4,760,340,949 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 96 | PerfectEd Sheeran · 2017A tender slow dance with the person loved most. | Spotify plays: 4,112,451,112 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 95 | CloserThe Chainsmokers · 2016An unplanned reunion with an ex at a roadside motel. | Spotify plays: 3,881,476,561 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 94 | lovelyBillie Eilish · 2018Two voices sharing the weight of quiet sadness. | Spotify plays: 3,878,806,539 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 93 | Something Just Like ThisThe Chainsmokers · 2017Wanting an ordinary, real love instead of a superhero fantasy. | Spotify plays: 3,775,093,332 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 91 | Say You Won't Let GoJames Arthur · 2016Recalling a first spark and asking it to last forever. | Spotify plays: 3,696,109,645 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 90 | PhotographEd Sheeran · 2014Holding onto a memory captured in a single photograph. | Spotify plays: 3,553,827,006 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 89 | Locked out of HeavenBruno Mars · 2012Physical intimacy described like a brush with heaven. | Spotify plays: 3,498,632,786 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 88 | Cruel SummerTaylor Swift · 2019An anxious, secret romance unfolding over one summer. | Spotify plays: 3,487,416,380 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 86 | Just The Way You AreBruno Mars · 2010Simple admiration for a partner's effortless, natural beauty. | Spotify plays: 3,476,836,747 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 85 | SeñoritaShawn Mendes · 2019A sultry, sun-drenched duet about irresistible attraction. | Spotify plays: 3,421,324,008 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 84 | Die For YouThe Weeknd · 2016An intense vow of sacrifice for a fading love. | Spotify plays: 3,420,741,916 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 82 | Watermelon SugarHarry Styles · 2019A sun-soaked, sensory ode to summer attraction. | Spotify plays: 3,398,021,136 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 81 | That's What I LikeBruno Mars · 2016Lavish romantic gestures showered on a favorite partner. | Spotify plays: 3,395,484,583 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 80 | Love YourselfJustin Bieber · 2015A sharp, sarcastic kiss-off dressed as good advice. | Spotify plays: 3,363,118,962 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 78 | Don't Start NowDua Lipa · 2019A confident brush-off to an ex who resurfaces uninvited. | Spotify plays: 3,323,106,245 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 76 | Wake Me UpAvicii · 2013Restless searching for direction while still figuring life out. | Spotify plays: 3,233,469,137 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 75 | Let Me Love YouDJ Snake · 2016A plea for a chance despite someone's guarded heart. | Spotify plays: 3,224,361,883 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 73 | All Of MeJohn Legend · 2013Unconditional devotion that embraces every flaw and curve. | Spotify plays: 3,187,979,854 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 71 | ShallowLady Gaga · 2018A duet about the vertigo of falling for someone new. | Spotify plays: 3,172,577,596 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 69 | Treat You BetterShawn Mendes · 2016An offer to treat someone better than their current partner does. | Spotify plays: 3,123,946,205 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 67 | SorryJustin Bieber · 2015A remorseful, dance-floor-ready plea for forgiveness. | Spotify plays: 3,078,062,953 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 64 | There's Nothing Holdin' Me BackShawn Mendes · 2017A fearless, headlong rush into new attraction. | Spotify plays: 2,986,695,333 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 62 | bad guyBillie Eilish · 2019A playful, deadpan flex of unexpected menace. | Spotify plays: 2,977,035,137 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 59 | 7 ringsAriana Grande · 2019Flaunting a lavish shopping spree shared with close friends. | Spotify plays: 2,925,892,929 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 55 | PayphoneMaroon 5 · 2012Bitter reflection on broken promises after a breakup. | Spotify plays: 2,859,090,052 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 51 | Lean OnMajor Lazer · 2015Seeking release on the dance floor amid personal struggle. | Spotify plays: 2,803,067,613 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 40 | One KissCalvin Harris · 2018One single kiss enough to consume all thought. | Spotify plays: 2,789,369,232 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
The 2020s
