December 23, 2024
Few artists embody the concept of reinvention as completely as Kim Wilde. From dominating the pop charts in the 1980s to cultivating a second career as a gardening expert, Wilde’s journey is...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Britney Spears, a pop icon who has captivated audiences for decades, is once again at the center of media attention. As the star recently celebrated her 43rd birthday in Mexico, questions about her...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Joe Jonas and Alex Warren have joined forces for their latest collaboration, Everything I Had, a track that highlights the creative synergy between the two artists. Combining Jonas’ polished vocals...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Zach Bryan, a name that resonates with authenticity, raw emotion, and heartfelt storytelling, has taken the music world by storm. With his distinct sound and poetic lyrics, he has become a voice...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into music legend Bob Dylan for the upcoming biopic Going Electric is already generating buzz, but what does it take for an acclaimed actor to embody one of the...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Phoebe Bridgers has become a defining voice in indie music, seamlessly blending raw vulnerability with hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. Whether she’s performing solo in her now-iconic skeleton...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
A recent report commissioned by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has raised alarms within the music industry, predicting that the rise of generative...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Hozier, the Irish singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and soulful melodies, is making waves once again with his latest single, “Too Sweet”. Released on March 22, 2024, as part of his EP...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Spotify Wrapped 2024 has officially dropped, and it’s no surprise that Taylor Swift reigns supreme as the most-streamed artist of the year. Her chart-topping success is a testament to her enduring...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Harry Styles, a name synonymous with groundbreaking fashion and boundary-pushing artistry, has become a cultural icon whose influence transcends music. From a young talent on *The X Factor* to a...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, has rapidly ascended from her Johannesburg roots to international acclaim, blending amapiano rhythms with pop sensibilities to create a distinctive...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, artists who resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level often rise to the top. Among this elite group is Tate McRae, a 20-year-old Canadian...
Read more
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.