Billboard’s workers takes a glance about the perfect songs on the one topic that each single recording artist is aware of slightly one thing about.
From left: Kacey Musgraves, George Michael, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Pink Floyd’s “Want You Have been Right here” album cowl and P!nk.
Matthew Billington
Is it as common a music topic as love, as timeless as dancing or partying, as relatable as heartbreak or distress or anger? Not fairly — however for the precise recording artists behind the songs, it’s the one subject that they’re just about assured to have a surfeit of expertise in, the one which they are often trusted as an authority on to no less than some extent: the music {industry} itself.
For so long as the music {industry} has existed, artists have been writing, recording and performing songs in regards to the enterprise that birthed them. A few of them are explicitly biographical, a few of them written extra in summary. A few of them supply direct commentary, a few of them simply current the details (because the artist sees them) and lets the listener come to their very own conclusions. A few of them are extremely vital and pissed off in regards to the state of issues, a few of them… effectively, we wouldn’t say we will identify a ton of songs which might be all about how swell issues at present are within the music biz — no less than that aren’t being bitterly sarcastic about it — however there are some which might be much less explicitly fire-and-brimstone, anyway.
And as a workers of writers and editors who spend our lives protecting all of the happenings of the music {industry}, now we have to confess that these songs maintain a considerably particular place in our hearts (significantly those that point out Billboard by identify, natch). We’d not share the precise experiences of the artists themselves — typically we could even come from the precise different facet of their expertise — however we’ve seen sufficient of the enterprise to no less than know and perceive what they’re speaking about, and sometimes to have the ability to lend a sympathetic ear to their plight. And if the music occurs to be a jam even aside from its insider perception, even higher, in fact.
Listed here are the Billboard workers’s picks for the 100 biggest songs ever written in regards to the music {industry}, starting from basic rock staples to ’90s hip-hop cautionary tales to pop club-slayers from this very yr. A few of them inform whole tales in regards to the {industry}, a few of them solely memorably look at in passing, some are informed wholly in allegory — however all of them go away you just a bit bit wiser and slightly extra understanding about this factor of ours.
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M, “Pop Muzik” (1979)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Robin Scott-fronted U.Okay. outfit M’s breakthrough hit captured the buzzing pleasure round pop music on the flip of the ’80s, as new wave and synth-pop had been turning the rock institution the wrong way up. If components of it got here off a bit rueful, the band nonetheless knew of what it spoke: “Pop Muzik” topped the Billboard Sizzling 100 in November 1979.
Most Telling Lyric: “New York, London, Paris, Munich/ All people discuss pop muzik” — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
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Elton John, “Bitter Fingers” (1975)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? Earlier than Elton John and his songwriting associate Bernie Taupin wrote and launched among the most definitive albums and songs of the Nineteen Seventies, they labored at Liberty Data’ London workplace, churning out assembly-line tunes for different artists that by no means hit — days they recount not so nostalgically on this Captain Improbable and the Brown Filth Cowboy spotlight.
Most Telling Lyric: “So churn them out fast and quick/ And we’ll nonetheless pat your backs/ ‘Trigger we’d like what we will get/ To launch one other dozen acts” — FRANK DIGIACOMO
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Charles Kelley, “Leaving Nashville” (2016)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s The Deal? On this music from Girl A member Kelley’s debut solo album, he shatters the glamorous misconceptions about life as a Nashville songwriter, bringing to gentle the occupation’s heady highs of hit songs, No. 1 events and brushing elbows with celebs, but additionally its crushing lows of watching as enterprise “buddies” fade away if the hit songs cease coming.
Most Telling Lyric: “In the future you’re the king, the subsequent, you’re not/ It’s handshakes and whiskey pictures, boy, and throwing up in parking heaps all by your self” — JESSICA NICHOLSON
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Boston, “Rock and Roll Band” (1976)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? Co-writer and guitarist Tom Scholz admitted the story in “Rock and Roll Band” — a broke bar band taking part in for the love of music is abruptly found by a label govt — is “pure fantasy,” since Boston had by no means even carried out stay when the music was written. Nonetheless, the story of an aspirational rock band is a memorable one and helped flip Scholz’s searing guitar licks right into a sing-along rock anthem good for ‘70s FM radio.
Most Telling Lyric: “We barely made sufficient to outlive/ However after we received up on stage and received able to play, individuals got here alive.” — GLENN PEOPLES
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Lupe Fiasco, “Until I Get There” (2011)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? Lupe compares his A&Rs and executives to therapists and medical doctors making an attempt to diagnose him with an sickness whereas truly making an attempt to affect the course of his music and have him sacrifice inventive integrity for data boasting extra industrial attraction.
Most Telling Lyric: “Physician, physician please, the celebrity ain’t painless sufficient/ That’s trigger you ain’t well-known sufficient/ You bought slightly recreation however your identify ain’t ringin’ sufficient.” — MICHAEL SAPONARA
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Bon Jovi, “Burning Bridges” (2015)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? After 32 years, Bon Jovi parted methods with Mercury Data in 2015 — and there was no love misplaced on Jon Bon Jovi’s half on this biting, bitter kiss-off to the label that had made megamillions off the band’s again over three a long time.
Most Telling Lyric: “Right here’s one final music you possibly can promote/ Let’s name it ‘Burning Bridges’/ It’s a singalong as effectively/ Hope my cash and my masters/ Purchase a entrance row seat in hell” — MELINDA NEWMAN
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9 Inch Nails, “Happiness in Slavery” (1992)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal?: As NIN notes on its web site, 1992’s Damaged EP was “recorded in secret to keep away from interference from [record label TVT],” with whom frontman Trent Reznor had been feuding. “That’s the place loads of the fashion on Damaged got here from,” he informed Rolling Stone on the time, clarifying that the individuals who managed his profession “are f—king assholes.” That wrath – in addition to the despair of being caught within the system — was evident in each single chopping phrase of EP climax “Happiness,” which peaked at No. 13 on Billboard‘s Different Airplay chart in 1992.
Most Telling Lyric: “I don’t know what I’m I don’t know the place I’ve been/ Human junk simply phrases and a lot pores and skin/ Stick my fingers by way of the cage of this limitless routine/ Just a few flesh caught on this massive damaged machine” — ANNA CHAN
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Rachel Stevens, “Some Women” (2004)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Co-written by U.Okay. super-producer Richard X and high 40 scribe Hannah Robinson, the dazzling “Some Women” tells the story of a pop aspirant’s “desires of No. 1,” who contorts herself to please a big-talking {industry} insider, with worryingly unclear returns. (In actual life, the music received to No. 2 on the Official UK Singles Chart.)
Most Telling Lyric: “Hey! Cease!/ You made a promise to make me a star/ You made a promise I’d get to the highest!” — A.U.
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Bacilos, “Mi Primer Millón” (2002)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Launched in 2002, the up and coming Colombian trio’s cheekily titled “Mi Primer Millón” (My First Million), captured the aspirations and optimism of Latin acts within the wake of the Latin Explosion of 1999 and 2000. Bacilos’ lyrics had been autobiographical, however they may have been speaking about any of the various acts who flocked to Miami from all over the world in the hunt for fame and fortune. Whereas the title is self-explanatory, the music’s easy narrative, stuffed with wanna-be ambitions and name-dropping, captured the zeitgeist of a nascent Latin music {industry}.
