Top 10 Pop Songs You Forgot Are Awesome

Top 10 Pop Songs You Forgot Are Awesome

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 pop songs you forgot are awesome.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the best tracks that have been lost to time, but still hold up today. We’re keeping our definition of pop loose, though, also considering tunes that cross between or mix genres.

Which forgotten pop song do you think is a total bop? Let us know in the comments below.

#10: “Let It Rock” (2008)
Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne

Unexpected bangers are always the best. Kevin Rudolf made an instant splash in the music scene with “Let It Rock”, featuring Lil Wayne. The fusion between rock, pop and rap made for the ultimate crowd pleaser. In its peak, it hit

#5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rudolf later revealed that the lyrics contained religious references and came from a place of anger, so it seems he hadn’t necessarily intended on it being such a “party song”. However, both Wayne’s verse and the chorus balance things out, making it more fun and palatable to audiences. In the years since, the song has become less and less talked about, but it’s still just as much of a bop as it was in 2008!

#9: “Beautiful Soul” (2004)
Jesse McCartney

Before there was Justin Bieber, there was Jesse McCartney. He came onto the scene hot with his solo debut single, “Beautiful Soul”. It may be simple musically– featuring mainly his voice and the guitar– but the lyrics and execution make it amazing. Millennials and older Gen-Zers everywhere could probably tell you where they were when this first dropped. The ballad still touches us today, especially as McCartney professes his desire for someone who will genuinely love him. The fact that it focuses more on someone’s personality than their looks was also kind of progressive for its time, and we’d say it makes the tune perfect for listeners of all ages, even today. It’s genuinely sweet, and it’s hard to hear it without smiling.

#8: “Pocketful of Sunshine” (2008)
Natasha Bedingfield

Be honest – is any song more fun to sing than Natasha Bedingfield’s “Pocketful of Sunshine?” The refrain in particular practically begs the listener to belt along and feel every word. The mesmerizing lyrics and bubbly, happy instrumentals make it an earworm in the best way possible. Just listening to the track reminds us of summer and happier times. Bedingfield truly did offer a sweet escape for her fans – an opportunity to forget their troubles, even if only for a few minutes. The reach of this piece can’t be understated. It’s been used in all kinds of media, including “The Sims 2: FreeTime” – where it was recorded in Simlish! That can only be described as iconic.

#7: “Closer” (2012)
Tegan and Sara

The 2010s saw a lot of pop music utilizing electronics in clever, entertaining ways. “Closer” by Tegan and Sara, for instance, makes use of synth to create the ultimate bop. The chorus is crafted in a way that makes it impossible not to groove along to. The lyrics are also super relatable. It’s a song addressed to a crush, and wanting to make the jump from friendship to something more. It’s a common emotion, and Tegan and Sara are able to capture it perfectly. Plus, their unique voices mesh with the electronic instrumental effortlessly. It’s fitting that “Closer” hit

#1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. Still, we can’t help but wish it had seen more success on the Hot 100.

#6: “Crush” (1998)
Jennifer Paige

The best pop songs have choruses that are practically impossible to get out of your head. Jennifer Paige achieved this with her single, “Crush”. It has an instantly recognizable melody, even all these years later. If that isn’t proof of a certified hit, we’re not sure what is. Paige perfectly encapsulates the feeling of finding someone new to crush on, and all of the giddiness that comes with it. “Crush” is so good that it found new life. Indeed, in 2016, it re-entered the public’s mind after being covered by prominent jazz artist, John Novello. He gave the track another run on the charts (albeit a different one this time), and probably helped an entirely new demographic discover it as well.

#5: “I Swear” (1994)
All-4-One

Boy bands have provided us with an endless catalog of hits. And we need to take a moment to highlight one ballad in particular. “I Swear", covered by All-4-One, is a quintessential ‘90s love song, with passionate lyrics and smooth vocals. The combination of various genres helps to create a unique sound that we still can’t get enough of. You could play it at a wedding or other romantic event today, and we can practically guarantee people would be excited to revisit it. Even the original artist, John Michael Montgomery, got in on the fun. Indeed, he joined forces with All-4-One to release a duet of the track in 2015, proving just how timeless it is.

#4: “Dynamite” (2010)
Taio Cruz

Pop is a lot of things. But a really enticing component of it is how it can be about having fun and dancing, no matter what’s going on in the world, or in your life. Some may dismiss “Dynamite” as nothing serious, but the track’s success upon release speaks for itself. The lyrics are simple, with Cruz singing about hitting the dance floor and celebrating life. But often, that’s exactly what we need when things are rough. This hit is perfect for those moments, providing a bit of a break from whatever pain or difficulties we’re faced with. That was true in 2010 when the song was released, but it remains an accurate statement over a decade later.

#3: “Bulletproof” (2009)
La Roux

The late 2000s and early 2010s were a treasure trove of electro-inspired hits, and “Bulletproof” by La Roux embodies that era perfectly. It spotlights synth sounds, tasteful vocoder use, and catchy yet impressive lyrics to craft the ideal EDM/pop mash up. It blew up on several Billboard charts, and has become one of the act’s defining tracks. It’s hard to explain why “Bulletproof” is so enticing, but one thing’s for sure: when it comes on, people can’t help but sing along. The fact that the song still sounds fresh and exciting after so much time is a sign of something special.

#2: “It Feels So Good” (1998)
Sonique

One common theme in pop music is falling for something new. But it takes a master to make that theme unique. Between the constant instrumental build and Sonique’s gorgeous voice, “It Feels So Good” captures that feeling in a bottle. She is singing to a romantic interest, desperately trying to get them to understand how much she cares for them. The consistent backing beat helps keep it light and fun, and makes it perfect to dance to. It’s really easy to forget how catchy it is, but trust us, it’s worth revisiting. Sonique actually still performs the track– even as recently as 2023. If the reaction to that is anything to go by, it’s clear that her reach as a musician hasn’t faded.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Look” (1988), Roxette
All You Need to Recognize This Track Is the Iconic Instrumental & Unforgettable Chorus

“Mr. Saxobeat” (2010), Alexandra Stan
This Saxophone-Infused Track Is an Instant Banger

“Kiss Me” (1997), Sixpence None the Richer
The Romantic Lyrics & Sweet Vocals Have Made This Ballad a Pop Staple

“Save Tonight” (1997), Eagle-Eye Cherry
Proof You Don’t Need Bells & Whistles to Make Something Great

“Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” (1992), Sophie B. Hawkins
Hawkins’ Powerful Voice & the Dreamy Instrumentals Come Together to Create an Unforgettable Song

#1: “Self Control” (1984)
Laura Branigan

Some songs have an indescribable quality that allows them to stand the test of time. Laura Branigan’s cover of “Self Control” perfectly captured the essence of the 1980s. While the chorus may be the most remembered aspect, the whole anthem holds up even today. The slightly existential lyrics help it stand out, as the message can be understood across generations. “Self Control” easily climbed the charts in a plethora of countries following its release, and listening to it, it’s easy to see why. One need only blast it in a room full of people to see what a crowd pleaser it tends to be. Branigan sadly passed away in 2004, but her legacy lives on each time “Self Control” is played.