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Taylor Swift Named No. 2 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century List

December 5, 2024

Taylor Swift has once again cemented her legacy in the music industry, earning the number two spot on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list. This recognition celebrates Swift's...

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Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” Becomes a Global Sensation

December 5, 2024

When two of pop music’s most iconic artists join forces, magic is inevitable. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s collaborative track, Die With a Smile, has taken the music world by storm, shattering...

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Selena Gomez: A Star Shining Across Entertainment Horizons

December 5, 2024

Selena Gomez is a name that resonates worldwide, synonymous with talent, resilience, and versatility. From her early days as a Disney Channel star to becoming a global icon in music, acting, and...

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Drake Accuses Universal of Using Bots to Boost Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track

December 5, 2024

The music world is buzzing after Drake publicly accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of using bots to inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss track. Known for his own sharp lyrics and...

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Rihanna: The Evolution of an Icon

November 29, 2024

From the moment Rihanna burst onto the music scene with her 2005 hit “Pon de Replay,” it was clear that she was destined for superstardom. Over the years, she has transformed from a Barbadian pop...

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The 'Gaga-esque' Legacy: How Lady Gaga Redefined Music and Culture

November 29, 2024

In a world where the music industry has long been dominated by patriarchal norms and systemic biases, Lady Gaga has emerged as a revolutionary force. Her career isn’t just about chart-topping hits...

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Bruno Mars: More Than Just Your Average Pop Star

November 29, 2024

Bruno Mars is no ordinary pop sensation. While his music is rooted in the feel-good vibes of party anthems, Mars offers more than just catchy beats and sing-along choruses. After witnessing his...

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Lady Gaga’s Seventh Solo Album: A Bold Return to Her Pop Roots

November 29, 2024

Lady Gaga, one of the most iconic and versatile artists of her generation, is set to make a highly anticipated return with her seventh solo studio album, referred to by fans as LG7. Scheduled for...

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The Evolution of Justin Bieber: A Journey Through Fame, Growth, and Resilience

November 29, 2024

Justin Bieber's rise to stardom is nothing short of legendary. From a small-town boy with a dream to a global superstar, his story has captivated millions worldwide. With chart-topping hits...

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Lana Del Rey Announces New Album and Embraces a Bold New Direction

November 29, 2024

Lana Del Rey, the queen of melancholic ballads and cinematic storytelling, has officially announced her new album, The Right Person Will Stay, set to release on May 21, 2025. This marks her tenth...

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Addison Rae: From Tiktoker to Pop Music Trend Setter

November 29, 2024

Addison Rae’s TikTok career skyrocketed in 2019, making her one of the most recognizable faces on the platform. Known for her engaging dance routines and approachable demeanor, she quickly amassed...

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From Small-Town Roots to Country Royalty: The Inspiring Journey of Luke Combs

November 29, 2024

Luke Combs, one of country music's most electrifying stars, embodies the genre's heart and soul with his deeply resonant voice and heartfelt lyrics. His meteoric rise from a small-town...

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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.