Most Telling Lyric: “As quickly as we get there we’ll name Emilio [Estefan]/ I’ve a good friend, he’s buddies with a good friend, who has a direct line to the heaven of so many stars.” — LEILA COBO
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10cc, “The Worst Band within the World” (1975)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Snobs solely accustomed to 10cc’s soft-rock hits may truly be tempted to lob this title at them, however the British outfit’s oeuvre is much weirder and artier than their hit “Love” songs let on. “The Worst Band within the World” is a warped, prog-pop mini odyssey that sends up an {industry} awful with self-entitled, vacuous rockers gladly interesting to the bottom frequent denominator.
Most Telling Lyric: “Up yours, up mine/ However up all people’s, that takes time/ However we’re engaged on it.” — JOE LYNCH
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The Replacements, “Left of the Dial” (1985)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? The Replacements’ basic college-rock anthem is an elliptical collection of lyrical snapshots from the mid-’80s period the place underground bands needed to reconcile their punk attitudes with their industrial aspirations — with many, together with the ‘Mats, finally concluding that they had been extra at house on radio frequencies high 40 would by no means contact.
Most Telling Lyrics: “Weary voice that’s laughin’, on the radio as soon as/ We sounded drunk, by no means made it on” — A.U.
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Arctic Monkeys, “Who the F–k Are Arctic Monkeys?” (2006)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? When the Arctic Monkeys gained a ton of mid-’00s media consideration because the saviors of rock music for his or her early singles and debut album, lead singer Alex Turner was fast to state, “Don’t imagine the hype.” With a little bit of sleazy guitar and Turner’s thick Sheffield accent right here, the band delivers a seething rebuke of a music {industry} they’ve already found is usually the smoke and mirror of fancy advertising and marketing, relatively than inventive integrity.
Most Telling Lyric? “Not lining as much as be Play-Doh/ Oh, in 5 years’ time will it’s/ ‘Who the fuck’s Arctic Monkeys?’” — TAYLOR MIMS
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Ben Folds, “One Down” (2001)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Because the story goes, Folds was on probation along with his music writer and obligated to ship a selected variety of songs. “One Down” finds the intelligent tunesmith in want of precisely 4.6 songs, and desirous to shortly meet his quota. Sarcastically, whereas Folds detailed a rote, unglamorous facet of the songwriting enterprise, he additionally penned a implausible music right here.
Most Telling Lyric: “I don’t like losing time on music that gained’t make me proud/ However now I’ve discovered a cause to sit down proper down and s**t some out.” — GLENN PEOPLES
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Yard Act, “We Make Hits” (2024)
Sort: Origin Story/The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? Yard Act have their cake and eat it too on this goofy, groovy monitor — concurrently asserting their grand industrial ambitions and poking enjoyable at “two broke millennial males” for harboring them. “I’m gonna hold flinging shit till sufficient of it sticks,” James Smith sings. “Break down the partitions/And if it’s not a success, we had been being ironic.” Greatest joke of all: the downtempo disco lower is fairly catchy.
Most Telling Lyric: “We signed to a subsidiary of Common, Inc., ‘Trigger the water retains on rising/ And we all know there’s no stunning anybody with eyes and ears ’spherical right here — that we’re all gonna sink.” — ELIAS LEIGHT
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Visitors, “Low Spark of Excessive-Heeled Boys” (1971)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? The slow-burning, Eleven-plus-minute FM rock staple largely offers in abstraction — the title phrase was a observe left for author/drummer Jim Capaldi by actor Michael J Pollard, which Capaldi thought captured his “great insurgent angle” — however {industry} predators actually appears to be one of many issues it’s rebelling in opposition to, given lyrics about being “take[n] for a journey” and being “stripped of all the things, together with my satisfaction.”
Most Telling Lyric: “The share you’re paying is simply too excessive priced/ Whilst you’re residing past all of your means/ And the person within the swimsuit has simply purchased a brand new automotive/ From the revenue he’s made in your desires” — A.U.
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Brandy, “Ought to I Go?” (2004)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? A Coldplay-sampling deep lower from Brandy’s Afrodisiac, “Ought to I Go?” sees Brandy at an virtually unnervingly weak place in her profession, not sure of the place she matches in a crowded, post-filesharing {industry} (“Untimely launch of those albums on-line/ Makin’ it laborious for actual entertainers to shine”) and contemplating testing from it altogether, earlier than deciding, “Transfer over, that is my time/ B-Rocka’s again on the grind.”
Most Telling Lyric: “I’m standing on the sting of the {industry}/ Questioning if it’s all that vital to me” — A.U.
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Stealers Wheel, “Caught within the Center With You” (1973)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Gerry Rafferty wrote Stealers Wheel’s largest hit about an unbearable {industry} cocktail social gathering he attended, largely as lark — however the rollickingly claustrophobic story of being caught amongst “clowns to the left of [him], jokers to the appropriate” was too humorous and irresistible to be ignored, finally reaching the Sizzling 100’s high 10.
Most Telling Lyric: “Attempting to make some sense of all of it/ However I can see it is mindless in any respect/ Is it cool to fall asleep on the ground?/ ‘Trigger I don’t assume that I can take anymore” — A.U.
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Grupo Marca Registrada & Tapy Quintero, “Artista Independiente” (2022)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? The 2 Mexican acts spin the story of a rugged lone ranger throughout the {industry} in “Artista Independiente,” chronicling his life journey wrapped in guitar strings and daring lyrics. Think about darting from California to who-knows-where, dodging life’s curveballs however by no means dropping the ball on avenue smarts? It’s about juggling the laborious knocks with laborious work, all with a little bit of swagger and 0 apologies, embodied by the gruff willpower of regional Mexican music.
Most Telling Lyric: “Somos gente con la gente que le gusta trabajar/ Como artista independiente ¿me pueden catalogar?” (We’re individuals with individuals who prefer to work/ As an impartial artist, are you able to catalog me?) — ISABELA RAYGOZA
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Lacy J. Dalton, “sixteenth Ave” (1982)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Nashville has all the time been famend for its songwriters, and on this 1982 hit — penned by one in all Nashville’s high tunesmiths, Thom Schuyler — Dalton pays loving tribute to the boys who make the noise on 16th Ave., which was within the coronary heart of Music Row when all of the music corporations had been concentrated in a number of brief blocks for many years.
Most Telling Lyric: “’Trigger they stroll away from all the things/ Simply to see a dream come true/ So God bless the boys who make the noise/On 16th Avenue” — M.N.
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Nick Lowe, “I Love My Label” (1978)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? Though the pub-rock hero and onetime Brinsley Schwartz frontman had written intentionally terrible songs to free himself from his report cope with United Artists, it was “Let’s Go to the Disco” that pulled off the feat. Recorded later as an “promoting jingle,” as he later referred to as it, for the good British indie Stiff Data, “I Love My Label” is characteristically sarcastic, damning the enterprise with faint reward.
Most Telling Lyric: “We’re one massive joyful household/ I assume you might say I’m the poor relation of the guardian firm” — STEVE KNOPPER
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MGMT, “Congratulations” (2010)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? MGMT’s 2009 sophomore album Congratulations is actually a nine-song remedy session in regards to the success of the duo’s 2007 debut Oracular Spectacular and its era-defining singles “Time to Faux” and “Children.” Congratulations’ tongue-in-cheek title monitor is a psych-rock ode to the celebrity, wealth, privilege, expectations and common unease created by the debut — though when Congratulations peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, it technically grew to become a fair greater hit.
