Top 10 pop tracks every punk won’t admit they listen to

July 17, 2019

No matter how punk you are, you can never be too scene to resist a good pop song. There’s just something about a few of the genre’s tracks that get you grooving. Besides, it’s nice to take a break from heavy breakdowns every once in a while.

From Taylor Swift to the Chainsmokers, here’s 10 pop tracks that every punk secretly loves.

Taylor Swift – “Look What You Made Me Do”

Taylor Swift took a dig at her enemies with her hit “Look What You Made Me Do.” Swift’s old sweet persona was “dead,” and she wanted to make sure everyone knew she wasn’t playing games. Utilizing electronic beats and pointed lyrics, the track is definitely one of the singer’s darker statements.

Kesha – “Praying”

Sometimes it’s better to take the high road and move forward in life after a troubling situation. Kesha released “Praying” during her court battle with Dr. Luke because she wasn’t allowed to put out music due to contract limitations. The result is an empowering-as-hell ballad, with the singer unleashing a barrage of emotion and fighting negativity with lyrics about empathy and forgiveness.

Ariana Grande – “7 rings”

It’s good to be young, a point made in Ariana Grande’s “7 rings.” The track is based on an actual shopping spree she went on after her breakup with Pete Davidson. Sure, she’s basically flexing on us about being rich, but if you were successful, wouldn’t you want to show it off every once in a while too?

Carly Rae Jepsen – “Call Me Maybe”

Even though it’s a little older, if Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” just happens to come on in the car radio, it’s bound to get everyone in the vehicle singing. The track is pure-pop fun, and while it can get stuck in your head, it’s not too much of an earworm to be annoying.

Marshmello, Bastille – “Happier”

This collaboration between Bastille and Marshmello is as relatable as it is heartwarming. The happy-sad track’s quick tempo gives the feeling that it’s supposed to be a lighthearted tune, but the lyrics tell a different story: There’s two partners, and one only wants the best for the other, even if it means they have to leave.

Demi Lovato – “Sorry Not Sorry”

Demi Lovato is unapologetic when it comes to “Sorry Not Sorry.” The Emo Nite queen belts it out as she confidently sings of how she feels about her life and how nobody is going to bring her down. The song is bold and powerful as Lovato encourages her listeners to be their truest selves.

DNCE – “Cake By The Ocean”

DNCE’s debut single “Cake By The Ocean” was a hit and continues to be the band’s most-listened track on Spotify. With fast tempo and dripping with innuendos, it’s easy to want to drop everything and dance to it wherever you’re at.

Post Malone, Swae Lee – “Sunflower”

Although “Sunflower” originally wasn’t supposed to be featured in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, the Post Malone and Swae Lee track still found its way into everyone’s hearts. Blending hip-hop with pop, the track has an easy-going rhythm behind echoing vocals from both Posty and Lee. Two track versions were released, one for the film and an original. One was a more explicit take, but that didn’t stop it from dominating the charts.

Billie Eilish – “bad guy”

Billie Eilish didn’t have to go off like this, but we’re glad she did. While “bad guy,” the second track off her first full-length, sounds dark, the alt-pop singer manages to keep the groove light with an upbeat pulse and synth. That is until the time change at the end, but that’s what makes the song so interesting.

The Chainsmokers – “Closer” (feat. Halsey)

If you weren’t jamming to this track during the summer of ’16, what were you doing? Featuring one of our favorite artists, Halsey, the Chainsmokers became a household name after the release of “Closer.” Comprising a catchy chorus and bouncing backtrack, the tune is easy to remember and was the longest-running No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 that year.

What are your favorite pop jams? Let us know in the comments below!