Let’s cut to the chorus: “Pop music” is a very subjective genre description. It’s right up there with “indie” being liberally applied to any unsigned, signed, underground, or mainstream artist who sings in cursive. And, although a rock and roll fan might swear off pop as a genre, the distinction isn’t as cookie-cutter clear as it seems.
In simple terms, pop music is literally… popular music. And, though our perception of the genre has evolved over time to become its own entity—marked by catchy melodies, unforgettable choruses, and rather saccharine lyrics—pop music, as it stands, is still just… popular music. You can’t deny that.
When it comes to pop bands, we’re basically just looking at collectives of hit-makers, no matter their pop purity or crossover creed. From rock and roll adjacent pop bands like The Beatles, to Motown greats like The Supremes, R&B/pop crossovers like Destiny’s Child, and disco-influenced pop acts like ABBA, the variety of pop bands knows no bounds. The only requisite to making the cut? Topping the charts.
So, stop rehearsing that pretentious rant about industry sell-outs that you’ve been slotting for your first post-quarantine party, and just let yourself enjoy some good pop music for God’s sake. We won’t tell anyone you’re mainstream. In no particular order, here are the best pop bands of all time.
The Supremes
Arguably the greatest Motown act in history, boasting the talents of music legends Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Betty McGlown, The Supremes were a beloved and groundbreaking group for all-women acts—pop, soul, rock and roll, and more. There’s little doubt that you’ve heard their hits like “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Baby Love,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” And, if you’ve heard any of them, there’s also little chance you’ve refrained from dancing along to their catchy harmonies.
The Beatles
Do we even have to explain? The poster child of boy bands, the British invasion, and pop/rock music as a whole, The Beatles are one of the most popular bands of all time. From their high-tempo hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Help!,” to ballads like “Yesterday,” it’s hard to hear any opening chords of a Beatles song without imagining the accompaniment of hordes of screaming fans.
Fleetwood Mac
According to Zoë Kravitz’s character Rob in High Fidelity, Fleetwood Mac is “more about the drama.” And maybe that’s a large part of Fleetwood Mac’s pop culture currency. But, as evidenced by the virality of Nathan Apodaca’s beloved “Dreams” TikTok, there is just something evergreen about the groove of a good Fleetwood Mac hit. See also: The teary-eyed singalong that ensues every time “Landslide” plays anywhere, ever.
Queen
While definitely a more rock-heavy pick, Queen’s up-tempo hits and lead singer Freddie Mercury’s style and and pure powerhouse vocals embody all that is sacred about pop music. Their innovative sound on songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” not only set them apart from their contemporaries, but also expanded the pop landscape.
Sly and the Family Stone
Trailblazers in more ways than one, Sly and the Family Stone was a defining act for pop, rock, funk, soul, and psychedelic music (as well as being one of the first major interracial and multi-gender bands in America). Led by Sly Stone, the band’s hits like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People” have become quintessential tracks to ’60s and ’70s America.
The Beach Boys
Classic surf rock with a bubble gum appeal, the harmonic tunes of the Beach Boys come drenched with imagery of suburban America, California dreams, and endless summers. With Brian Wilson at the helm and his brothers and friends in tow, The Beach Boys hung ten on the American charts for decades, tactfully balancing between their often ultra-digestible, nearly commercial tone and more daring, experimental efforts.
ABBA
Nothing says pop packaging like two married Swedish couples singing in campy coordinated costumes. Birthed out of the equally Europeaan and campy Eurovision, ABBA has cemented its place as a pop genre stalwart. The soundtrack of the ’70s, and of Mamma Mia!, ABBA’s glimmering disco-pop hits like “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All” are somehow timelessly antiquated in their retro appeal.
The Temptations
Another Motown hit-making collective, The Temptations were far from your traditional all-male quintet, despite what their signature suit and tie look might make you think. With hits like “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” The Temptations’ range laid the groundwork for modern pop, rock and roll, R&B, soul, and music as a whole to become what it is today. With a lineup of revolving talent that is still performing today, their rich, harmonic symphonies have continued to prove ageless in the American music canon.
Destiny’s Child
There is a whole lot to be said for the girl group that birthed the careers of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams: all music legends in their own right. Few acts of the 2000s have held as lasting of an impact as Destiny’s Child, with hits like “Say My Name,” “Survivor,” and “Jumpin’, Jumpin’” that are still tried and true dance hits. With flawless choreography and the performance chops of seasoned vets, the young trio was merely a premonition of what all that the members’ solo careers (especially that of Knowles) had to bring to the table in music.
BTS
While K-Pop as a genre has been around for decades, BTS is arguably one of the vanguard acts to pioneer K-Pop’s immeasurable worldwide success. With a fanbase that is aptly described as “ARMY,” BTS’s beloved septet has rapidly redefined boy bands, fandoms, and pop music itself. Their hits “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On” offer a blend of pop, hip-hop, disco, and R&B, with catchy melodies that are often laced with social commentary-based lyrics.
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