Most Telling Lyric: “However I’ve received somebody to make experiences/ That inform me how my cash’s spent/ To e-book my stays and draw my blinds/ So I can’t inform what’s actually there/ And all I want’s an excellent massive congratulations” — KATIE BAIN
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Harry Chapin, “W.O.L.D.” (1973)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s The Deal? This bittersweet story music, a couple of DJ who chased his radio desires on the expense of his marriage, cracked the highest 40 on the Sizzling 100 in 1974. “W.O.L.D.” (the decision letters are a sly allusion to how the DJ was beginning to really feel outdated) is alleged to have impressed the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, which debuted 4 years later.
Most Telling Lyric: “The intense good morning voice who’s heard however by no means seen/Feeling all of 45, happening 15.” – PAUL GREIN
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Grand Funk Railroad, “We’re an American Band” (1973)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Written and sung by Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer, this iconic and anthemic rock commonplace about life as touring rock group reportedly was born out of an limitless summer time tour that noticed that group crisscrossing the nation and assembly the likes of blues legend Freddie King and tremendous groupie Connie Flowers, celebrating the colourful material of the USA and its insatiable urge for food for rock and roll within the early ’70s.
Most Telling Lyric: “We’re comin’ to your city/ We’ll enable you to social gathering it down/ We’re an American band” — DAVE BROOKS
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Bruce Springsteen, “Final Man Standing” (2020)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? When Springsteen’s good friend George Theiss died in 2018, The Boss grew to become the final residing member of his first band, The Castiles. With mortality on his thoughts — “Final Man Standing” seems on Letter to You, the 2020 album that Springsteen launched on the top of the pandemic — the rock famous person describes his early days making an attempt to make it within the {industry}, memorializing what he informed Apple Music had been “among the deepest studying years of my life”.
Most Telling Lyric: “Knights of Columbus and the Fireman’s Ball/ Friday evening on the union corridor/ Black leather-based golf equipment all alongside Route 9/ You rely the names of the lacking as you rely off time” — F.D.
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Kendrick Lamar, “For Sale? (Interlude)” (2015)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? Over a deceptively nice mattress of clean jazz, Okay.Dot spits about Lucy (final identify: Fur) providing up {dollars}, mansions and a greater life for his household in change for slightly factor referred to as a soul. Portraying report contracts as a cope with the satan is nothing new, however in Lamar’s fingers, “For Sale? (Interlude)” is an engrossing, detailed and unsettling takedown.
Most Telling Lyric: “Lucy received paperwork on high of paperwork / I would like you to know that Lucy received you / All of your life, I watched you /And now you all grown up, then signal this contract if that’s doable.” — J.L.
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Bread, “The Guitar Man” (1972)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Don’t let this music’s jaunty vibe idiot you: “The Guitar Man” warns of the bleaker facet of the musician-fan relationship, whether or not it’s a listener twisting a music’s that means in the hunt for a private connection to an artist that isn’t there, or a light star nonetheless chasing the excessive of performing in entrance of a dwindling crowd lengthy after their quarter-hour has lapsed.
Most Telling Lyric: “Then the lights start to flicker and the sound is getting dim/ The voice begins to falter and the crowds are getting skinny/ However he by no means appears to note, he’s simply received to seek out one other place to play” – KATIE ATKINSON
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Barry Manilow, “Studio Musician” (1977)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s The Deal? This tender ballad about musicians who put their very own desires on maintain to play for rent is shut sufficient to Manilow’s personal story – he composed jingles and organized for others earlier than he broke by way of with “Mandy” – that you will have assumed that he wrote it. Really, the music was written and first recorded by a pre-fame Rupert Holmes, however that factoid simply underscores the premise of “Studio Musician” – there are extra individuals concerned in a music than the one who’s out entrance.
Most Telling Lyric: “I’m a person of the second/ Pop is my stock-in-trade/ Singles, jingles and demos, conveniently made/ A studio musician whose music will die unplayed.” – P.G.
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Lana Del Rey, “White Costume” (2021)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? In “White Costume,” Lana Del Rey reminisces a couple of easier time in her life that preceded her rise to fame. As a 19-year-old waitress, Del Rey describes feeling assured about her future regardless of (or maybe due to) her naïvety in regards to the music enterprise. Within the music’s well-known chorus, she talks about going “Down [to] Orlando” for the “Males in Music Enterprise Convention,” a fictional {industry} commerce present. In “White Costume,” Del Rey captures the thrill, innocence and uncertainty of an artist’s early profession – the time simply earlier than anybody was watching.
Most Telling Lyric: “Look how I received this/ Simply singing on the street/ Down on the Males in Music Enterprise Convention/ I felt free trigger I used to be solely nineteen/ Such a scene” — KRISTIN ROBINSON
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Sturgill Simpson, “Mercury in Retrograde” (2019)
Sort: Meet the Press/F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? A spacey, grooving rhythm belies a Simpson roast the place nobody escapes the flame, as journalists, bus-crashers, pretend buddies and haters all get a activate the spit.
Most Telling Lyric: “Mild a match and burn all of it down/ Head again house to the mountain/ Far-off from the entire pull/ Of all of the journalists and sycophants constructing their manufacturers…” — CHRISTINE WERTHMAN
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Sugarloaf, “Do not Name Us, We’ll Name You” (1974)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? It’s the supposedly true story of Sugarloaf making an attempt to get a report deal and being handled very shabbily — however revenge is nice. After the label A&R dude passes, they find yourself having a smash (1970’s No. 3 hit, “Inexperienced-Eyed Girl”) and they’re those not taking his calls. Even sweeter: “Don’t Name Us” went to No. 9 in 1975.
Most Telling Lyric: “You mentioned, “Good day” and put me on maintain/ To say the least, the cat was chilly/ He mentioned, “Don’t name us, youngster, we’ll name you” — M.N.
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Rush, “The Spirit of Radio” (1980)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal: Rush’s 1980 basic rock radio staple is a commentary on how radio was then changing into a much less inventive and extra commercially pushed enterprise, with the music additionally concurrently emulating radio itself. Shifting kinds (rock, new wave, the reggae of the ultimate third and a method of drumming Neil Peart recognized as punk) are supposed to conjure flipping between stations, with the shimmering opening riff designed to sound just like the static of the airwaves itself.
Most Telling Lyric: “One likes to imagine within the freedom of music/ However glittering prizes and limitless compromises/ Shatter the phantasm of integrity” (But in addition, “Oooooooof SALESMEN!”) — Okay.B.
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Liz Phair, “And He Slayed Her” (2010)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? After vaulting to indie rock stardom on Matador Data within the mid-’90s, Phair bumped into all-too-common issues with the label brass in her tortured stint at Capitol Data on the flip of the century. Phair’s loss is our acquire, because the incident resulted in a darkish revenge fantasy impressed by then-Capitol CEO and president Andy Slater’s (learn the music title slowly) refusal to let loose of her contract. “He was simply holding on to me as a result of he may,” she informed Pitchfork in 2008. “It simply sucked, and I used to be depressed.”
Most Telling Lyric: “What sort of life did you assume you had been gonna stay/ When everybody on the town put a worth in your head?” — G.P.
