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December 24, 2024
When discussing the pantheon of hip-hop greats, one name that inevitably surfaces is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known as Lil Wayne. From a young prodigy in New Orleans to a global music icon...
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December 23, 2024
Emerging from the creative and fast-paced world of TikTok, PinkPantheress has quickly become one of the most defining voices in the bedroom pop genre. Her meteoric rise reflects the powerful role...
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December 23, 2024
Transitioning from Disney star to chart-topping artist is a path many have walked, but Dove Cameron is blazing her trail, determined to redefine herself as an artist on her terms. After captivating...
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December 23, 2024
Ed Sheeran, one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the modern era, is preparing for a big return to the pop music scene in 2025. After a quieter few years focused on collaborations and...
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December 23, 2024
Seamlessly transitioning between genres and effortlessly switching musical gears, beabadoobee stands as a masterful young artist whose unique sound bridges the best of indie rock’s nostalgic past...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.