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Kim Wilde: From Pop Princess to Gardening Queen and Back Again

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...

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The Uncertain Road Ahead: Britney Spears and Her Potential Comeback

December 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...

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Joe Jonas and Alex Warren Team Up for Powerful New Single ‘Everything I Had’

December 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...

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Zach Bryan: A Modern-Day Storyteller in Music

December 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...

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How Timothée Chalamet Found His Voice: Hollywood Coach Shares Training Secrets for Bob Dylan Role

December 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...

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How Phoebe Bridgers Found Her Voice: The Albums That Shaped a Modern Indie Icon

December 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...

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The Uncertain Future of Music Jobs: Study Warns of Massive Cuts in the Next Four Years

December 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...

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Hozier’s Latest Hit, ‘Too Sweet’, Showcases His Mastery of Soulful Storytelling

December 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...

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Spotify Wrapped 2024: Taylor Swift Tops the Charts as Women Lead the Global Albums List

December 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...

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Harry’s House of Pop Culture: A Space for Fans to Be Themselves

December 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...

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Tyla: South Africa's Rising Star Set to Shine at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards

December 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...

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Tate McRae: The Gen Z Powerhouse Changing the Music Scene

December 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...

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Why The Killers ‘Mr. Brightside’ Has Remained on the Charts for a Decade and Counting

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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.