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Richard Marx, “Do not Imply Nothing” (1987)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? With lyrics that must be posted on each metropolis limits register Los Angeles, Richard Marx’s debut single slyly excoriated the disingenuousness and ethical rot on the {industry}’s foundations, a cautionary story he made additional head-spinning by delivering through brightly hooky energy chords its darkish themes, about how nothing in Hollywood means something till your verify clears.
Most Telling Lyric: “And also you need to scream, however you gotta hold all of it inside/ If you’re making an attempt to make a residing/ There ain’t no such factor as satisfaction” — Okay.B.
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Neil Younger, “This Notice’s for You” (1988)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Lengthy earlier than artists clamored to grow to be the soundtracks to sodas and alcoholic drinks, many artists handled company sponsorships as an integrity-killer. With “This Notice’s For You,” a bluesy tune backed by a punchy horn part, Younger skewered his contemporaries for promoting their music to companies. He doesn’t single out artists, however Younger name-drops Pepsi, Coke, Miller, and Budweiser and its canine mascot, Spuds MacKenzie — driving the satire house with a basic ad-skewering music video that grew to become a shock video of the yr winner on the 1989 VMAs.
Most Telling Lyric: “Ain’t singing for Pepsi/ Ain’t singing for Coke/ I don’t sing for no one/ Makes me appear to be a joke.” — G.P.
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Camp Cope, “The Opener” (2018)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? In 2018, the post-#MeToo music {industry} was lastly beginning to grapple with questions associated to sexism and abuse of energy within the music {industry} that had too lengthy gone unchecked. Aussie feminine punk trio Camp Cope had each probably the most vicious and most tender songs on the subject with the heartbreaking “The Opener,” which mock-quoted males within the {industry} who claimed to have their pursuits at coronary heart however had been most fascinated by maintaining them of their place: “Yeah, simply get a feminine opener, that’ll fill the quota.”
Most Telling Lyric: “It’s one other entire male tour preaching equality/ It’s one other straight cis man who is aware of extra about this than me” — A.U.
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Babasónicos, “Soy Rock” (2001)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? Babasónicos’ fiery anthem cuts deep into the music {industry}’s commodification of artists and their artwork. With a rebellious tone and unapologetic lyrics, the music challenges the constraints and industrial expectations positioned on musicians. It’s a defiant declaration of independence from the pressures to adapt to {industry} requirements, and as a substitute, embracing a pure, unadulterated type of self-expression: rock!!!
Most Telling Lyric: “Soy muy puta y no trabajo para vos” (I’m a bitch and I don’t give you the results you want) — I.R.
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Jay-Z, “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” (2001)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? On the lead single from his 2001 masterpiece The Blueprint, Jay-Z particulars how he defied the chances regardless of his environment — and really publicly reminds main label executives that he didn’t do all of it for nothing, both, calling the {industry} “shady” and providing that they most likely hate him for “elevating the established order up” in hip-hop.
Most Telling Lyric: “Pay us such as you owe us for all of the years that you just hoed us/ We will speak, however cash talks, so speak extra bucks” — JOSH GLICKSMAN
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Weapons N’ Roses, “Get within the Ring” (1991)
Sort: Meet the Press
What’s the Deal? Axl Rose’s missive in opposition to the early-’90s rock journalism for “spreading lies” about him and his band (you higher imagine he names names) may’ve additional broken his already-hurting media rep, and doubtless price Use Your Phantasm II a star or two in a pair publications. However it’s top-of-the-line first-hand cautionary tales rock ever produced in regards to the risks of studying your individual press — and hey, no less than Axl was (very) prepared to combat his personal combat, relatively than simply siccing his fan military on his foes.
Most Telling Lyric: “Printin’ lies, startin’ controversy/ You wanta antagonize me/ Antagonize me motherf–ker/ Get within the ring motherf–ker/ And I’ll kick your b–chy little ass!” — A.U.
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Billy Squier, “The Stroke” (1981)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? Regardless of the title, Billy Squier’s signature hit isn’t about self-love — it’s his label that’s doing the stroking, and the one launch that comes on the finish of it’s the one with their pre-approved tracklist, cowl artwork and radio-ready lead single.
Most Telling Lyric: “Put your proper hand out, give a agency handshake/ Discuss to me about that one massive break/ Unfold your ear air pollution, each far and large” — A.U.
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Eagles, “New Child in City” (1976)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? “We had been mainly saying, ‘Look, we all know we’re purple scorching proper now however we additionally know that any person’s going to return alongside and exchange us,’” Eagles’ Don Henley mentioned in regards to the gossipy heartbreak ballad that grew to become the group’s first Sizzling 100 No. 1 hit off Lodge California in early ’77. Fairly telling: If even the friggin’ Lodge California-era Eagles couldn’t be safe about their place within the music {industry}, clearly nobody within the biz would ever really feel completely protected.
Most Telling Lyric: “You’re strolling away they usually’re speaking behind you/ They may always remember you ’til any person new comes alongside” — A.U.
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Kelly Rowland, “Soiled Laundry” (2013)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Whereas Beyoncé was ruling the world because the preeminent solo star of the 2000s, her outdated Future’s Baby groupmate Kelly Rowland was struggling — not simply failing to provide similar-sized hits of her personal, however falling below the thumb of an abusive man who “turned me in opposition to my sister.” The harrowing “Soiled Laundry” posits that finally, the dirtiest piece of enterprise within the music {industry} is that once you’re not producing hits, no one cares what sort of hits you’re taking in your personal life.
Most Telling Lyric: “In the meantime this n—a placing his fingers on me/ I swear y’all don’t know the half of this {industry}” — A.U.
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Alan Jackson, “Gone Nation” (1994)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Following the nation growth created by Garth Brooks, Clint Black and others within the early ‘90s, carpetbaggers from Los Angeles and New York swarmed to Nashville, figuring it couldn’t be that arduous to make it in Music Metropolis. The pairing of legendary songwriter Bob McDill and the twangy Jackson on this cynical, humorous tackle the inflow went straight to No. 1 on the Nation Airplay chart in 1994.
Most Telling Lyric: “She’s been readin’ about Nashville and all of the data that everyone’s buyin’/ Says, “I’m a easy woman myself, grew up on Lengthy Island” — M.N.
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Taylor Swift, “The Fortunate One” (2012)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? In an interesting, future-forecasting early deep lower, Taylor Swift tells the story of a anonymous former music icon who grew to become disillusioned with the glare of the highlight and determined to chop out earlier than her time, along with her cash and her dignity nonetheless i tact. Within the last verse, Swift realizes she could quickly face the same alternative in her personal profession: “Now my identify is up in lights/ However I believe you bought it proper.”
Most Telling Lyric: “They inform you that you just’re fortunate, however you’re so confused/ ‘Trigger you don’t really feel fairly, you simply really feel used/ And all of the younger issues line as much as take your house” — A.U.
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Mojo Nixon, “Convey Me the Head of David Geffen” (1997)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Half punk, half rockabilly, this indignant barn-burner from 1997 takes purpose at mega music mogul David Geffen for single-handedly killing the soul of rock and roll by selling occasions like Woodstock 94, encouraging Pepsi to sponsor Michael Jackson and orchestrating a deal between Budweiser and Rolling Stones. Legend has it that the music was initially set for launch in 1995, solely to be axed by Geffen on the time — a declare shot down by Geffen, through a spokesperson, with a Mariah Carey-style diss: “He doesn’t even know who Mojo Nixon is.”
