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Gunna's Resurgence: Decoding the Brilliance of “One of Wun”

May 11, 2024

In the turbulent realm of hip-hop, reputations wield immense power, capable of either propelling an artist to stardom or shackling them to infamy...

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Frank Ocean's Timeless Appeal: Climbing the Charts Again with Hit Album Blonde

May 10, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of music, where new stars emerge and fade with astonishing rapidity, the longevity of an artist in the charts is a testament to their enduring appeal. Frank Ocean...

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DaBaby: From Charlotte to Chart-Topping Sensation

May 10, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few artists have made as big a splash as DaBaby. Born Jonathan Lyndale Kirk in Charlotte, North Carolina, DaBaby has become synonymous with odd beats...

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"Mr. Brightside": How The Killers' Hit Became a Timeless Anthem Without Ever Topping the Charts

May 10, 2024

If we mention the artist name or the title of the song, it might not ring a bell immediately. But what if we say, "It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?" Chances are...

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Ariana Grande Delivers Fairytale Performance at Met Gala

May 10, 2024

Ariana Grande, the 30-year-old pop sensation, enchanted audiences at this year's Met Gala with a performance that perfectly captured the event's theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion."...

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Kendrick vs. Drake: The Diss Track Showdown

May 10, 2024

In the hip-hop world, nothing lights up the scene like a fierce diss track battle between the industry's top artists. Lately, all eyes have been on Kendrick Lamar and Drake as they trade lyrical...

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Metro Boomin Lights Up the Pyramids: A Spectacle of Beats and History

May 10, 2024

On the evenings of April 29 and 30th, the iconic U.S. record producer Metro Boomin appeared in Egypt for his first-ever performance in the region, captivating a massive crowd of 30,000 fans...

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The Journey of Billie Eilish in Contemporary Music

May 10, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, few artists captivate audiences with the same enigmatic allure as Billie Eilish. With her haunting vocals, genre-defying sound...

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Danny Ocean's Evolution of Latin Music

May 10, 2024

If you haven’t heard of Danny Ocean yet, it's only a matter of time before his soulful beats and melodies capture your attention. Hailing from Venezuela, this singer, songwriter...

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Macklemore Supports Protestors With Pro-Palestine New Song “Hind’s Hall”

May 8, 2024

In the world of music, it's not uncommon for artists to use their platform to address social and political issues close to their hearts. Macklemore, the Grammy-winning rapper known...

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Frank Turner’s Anticipated Release of ‘Undefeated’

May 7, 2024

In a whirlwind of energy and passion, Frank Turner, the U.K. musician renowned for his indomitable spirit and fervent performances, has once again etched his name into music history...

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The Rise of Burna Boy in Contemporary Afrobeat Music

May 7, 2024

n the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeat music, one artist stands out for his electrifying performances and innovative sound: Burna Boy. Hailing from Nigeria, Burna Boy has become a global...

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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.