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The Decline of Pop and Club Music in the Era of Sadness

June 18, 2024

Pop and club music used to be the anthems of good times. From the infectious beats of the late '90s and early 2000s to the party-ready hits that defined the early 2010s, these genres once...

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Glass Animals Are Trapped In an Airlock on New Single and Video

June 18, 2024

“YOU BLEW ME to stardust,” Glass Animals lead singer Dave Bayley sings on the U.K. band’s latest single “Tear in Space (Airlock).” The tantalizing track swirls with synths over a pulsating beat as...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Teases New Solo Music

June 18, 2024

A couple of months ago, Blackpink’s Lisa signed a solo deal with RCA, and now it looks like she hopes to release new music soon. An Instagram Story on her official account links to pre-save links...

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Central Cee's "Band4Band": Setting Records and Redefining UK Rap

June 15, 2024

UK rapper Central Cee has made headlines with his latest single, "Band4Band," achieving the fastest-selling rap single of the year. This milestone not only cements his status as one of the most...

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Bon Jovi's Triumphant Return: Reflecting on 40 Years with “Forever”

June 15, 2024

Forty years after they ran away with our hearts and into rock history, Bon Jovi is back with a reflective new album, Forever, taking stock of all the boys from New Jersey have accomplished.

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Kaytranada: A Decade of Dancefloor Domination and Timeless Sound

June 15, 2024

A decade on from his breakthrough Boiler Room DJ set, Canadian producer Kaytranada has cemented himself as a dance music powerhouse. His work blends the worlds of underground electronic sounds and...

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Central Cee: The New Voice of British Drill

June 15, 2024

Central Cee, born Oakley Neil H.T. Caesar-Su on June 4, 1998, in Shepherd's Bush, London, has swiftly emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the UK drill scene. With his raw lyricism...

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Preparing for the 11th Dimension: Reflections and New Beginnings

June 15, 2024

Believe it or not, it’s already been a decade since the SoundCloud rap era first ignited, and we’re seeing the lasting impact of the moshpit-dwelling artists who defined the movement...

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AURORA Ponders Life, Death, and the Heart in New Album

June 15, 2024

Norwegian alt-pop sensation AURORA is set to release her highly anticipated fifth album, "What Happened To The Heart?" Following a series of successful projects—2016's "All My Demons Greeting Me....

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Tate McRae: Dancing to the Beat of Her Drum

June 7, 2024

Tate McRae, born on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has swiftly risen to fame as one of the most exciting young talents in the music industry today...

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Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter": A Bold Reinvention in Music

June 7, 2024

Beyoncé has once again proven why she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry with the release of her latest album, "Cowboy Carter."

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Revolutionizing Music Discovery: Spotify and Amazon Launch AI-Powered Playlists

June 7, 2024

In a bold move to redefine how we discover and interact with music, Spotify and Amazon Music have each introduced groundbreaking AI-powered playlist generators...

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Songs That Kick Started Careers

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Photo Source: Getty Images

Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

"Shake It Off" is a smash-hit song by Taylor Swift, released in 2014 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, "1989." The upbeat and infectious track marked a significant shift in Taylor Swift's musical style, transitioning from country to pop. Its catchy melody, fun lyrics, and positive message resonated with audiences worldwide. The song's release was accompanied by a vibrant and colourful music video, further amplifying its popularity. "Shake It Off" received widespread airplay, topping the billboard charts in various countries and earning Taylor Swift numerous accolades. Its commercial success and infectious appeal played a pivotal role in solidifying Taylor Swift's status as a global pop superstar till this day. 

Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face" was a turning point in his career, catapulting him to mainstream success. Released in 2015 on his album called “beauty behind the madness”, the infectious and upbeat track showcased his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. With cleverly masked drug-related lyrics, the song received widespread attention , firmly establishing The Weeknd as a major force in the music industry. It placed him on a high pedestal in the mainstream and showcased his versatility as an artist, leading to numerous award nominations.

Slow Jamz - Kanye West

Released in 2004 as part of his debut album The College Dropout, "Slow Jamz" was a pivotal song that kick-started Kanye West's illustrious career. The track, featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. The song showcased Kanye's distinctive production style and clever lyricism, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing artist. 

The Way - Ariana grande

“The Way" is Ariana Grande's 2013 debut single which was also a song on her album “Yours Truly”, featuring the late rapper Mac Miller. This catchy R&B-pop track showcased Ariana's powerful vocals and received widespread acclaim from music critics. Its success catapulted her to stardom, establishing her as one of the most influential pop artists of her generation.

Best I Ever Had - Drake

In 2009, Drake achieved a significant breakthrough when he dropped the mixtape "So Far Gone," featuring the popular single "Best I Ever Had." The release of this mixtape sparked a fierce competition among record labels, leading Drake to sign with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, which operates under Cash Money. By the end of the year, the label re-released "So Far Gone" as an EP, making Drake's music a rising success in the music industry.

Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna

Incorporating dance-pop elements, Rihanna's third album, "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007), solidified her position as a prominent icon in the music industry. The Grammy-winning single "Umbrella" not only marked her first prestigious accolade but also propelled her to international fame.

Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

Harry Styles' song "Sign of the Times" marked a significant turning point in his career after departing from the global sensation One Direction. Released in 2017 as his debut solo single, the track showcased Harry's artistic maturity and versatility as a solo artist. The song's epic, anthemic sound and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and widespread recognition. "Sign of the Times" not only solidified Harry Styles' status as a serious musician beyond his boy band origins but also propelled him to become a successful and respected solo artist in his own right.

The careers of these popular artists were undeniably shaped and accelerated by their breakout songs. These songs not only kick-started their careers but also left an indelible mark on the music industry.