Most Telling Lyric: “Hell’s gonna freeze over/ Lodge California/ Don’t say I didn’t warn ya/ Even Don Henley’s received to bend over” — D.B.
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Chappell Roan, “California” (2023)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? Chappell Roan’s explosive recognition didn’t happen in a single day; it was a decade within the making – and never one with out adversity. Her expertise was indeniable, however as a teen beginning out within the music enterprise, she wasn’t receiving speedy pop star-level success, which finally led to her first main label, Atlantic Data, dropping her. The consequence? This melodic, heartfelt bop describes her emotions of disillusionment with California and the combat for fame throughout the music {industry}.
Most Telling Lyric: “’Trigger I used to be by no means informed that I wasn’t gonna get/ The issues I need probably the most/ However individuals all the time say, ‘If it hasn’t occurred but/ Then possibly you must go’” — RYLEE JOHNSTON
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Gillian Welch, “All the pieces Is Free” (2001)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? You could possibly forgive anybody throughout the {industry} for freaking out on the flip of the century when the sale of music abruptly grew to become lawless, as filesharing turned the complete biz into the Wild West. Americana singer-songwriter Gillian Welch dealt with it extra delicately than most, utilizing the second {of professional} panic to a heartbreaking (however dignified) consideration of a life the place music merely isn’t her job anymore: “I’ll simply keep at house and sing slightly love music/ My love and myself/ If there’s one thing that you just need to hear/ You possibly can sing it your self”
Most Telling Lyric: “However all the things is free now/ That’s what they are saying/ All the pieces I ever finished/ Gonna give it away” — A.U.
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Depeche Mode, “All the pieces Counts” (1983)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? As Depeche Mode grew in recognition over the course of the ‘80s, they discovered the grabbing fingers grabbing all they will to be getting ever grabbier — ensuing on this venomous dollars-and-cents synth-rock banger about their artistry and life’s work being diminished to numbers within the graph (THE GRAPH!) on the wall.
Most Telling Lyric: “The handshake seals the contract/ From the contract, there’s no turning again” — A.U.
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Alanis Morissette, “Proper By way of You” (1995)
Sort: Origin Story/F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal: A relative deep lower from the map of the feminine emotional panorama that was Alanis Morissette’s 1995 masterpiece Jagged Little Capsule, “Proper By way of You” shreds the misogynistic label bros she encounters amid her rise. Morissette’s disgust over their sexual harassment and dismissive condescension is matched by the sweetness of the revenge she exacts, when she turns into a star they usually “scan the credit for” their “identify, and marvel why it’s not there.”
Most Telling Lyric: “You took me out to wine dine sixty-nine me/ However didn’t hear a rattling phrase I mentioned” — Okay.B.
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The Conflict, “Full Management” (1977)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal?: When CBS launched “Distant Management” as a single from The Conflict’s self-titled U.Okay. debut in opposition to the band’s needs, they responded with this livid, muscular punk screed about labels, managers, cops and the media. And so they made certain it was on the U.S. model of their self-titled album, which got here out two years later after the U.Okay. model.
Most Telling Lyric: “They mentioned we’d be artistically free/ Once we signed that little bit of paper/ They meant, ‘Let’s make a a number of cash/ And fear about it later.’” — J.L.
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Raspberries, “In a single day Sensation (Hit Report)” (1974)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? “In a single day Sensation” is about as starry-eyed a pop report about going for the gold as you’ll ever hear, a veritable dream fantasy sequence on seven inches of wax. However the Raspberries had truly already scored their hit report, yeah two years earlier with the power-pop all-timer “Go All of the Manner:’ pay attention intently to Eric Carmen’s you possibly can already hear slightly concern and bitterness combined in with the wistfulness as he quotes a radio exec: “So carry the group all the way down to the station/ You’re gonna be an in a single day sensation.” He already is aware of it’s probably not that straightforward, nor that straightforward to repeat.
Most Telling Lyric: “I match these phrases to an excellent melody/ Wonderful how success has been ignoring me/ So lengthy” — A.U.
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Sonic Youth, “Kill Yr Idols” (1983)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Meet the Press
What’s the Deal? Noisy, bratty, discordant and sorta unprecedented, Sonic Youth had been hardly media darlings from Day One — partly, maybe, resulting from this exhilarating Yr Zero screed in opposition to bands who actively courted the approval of critics on the whole and “dean of rock critics” Robert Christgau particularly. (Authentic title: “I Killed Christgau With My Huge F–king D–okay”.”)
Most Telling Lyric: “I don’t know why/ You wanna impress Christgau/ Ah let that shit die
And discover out the brand new objective.” — A.U. -
Likelihood the Rapper feat. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne, “No Drawback” (2015)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? In case you adopted Likelihood the Rapper’s monumental rise within the mid-2010s in any capability, it might have been laborious to overlook his proud standing as an impartial artist — one thing he wastes little time touting in what was then his largest hit to this point as a lead artist, additionally enlisting 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne for some additional muscle in opposition to these persistent, pesky main labels.
Most Telling Lyric: “If yet one more label attempt to cease me/It’s gon’ be some dreadhead n—as in your foyer” — J.G.
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George Harrison, “When We Was Fab” (1987)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? Practically 20 years after the Beatles’ breakup, George Harrison flashed again to the group’s heyday with this seemingly wistful hit in regards to the good ol’ days that was truly much less dewey-eyed and extra eye-rolling in regards to the circus of all of it — together with sneering references to the press, the police, and (in fact) the taxman.
Most Telling Lyric: “Very long time in the past after we was fab/ Again when revenue tax was all we had” — A.U.
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Dr. Hook, “The Cowl of ‘Rolling Stone'” (1972)
Sort: Meet the Press / Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? This music humorously captures the rock star life, celebrating all of the excesses and privileges that fame brings and the superficial thrill that musicians usually chase — having their faces grace the quilt of a well-known music journal. The lyrics satirize the rock ‘n’ roll scene of the ‘70s, poking enjoyable on the obsession with public picture, media consideration, and the validation of 1’s success by way of print covers.
Most Telling Lyric: “Wanna see my smilin’ face on the quilt of the Rolling Stone.” — I.R.
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Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Into the Nice Extensive Open” (1991)
Sort: The place’s the Single? / Origin Story
What’s the Deal? Petty’s poetically plainspoken approach with a lyric lends the story right here of Eddie, who strikes to Hollywood after highschool with desires of rock stardom, the sensation of a fable. And like all timeless fable, this one has a lesson — one which’s all of the extra chilly when juxtaposed with the sunny, strummed refrain — that taking part in from “the guts” usually isn’t sufficient to make it within the {industry}; hits rule the day, and for loads of artists, considering in any other case is tantamount to being “and not using a clue.”
Most Telling Lyric: “They each met film stars, partied and mingled/Their A&R man mentioned I don’t hear a single/The long run was large open” — REBECCA MILZOFF
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The Rolling Stones, “The Underneath Assistant West Coast Promotion Man” (1965)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? When the Rolling Stones had been music {industry} pups (sure, there was such a time), England’s Latest Hitmakers discovered themselves drowning in a sea of self-important biz gamers with cheesy fits and unhealthy toupees. They wrote this harmonica blues quantity particularly as a send-up of George Sherlock, a (you guessed it) promo man from the label who chaperoned their tour of the West Coast.
