Unfortified Castle

Kelly Jones and Stereophonics call back to the generation before them with their R&B influenced post-Britpop.

Dire Straits don't directly echo the music implied by their story, but they embody it just enough to tell a convincing and memorable tale.

A J.S. Bach-inspired structure yields a unique and iconic recording.

In The Weeknd's newest single, he revels in his old lifestyle one last time before his outlook on love shifts across the rest of the album.

Duck Sauce create "disco's revenge" by sampling the genre that preceded it, paying tribute to New York in the process.

Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.

Through his celebrity lens, Childish Gambino questions the trustworthiness of, frankly, anyone who seems to be a friend in the digital age.

The xx's debut single explores the fragility of love through two partners' ever-present individual thoughts.

A lighter entry early in the Cranberries' discography kept me in the right mood when I heard it for the first time today. Thank you,...

Blondie's Moroder-produced movie soundtrack anthem presents the state of pop at a sonic inflection point — a sound people still love today.

Little changes go a long way for Eric Carmen and the Raspberries.

Emeli Sandé's praiseful breakthrough hit is as catchy and singalong-friendly today as it was when she burst onto the scene.

A "darksynth" retooling of a 1980s movie soundtrack classic gives the lyrics and title a much more fitting treatment.

Between its beat and its lyrics, Ryan Riback's retouching of Starley's dance-pop number is one of my favorite productions from the late 10s.

Why? It just kind of happened once, and I've kept it up since... but I try to read into it anyway.

Move over, "Imagine" — Oasis provide the perfect soundtrack to changing calendars.

MGMT's tribute to youth is far from rose-colored, reminding us of just how much we impact the world from the day we're thrown into it.

Bread's hit celebrates the music maker while also reminding listeners that fame is so often temporary.

Uncommon instruments for pop and a spin on a heartbreak narrative make for an iconic soul number.

In examining a complete revamping of a pop production, I think of how stylistic choices can change our perception of a melody and lyrics.