30 in this pool, from As It Was at 99 down to we can't be friends (wait for your love) at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | As It WasHarry Styles · 2022A wistful look at how everything feels different now. | Spotify plays: 4,627,716,109 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 98 | STAYThe Kid LAROI · 2021A raw, urgent plea not to let someone go. | Spotify plays: 4,076,459,552 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 97 | Die With A SmileLady Gaga · 2024Wanting one last embrace before everything ends. | Spotify plays: 3,988,439,586 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 96 | BIRDS OF A FEATHERBillie Eilish · 2024A devoted wish to stay close for a lifetime. | Spotify plays: 3,983,802,100 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 95 | EspressoSabrina Carpenter · 2024Playful confidence about being an irresistible distraction. | Spotify plays: 3,182,494,838 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 94 | Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone · 2024Anxious fear of losing newfound happiness too soon. | Spotify plays: 3,157,095,634 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 93 | FlowersMiley Cyrus · 2023Self-reliant independence blooming after a painful breakup. | Spotify plays: 2,983,705,292 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 91 | drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo · 2021A newly licensed teen driving past memories of lost love. | Spotify plays: 2,953,593,532 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 90 | Kill BillSZA · 2022A darkly comic revenge fantasy aimed at an ex. | Spotify plays: 2,893,060,170 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 89 | One Of The GirlsThe Weeknd · 2023A hazy, moody meditation on shifting desire and jealousy. | Spotify plays: 2,843,873,868 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 88 | Save Your TearsThe Weeknd · 2020An awkward reunion with an ex at a party. | Spotify plays: 2,841,952,802 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 86 | good 4 uOlivia Rodrigo · 2021Bitter, sarcastic jabs at an ex who moved on fast. | Spotify plays: 2,721,502,336 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 85 | LevitatingDua Lipa · 2020A weightless, euphoric rush of brand-new romance. | Spotify plays: 2,673,748,889 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 84 | Lose ControlTeddy Swims · 2023Being completely overtaken by an all-consuming love. | Spotify plays: 2,650,599,430 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 82 | APT.ROSÉ · 2024A playful flirtation built around a simple party game. | Spotify plays: 2,632,002,414 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 81 | Easy On MeAdele · 2021A gentle plea for grace after a painful split. | Spotify plays: 2,555,484,441 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 80 | I'm Good (Blue)David Guetta · 2022A carefree, upbeat declaration that everything's just fine. | Spotify plays: 2,498,201,609 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 78 | Kiss Me MoreDoja Cat · 2021A flirtatious craving for one more lingering kiss. | Spotify plays: 2,492,703,946 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 76 | traitorOlivia Rodrigo · 2021Feeling betrayed by an ex's suspiciously quick rebound. | Spotify plays: 2,436,390,247 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 75 | GhostJustin Bieber · 2021A wish to linger near a loved one even after death. | Spotify plays: 2,385,006,667 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 73 | greedyTate McRae · 2023Unapologetic confidence about craving someone's full attention. | Spotify plays: 2,347,131,062 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 71 | Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan · 2024A pointed warning to someone denying their real feelings. | Spotify plays: 2,263,832,158 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 69 | WILDFLOWERBillie Eilish · 2024Complicated feelings tangled up in a friend's past romance. | Spotify plays: 2,260,869,853 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 67 | WomanDoja Cat · 2021A confident, sultry ode to feminine self-assurance. | Spotify plays: 2,243,173,489 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 64 | Bad HabitsEd Sheeran · 2021A dark, danceable confession about self-destructive nightlife habits. | Spotify plays: 2,223,955,974 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 62 | back to friendssombr · 2025An awkward attempt to downgrade romance back to friendship. | Spotify plays: 2,217,356,414 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 59 | Sailor SongGigi Perez · 2024Yearning romantic longing wrapped in nautical imagery. | Spotify plays: 2,201,424,646 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 55 | OrdinaryAlex Warren · 2025Wanting a love so powerful it feels miraculous. | Spotify plays: 2,173,980,541 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 51 | ShiversEd Sheeran · 2021A giddy, physical reaction to sudden new infatuation. | Spotify plays: 2,134,404,018 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 40 | we can't be friends (wait for your love)Ariana Grande · 2024Admitting friendship isn't enough after a complicated split. | Spotify plays: 2,129,164,389 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
All-time
40 in this pool, from Blinding Lights at 99 down to Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) at 40.