Most Telling Lyric: “I’m sitting right here considering simply how sharp I’m/ I’m a obligatory expertise behind each rock n’ roll band.” — J.L.
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Ye, “No Extra Events in LA”
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Whereas tapping Kendrick Lamar through the top of his “Alright” success, Ye outperforms the guy A-list rapper by condemning the unhinged life-style of the wealthy and well-known (that he additionally very a lot was residing as a rap famous person) over Madlib’s intropective manufacturing.
Most Telling Lyric: “A thirty-eight-year-old eight-year-old with wealthy n—a issues/ Inform my spouse that I hate the Rolls so I don’t by no means drive it/ It took six months to get the Mayback all matted out/ And my assistant crashed it quickly as they backed it out.” — HERAN MAMO
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Margo Worth, “This City Will get Round” (2016)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? When Margo Worth received her massive break signing with Jack White’s Third Man Data, she got here absolutely geared up with a spectacular nation report full of the hard-fought tales of how she created it. “This City Will get Round” is a deceivingly pleasant, floor-stomping romp about how two-faced and sleazy the Nashville music {industry} actually is.
Most Telling Lyric: “Because the saying goes, it’s not who you understand/However it’s who you blow that’ll get you within the present” — T.M.
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The Beatles, “You By no means Give Me Your Cash” (1969)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? Written by Paul McCartney, this patchwork Abbey Street monitor addresses the band’s monetary and logistical struggles following the loss of life of longtime supervisor Brian Epstein. The bassist has additionally mentioned that he had the group’s polarizing alternative supervisor, Allen Klein, in thoughts whereas penning the primary half, through which he plainly criticizes his topic’s empty guarantees.
Most Telling Lyric: “You by no means give me your cash/ You solely give me your humorous paper/ And in the midst of negotiations/ You break down.” — HANNAH DAILEY
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Frequent, “I Used to Love H.E.R.” (1994)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Frequent dupes listeners into considering he’s speaking a couple of former lover, however he’s truly talking on the hip-hop {industry}, and the way a lot the sport has modified by the mid-’90s — with artists straying additional away from the pillars of what the style was constructed on, and caving to the pressures of labels, public notion and mainstream attraction.
Most Telling Lyric: “As soon as The Man received to her, he altered her native/ Informed her if she received a picture and a gimmick/ That she may generate income, and he or she did it like a dummy.” — M.S.
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Kesha, “Nice Line” (2023)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? “Nice Line,” the beautiful lead single from Kesha’s fifth studio album, 2023’s Gag Order, finds the pop star alluding to her authorized battle with Grammy-nominated, Billboard Sizzling 100-topping producer Dr. Luke — and in addition finds her livid, annoyed and “so godd–n sick of combating.” (In 2014, Kesha sued Luke for emotional misery, sex-based hate crimes and employment discrimination. Luke has denied all allegations, and he countersued the identical yr for defamation. He and Kesha launched a joint assertion asserting their settlement in June 2023.)
Most Telling Lyric: “That is the place you f–kers pushed me/ Don’t be shocked if shit will get ugly/ All of the medical doctors and legal professionals lower the tongue outta my mouth/ I’ve been hidin’ my anger, however bitch, have a look at me now” — KYLE DENIS
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John Fogerty, “Vanz Kant Danz”
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? Fogerty’s a number of authorized battles with the proprietor of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s label, Fantasy Data’ Saul Zaentz — which stretched over 5 a long time — impressed this music and resulted in additional litigation. Initially titled “Zanz Can’t Dance” (early copies of the album carry this music title), it was one in all two ferocious diss tracks geared toward Zaentz on Fogerty’s smash 1985 solo album, Centerfield. Zaentz, who died in 2014, sued for defamation, which prompted the title change.
Most Telling Lyric: “Vanz can’t dance, however he’ll steal your cash/ Watch him or he’ll rob you blind” — F.D.
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Willie Nelson, “On the Street Once more” (1980)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? An unusually rose-tinted have a look at touring life, Willie Nelson is all smiles on this road-tripping basic as he hits the freeway along with his guys, “Goin’ locations that I’ve by no means been/ Seein’ issues that I’ll by no means see once more.” And he should’ve actually meant it, contemplating he’s barely slowed down his gigging within the four-plus a long time since.
Most Telling Lyric: “The life I like is makin’ music with my buddies/ And I can’t wait to get on the highway once more” — A.U.
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Warren Zevon, “Even a Canine Can Shake Fingers” (1987)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? Rock’s wryest wit embarked upon a satiric Sherman’s march by way of the L.A. music biz on this Springsteen-esque rocker about how {industry} insiders will take your cash, your time and your happiness. And if there’s something left, the followers will most likely need that.
Most Telling Lyric: “Abandon all hope, and don’t rock the boat/ And we’ll all make a number of hundred grand.” — J.L.
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Residente, “Bzrp Music Periods, Vol. 49” (2022)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? In his session with Argentine DJ Bizarrap, Puerto Rican rapper Residente delivers a scathing reprimand of Latin city music and the complete Latin {industry} for a riveting 8:39. The intentions are clear from the primary bar: “I’m uneasy as I watch over the city style,” Residente begins, ominous, however innocently sufficient, earlier than launching into an unprecedented critique of — amongst different issues — lazy lyrics, social media boasting, Billboard awards, payola, Auto-Tune, songwriting credit and his personal colleagues. On this blistering rant, nobody was spared.
Most Telling Lyric: “At this time I‘ll f–okay the celebrity {industry}, till I break the springs in my mattress.” — L.C.
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RAYE, “Ice Cream Man” (2023)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Taken from her award-winning debut LP, My twenty first Century Blues, “Ice Cream Man” is Raye’s appropriately chilling musical account of her sexual assault by the hands of a unnamed music producer, who was “coming just like the ice cream man/ ‘Til I felt his ice-cold fingers.”
Most Telling Lyric: “However after I received there, ought to’ve heard what he was saying/ Tryna contact me, tryna f–okay me, I’m not taking part in/ I ought to have left that place as quickly as I walked in it/ How goddamn dare you try this to me, actually?” — Okay.D.
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The Byrds, “So You Wish to Be a Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” (1966)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? On The Byrds’ fourth album, Youthful Than Yesterday, Jim McGuinn and Chris Hillman turned a sensible, how-to information primarily based on the band’s near-overnight success into 2:05 of chic psychedelic rock. Be taught to play guitar, get the hair and pants excellent, get an agent and “promote your soul to the [record] firm,” they sing. And when you make the charts, “the ladies’ll tear you aside.”
Most Telling Lyric: “Worth you paid in your riches and fame/ Was all of it an odd recreation? You’re slightly insane.” — G.P.
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Graham Parker and the Hearsay, “Mercury Poisoning” (1979)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s The Deal? Lately, Parker blows a kazoo in live performance. Within the late ‘70s, he blew his high over what he felt was Mercury Data’ inept promotion of his band, which had blown up in the UK however was little greater than critics’ darlings in the US. When the band moved to Arista, Parker recorded this unforgettable parting shot, which his new label put out as a promotional single however by no means formally launched.
Most Telling Lyric: “The corporate is crippling me/ The worst making an attempt to break the perfect, the perfect/ Their promotion’s so lame/ They might by no means ever take it to the actual ball recreation” — F.D.
