November 20, 2024
Ed Sheeran recently revealed that his vocals were used without his permission on a new Band Aid single—a situation he says he would have “respectfully declined” had he been asked. The incident has...
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In the world of contemporary music, The Weeknd stands as an enigmatic figure who has mastered the art of reinvention and authenticity. From his early days of mysterious mixtapes to becoming a...
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Tyler, The Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, has become one of the most influential and dynamic artists in the music industry. From his brash, rebellious beginnings to his present-day status as a...
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In a world where English often dominates the global music charts, Bad Bunny has emerged as a game-changing force, proving that music transcends language. Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in...
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In an era where musical boundaries often blur but few truly innovate, Post Malone has carved out a unique space for himself by seamlessly blending rap, rock, and pop. His genre-defying approach has...
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When Lorde’s breakout single “Royals” first hit airwaves, it was clear the pop landscape was about to change. At just 16, Ella Yelich-O’Connor, the New Zealand artist known as Lorde, captivated the...
Read moreNovember 18, 2024
Lizzo’s rise to stardom is nothing short of inspiring. With her infectious personality, powerhouse vocals, and bold, body-positive message, she has become a beacon of empowerment in the music...
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SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, is now one of the most vocal and well-known figures in modern R&B. With her distinctive sound and intelligent poetry, SZA’s musical career has been both dynamic and...
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After a seven-year hiatus, Linkin Park is back, and they’ve hit the proverbial reset button with their highly anticipated new album. Known for their ability to evolve while staying true to their...
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In 2023, acclaimed record producer Metro Boomin ventured into the cinematic realm by curating the soundtrack for *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse*. This collaboration resulted in a dynamic...
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British rapper Dave, born David Orobosa Omoregie, has carved a unique space for himself in the music world through his profound storytelling and introspective lyricism. Known for tackling complex...
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One year ago, SZA released her debut album, *Ctrl*, and its influence on music—particularly R&B—has only grown since. For many listeners, it was the soundtrack to the summer of 2017, and it’s safe...
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Released in 2003 and re-released in 2004, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" quickly became a defining anthem of the early 2000s, propelling the band to global superstardom. This synth-rock hit, characterized by Brandon Flowers' New Wave vocal delivery, captures themes of jealousy and deception with an irresistibly catchy melody. Its enduring popularity is evident in its remarkable achievements, including becoming the third biggest-selling song of all time in the UK and the longest-charting song in UK history. The universal appeal of "Mr. Brightside" lies in its infectious tune, relatable lyrics, and the perfect blend of synth-rock and New Wave elements, making it a staple across various playlists and settings, from personal listening sessions to large social gatherings.
In a recent episode of Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Songs" podcast, hosts Brittany Spanos and Rob Sheffield explore the story behind "Mr. Brightside" and its monumental global success. Featuring insights from mixing engineer Mark Needham, who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of The Killers, the podcast delves into how the track has managed to stay relevant and beloved for over two decades. Needham, alongside his business partners, worked tirelessly to secure a record label for the then-up-and-coming Las Vegas band, despite facing numerous rejections. Their perseverance paid off, resulting in a timeless track that continues to resonate with fans worldwide, underscoring the band's impact on music and the track's enduring legacy
Therefore, our goal was to make it even better, bigger, and fresher. We completely redesigned our 500 Songs list in 2021 and included a fresh group of voters from all over the world of music. Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs examines each song that is included on our list in more detail. Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs, produced in collaboration with iHeart, features Brittany and Rob discussing a new song every week and exploring its background and significance with the assistance of a special guest. Past guests have included producers, artists, and other RS colleagues. Here's our celebration of the all-time great songs, along with an analysis of their key elements.