This is the all-time pool. It takes the best of every decade and re-spreads them across the full 40-99 range among themselves, so an all-time draft has the same shape as a decade draft. That is why an entry here carries a different number from the one it has in its own decade table above.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Blinding LightsThe Weeknd · 2019A late-night drive through neon streets chasing someone missed. | Spotify plays: 5,594,126,973 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 98 | As It WasHarry Styles · 2022A wistful look at how everything feels different now. | Spotify plays: 4,627,716,109 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 97 | Billie JeanMichael Jackson · 1982A tense denial after a dance-floor encounter turns into accusation. | Spotify plays: 3,241,851,628 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 97 | Hips Don't LieShakira · 2006Body language that flirts louder than any words. | Spotify plays: 2,688,840,163 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 96 | All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey · 1994A Christmas wish list with just one name on it. | Spotify plays: 2,527,722,837 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 95 | SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire · 1978A joyous dance through a remembered autumn night. | Spotify plays: 2,432,904,091 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 94 | Shape of YouEd Sheeran · 2017A bar encounter that turns into an instant spark. | Spotify plays: 5,099,728,282 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 93 | STAYThe Kid LAROI · 2021A raw, urgent plea not to let someone go. | Spotify plays: 4,076,459,552 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 93 | Take On Mea-ha · 1985A synth-charged plea to be swept into someone's world. | Spotify plays: 2,923,260,931 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 92 | I'm YoursJason Mraz · 2008A laid-back surrender to love without overthinking it. | Spotify plays: 2,540,805,497 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 91 | I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys · 1999Confused longing over a relationship drifting apart. | Spotify plays: 2,178,140,681 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 90 | Dancing QueenABBA · 1976A seventeen-year-old owns the dance floor completely. | Spotify plays: 2,122,206,928 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 89 | StarboyThe Weeknd · 2016A flashy reinvention leaving an old identity behind. | Spotify plays: 4,760,340,949 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 88 | Die With A SmileLady Gaga · 2024Wanting one last embrace before everything ends. | Spotify plays: 3,988,439,586 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 87 | Everybody Wants To Rule The WorldTears For Fears · 1985A moody take on humanity's hunger for control. | Spotify plays: 2,695,142,420 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 86 | UmbrellaRihanna · 2007A promise of shelter through any storm together. | Spotify plays: 2,398,915,546 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 85 | Ain't No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye · 1967A vow that no distance or obstacle can break. | Spotify plays: 1,977,622,818 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 84 | No ScrubsTLC · 1999A firm rejection of broke, no-good suitors. | Spotify plays: 1,714,674,896 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 83 | PerfectEd Sheeran · 2017A tender slow dance with the person loved most. | Spotify plays: 4,112,451,112 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 82 | BIRDS OF A FEATHERBillie Eilish · 2024A devoted wish to stay close for a lifetime. | Spotify plays: 3,983,802,100 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 81 | Party In The U.S.A.Miley Cyrus · 2009A nervous transplant finding her footing through a song on the radio. | Spotify plays: 2,307,351,438 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 80 | Last ChristmasWham! · 1984A wounded heart given away and carelessly wasted. | Spotify plays: 2,238,272,295 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 79 | Stand By MeBen E. King · 1961A quiet plea for loyalty when the sky falls. | Spotify plays: 1,805,019,795 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 78 | WannabeSpice Girls · 1996Insisting a new partner earn friendship's approval first. | Spotify plays: 1,531,220,382 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 77 | CloserThe Chainsmokers · 2016An unplanned reunion with an ex at a roadside motel. | Spotify plays: 3,881,476,561 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 75 | EspressoSabrina Carpenter · 2024Playful confidence about being an irresistible distraction. | Spotify plays: 3,182,494,838 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 74 | Poker FaceLady Gaga · 2008Hiding true desire behind an unreadable card-table stare. | Spotify plays: 2,306,549,007 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 73 | Beat ItMichael Jackson · 1982A call to walk away before a street fight starts. | Spotify plays: 2,144,772,356 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 71 | ...Baby One More TimeBritney Spears · 1998A schoolyard-set ache after pushing someone away. | Spotify plays: 1,461,678,244 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 70 | Ain't No SunshineBill Withers · 1971Restless longing for someone who just walked out. | Spotify plays: 1,435,068,747 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 68 | lovelyBillie Eilish · 2018Two voices sharing the weight of quiet sadness. | Spotify plays: 3,878,806,539 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 67 | Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone · 2024Anxious fear of losing newfound happiness too soon. | Spotify plays: 3,157,095,634 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 65 | I Gotta FeelingBlack Eyed Peas · 2009Electric anticipation for one unforgettable night out. | Spotify plays: 2,261,710,940 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 63 | Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics · 1983A cool-eyed look at everyone chasing something different. | Spotify plays: 2,002,757,105 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |
| 61 | My GirlThe Temptations · 1964Sunshine imagery for the one girl who matters most. | Spotify plays: 1,320,660,532 · ranked within Pop, the 70s |
| 59 | Say My NameDestiny's Child · 1999Testing a partner's loyalty through a suspicious phone call. | Spotify plays: 1,207,004,358 · ranked within Pop, the 90s |
| 56 | Something Just Like ThisThe Chainsmokers · 2017Wanting an ordinary, real love instead of a superhero fantasy. | Spotify plays: 3,775,093,332 · ranked within Pop, the 10s |
| 53 | FlowersMiley Cyrus · 2023Self-reliant independence blooming after a painful breakup. | Spotify plays: 2,983,705,292 · ranked within Pop, the 20s |
| 49 | She Will Be LovedMaroon 5 · 2002Quiet devotion to a woman stuck in the wrong relationship. | Spotify plays: 2,181,611,614 · ranked within Pop, the 00s |
| 40 | Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)Kate Bush · 1985Wishing to trade places just to understand a partner. | Spotify plays: 1,810,095,961 · ranked within Pop, the 80s |