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Wu-Tang Clan, “Shield Ya Neck” (1992)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? The GZA is the final man up for the Wu’s game-changing lead single, and he’s already sick to loss of life of labels with “brief arms and deep pockets” having no clue what to do with the nine-man Clan, unleashing some fiendish rhymes at their expense: “Initially, who’s your A&R?/ A mountain climber who performs an electrical guitar?/ However he don’t know the meanin’ of dope.”
Most Telling Lyric: “The Wu is simply too slammin’ for these Chilly Killin’ labels/ Some ain’t had hits since I seen Aunt Mabel/ Be doin’ artists in like Cain did Abel/ Now their cash’s gettin’ caught to the gum below the desk” — A.U.
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Prince, “Emancipation” (1996)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? Prince famously lashed out at his longtime main label, Warner Bros., by altering his identify to an unpronounceable image, scrawling “SLAVE” on his cheek and promoting his many new songs through a toll-free quantity or the newfangled Web. “Emancipation,” the title monitor for a three-CD set on his new NPG Data, was the funky mission assertion for this section of the Purple One’s profession: “I hope the enterprise is heading in the direction of emancipation for its contracted performers,” he informed the Miami Herald in 1997. “Then the music will change towards the reality.”
Most Telling Lyric: “My again was damaged and my spirit sick comfy/ And now it appears similar to the autumn leaves” — S.Okay.
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Charli XCX with Lorde, “Woman, So Complicated” (2024)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? It’s uncommon that followers get to look at pop stars squash their beef in actual time, however it’s remarkable to take heed to them do it on a music collectively (learn: they labored it out on the remix). On this up to date model of “Woman,” Charli and Lorde clarify the stress-induced self-sabotage that led every to invest in regards to the different’s emotions, whereas concurrently calling out the industry-generated misogyny that led to the misunderstanding within the first place. In a enterprise that may prioritize competitiveness and pettiness amongst its star gamers, these two turned it round and pointed the finger in the appropriate course.
Most Telling Lyric: “Folks say we’re alike, they are saying we’ve received the identical hair/ It’s you and me on the coin the {industry} likes to spend.” — STEPHEN DAW
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Intercourse Pistols, “EMI” (1977)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal: After EMI received spooked by some rowdy conduct and dropped the Intercourse Pistols solely three months right into a two-year contract, the band responded with this middle-finger salute that made it clear to their former label that punk wasn’t a facade — it was a way of life.
Most Telling Lyric: “And also you thought that we had been faking/ That we had been all simply moneymaking/ You don’t imagine we’re for actual/ Otherwise you would lose your low-cost attraction?” — C.W.
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A Tribe Referred to as Quest, “Examine the Rhime” (1991)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? As they commerce nostalgic traces on this call-and-response anthem, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg lay out a roadmap for rookie rappers: Keep true to your self (“Simply stay your individual otherwise you’ll be loopy unhappy and alone”), shield hip-hop’s underground roots (“Rap isn’t pop, when you name it that then cease”), and, effectively, we’ll simply let Tip share the last word “{industry} rule”…
Most Telling Lyric: “Trade rule quantity four-thousand-and-eighty: Report firm individuals are shady/ So children, watch your again ’trigger I believe they smoke crack/ I don’t doubt it, have a look at how they act.” – Okay.A.
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George Strait with Alan Jackson, “Homicide on Music Row” (2000)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal: “Homicide on Music Row” decries the pop sounds proliferating nation radio (and the corresponding shoving apart of extra conventional nation artists and instrumentation) because of the Nashville music {industry}’s profit-maximizing urges, evaluating the shift to a prison getting away with homicide. Jackson and Strait carried out the music through the 1999 CMA Awards, and the music resonated with followers, finally reaching No. 38 on Billboard’s Sizzling Nation Songs and Tracks chart in 2000.
Most Telling Lyric: “The almighty greenback and the lust for worldwide fame/ Slowly killed custom and for that, somebody ought to cling” — JESSICA NICHOLSON
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David Bowie, “Fame” (1975)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? An iconic critique of the tantalizing but misleading nature of fame, “Fame” unfurls the paradoxes and pressures of movie star standing, delivered with Bowie’s attribute wit and biting perception. Its edgy funk groove drives house the concept whereas fame could elevate you, it additionally enslaves you — making it a double-edged sword that shapes conduct and private relationships — all of the whereas the parents who’re presupposed to be working for you yell “nein, it’s mine!” relating to your cash.
Most Telling Lyric: “Fame (fame) what you want is within the limo/ Fame (fame) what you get isn’t any tomorrow/ Fame (fame) what you want you must borrow.” — I.R.
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Reel Huge Fish, “Promote Out” (1997)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? Let’s face it: Outdoors of a No Doubt right here and a Elegant there, ska by no means actually served up massive hits or greater bands. However the Fish caught one with “Promote Out” — possibly probably the most gleefully ironic hit of the period, given its lyrics about doing what the report firm needs simply to reap the fleeting rewards of getting out of that quick meals job, soul or happiness be damned.
Most Telling Lyric: “Promote out with me, oh yeah/ Promote out with me tonight/ The report firm’s gonna give me a number of cash/ And all the things’s gonna be alright” — DAN RYS
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Eminem, “The Manner I Am” (2000)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? As Eminem’s following ballooned into the stratosphere on the flip of the century, he made certain to let everybody know that he wouldn’t be sending any thank-you notes: On this Marshall Mathers LP single, he takes purpose at everybody from bystanders bothering him on a day-to-day foundation to folks blaming him for his lyrical content material to label executives to distinguished names on the radio circuit.
Most Telling Lyric: “I’m so sick and uninterested in being admired/That I want that I’d simply die or get fired” — J.G.
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Billy Joel, “The Entertainer” (1974)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s The Deal? In 1975, this spunky pop music grew to become Joel’s second high 40 hit on the Sizzling 100. The music captures the anxieties of a performer whose place within the pop hierarchy was not but safe. He was a reputation, however not but a star, and he knew that if his report didn’t promote, he might be “put within the again within the low cost rack like one other can of beans.”
Most Telling Lyric: “And I gained’t be right here in one other yr/If I don’t keep on the charts.” – P.G.
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Queen, “Radio Ga Ga” (1984)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? With MTV changing into the cultural speaking level (and sometimes punching bag) of the early ’80s, Queen determined to pay tribute to their beloved radio on this 1984 heater. Reminiscing in regards to the format’s golden years and its significance in defining tradition all through the twentieth century, Mercury’s voice shifts as he laments the standing of the “goo goo” and “blah blah” he can’t keep away from on the airwaves. Contemplating the music would go on to encourage the identify of one of many subsequent century’s defining pop stars, it’s protected to say that Queen’s “Ga Ga” level was well-taken.
Most Telling Lyric: “We hardly want to make use of our ears/ How music modifications by way of the years” — S.D.
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LCD Soundsystem, “You Needed a Hit” (2010)
Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? LCD’s entire schtick was hyper-self-awareness and doing issues for love over fame, so when the celebrity got here after 2007’s Sound of Silver they had been well-prepared to (lyrically, no less than) spit in its face — and this one off 2010’s This Is Occurring, thumbing their noses at a report firm determined for one thing to carry to radio, is true-to-form, proper all the way down to its un-radio-friendly nine-minute run time.
Most Telling Lyric: “Yeah you needed a success/ However inform me, the place’s the purpose in it?/ You needed a success/ However that’s not what we do” — D.R.
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Coronary heart, “Barracuda” (1977)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? The Wilson sisters took purpose at their first label – and the sleaziest components of the music {industry} as an entire – by evaluating grasping execs to the slippery, predatory title fish on this driving rocker. The music’s greatest trick is Roger Fisher’s propulsive riff, which manages to create the sensation of a bloodthirsty attacker mendacity in await its probability to strike.
Most Telling Lyric: “You mendacity so low within the weeds I wager you gonna ambush me/ You’d have me down, down, down, down on my knees/ Now wouldn’t you, Barracuda?” – Okay.A.
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Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Workin’ for MCA” (1974)
Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second album, Second Serving to, holds this story of the group’s seven-year journey “from the Florida border as much as Nashville, Tennessee” and contract with MCA and producer Al Kooper, a “Yankee slicker with a giant ol’ Southern grin” who made guarantees of “a number of cash” — though the band solely received $9,000 for its preliminary deal. Not a radio hit, however it’s biting riff-filled Southern rock at its most interesting.
Most Telling Lyric: “However I’ll signal my contract child, and I would like you individuals to know/ That each penny that I make, I gotta see the place my cash goes” — G.P.
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HAIM, “Man From the Journal” (2021)
Sort: Meet the Press
What’s the Deal? Since they had been children, the Haim sisters have been taking part in a number of devices, performing stay and writing their very own materials. So, if a music journalist or man on the music store doesn’t have time to deal with them just like the proficient musicians that they’re, they’re determining which door will get them out quickest. Over expertly performed acoustic guitar, HAIM lays out on “Man From the Journal” that so far as interviews go, they’re finished with being hit on, underestimated and (most significantly) being informed that’s simply the way in which issues go.
Most Telling Lyric? “Man from the journal, what did you say?/ Do you make the identical faces in mattress?/ Hey, man, what sort of query is that?” — T.M.
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Joni Mitchell, “Free Man in Paris” (1974)
Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? Mitchell captures the everlasting {industry} of conundrum of merely not with the ability to please all people on a regular basis on this 1974 gem about her good friend David Geffen, who felt the reduction in escaping the “star maker equipment” throughout a visit to Paris within the pre-internet period, when it was nonetheless doable to truly get away.
Most Telling Lyric: “Currently I ponder what I do it for/ If l had my approach/ I’d simply stroll out these doorways” — Okay.B.
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P!nk, “Do not Let Me Get Me” (2001)
Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? On her second album M!ssundaztood, P!nk took artistic management, steering her music, lyrics and picture in a course that embraced her messy fearlessness and contradictions. Whereas the primary goal of this self-loathing empowerment anthem (if there’s such a factor) is P!nk herself, the {industry} catches a number of strays, with L.A. Reid (then president/CEO at Arista) getting his personal questionable shoutout.
Most Telling Lyric: “L.A. informed me, ‘You’ll be a pop star/ All you must change is all the things you’re’.” — J.L.
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Drake, “No Mates within the Trade” (2021)
Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? A Licensed Lover Boy sleeper, Drake particulars how the traces grew to become blurred between his actual buddies and a few rap friends who he feels have crossed him — and the 6 God gained’t enable that to occur once more, as Drizzy reassesses his relationships within the {industry}.
Most Telling Lyric: ”No buddies within the {industry}/ I had to attract the road between my brothers and my enemies, a reality/ N—-s love to start out the meat, don’t wanna hold it rap” — M.S.
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Dire Straits, “Cash for Nothing” (1985)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s The Deal? This Sizzling 100-topping smash completely captured the state of the music enterprise in 1985, when getting your video on MTV was the be-all and end-all. The music is written within the voice of a few working stiffs wanting with envy on the pretty-boy rock stars on MTV (and who amongst them was prettier than the music’s co-writer and featured vocalist, Sting?).
Most Telling Lyric: “That ain’t workin’/That’s the way in which ya do it/Cash for nothing/And your chicks totally free.” – P.G.
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Kacey Musgraves, “Good Ol’ Boys Membership” (2015)
Sort: F**okay This Trade / State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? A feminine nation star who has achieved superstardom largely by skirting Nashville norms, Kacey Musgraves takes on the “boys’ membership” mentality of the male-dominated nation music {industry} — the place it’s all “cigars and handshakes,” “favors for buddies” and “who you understand… not how good you’re” — on this rueful Pageant Materials spotlight.
Most Telling Lyric: “One other gear in a giant machine don’t sound like enjoyable to me/ I don’t wanna be a part of the nice ol’ boys membership.” — Okay.D.
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Pavement, “Minimize Your Hair” (1994)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? The post-grunge alt-rock gold rush of the mid ’90s actually was a sight to see — significantly for a bunch of formidable slackers like Pavement, who supply ambivalent reportage in regards to the current crush of crossovers all through their basic almost-hit “Minimize Your Hair”: “Music scene is loopy/ Bands begin up every day/ I noticed one other one simply the opposite day/ A particular new band.” They might have been laughing on the new insiders, however they had been additionally making an attempt to sneak a foot within the door themselves.
Most Telling Lyric: “Songs imply loads/ When songs are purchased/ And so are you” — A.U.
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AC/DC, “It is a Lengthy Solution to the High (If You Wish to Rock ‘N’ Roll)” (1975)
Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Set to one in all Malcolm Younger’s most immortal steel-beam rhythm-guitar riffs, with a delightfully surprising bagpipes detour, “It’s a Lengthy Solution to the High” vividly chronicles a violent, treacherous path up the music-business ladder. Out of respect to singer and co-writer Bon Scott, the band hasn’t carried out the music since his loss of life in 1980.
Most Telling Lyric: “Gettin’ had/ Gettin’ took/ I inform you, of us, it’s more durable than it seems to be” — S.Okay.
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Elvis Costello, “Radio Radio” (1978)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Impressed by the BBC’s ban of the Intercourse Pistols’ “God Save the Queen,” a disillusioned Elvis Costello penned this searing polemic in opposition to the fools answerable for radio, “tryin’ to anesthetize the way in which that you just really feel.” The music’s refrain, which sarcastically proclaims the format the “sound salvation,” was catchy sufficient that it truly received good airplay within the U.Okay. at first, although “after they listened to the lyrics of the verse as a substitute of simply the refrain, radio play stopped in a single day,” Costello recalled in 1982.
Most Telling Lyric: “So that you’d higher do as you had been informed/ You higher take heed to the radio” — A.U.
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Britney Spears, “Piece of Me” (2007)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Meet the Press
What’s the Deal? Whereas within the chaos of her turbulent 2007, Britney Spears churned out probably the most defiant report of her profession, “Piece of Me,” the second single off her cult basic Blackout. For the monitor, the pop titan reunited with “Poisonous” producers Bloodshy & Avant for a clapback geared toward paparazzo, tabloids and an {industry} that has discounted her contributions for years. The consequence? A biz-threatening manifesto with the Auto-Tune amped up, sly backing vocals from Robyn and a story that also rings true virtually 20 years since its launch.
Most Telling Lyric: “I’m Miss Dangerous Media Karma/ One other day, one other drama/ Guess I can’t see the hurt in workin’ and bein’ a mama/ And with a child on my arm, I’m nonetheless an distinctive earner/ You desire a piece of me?” — JAMES DINH
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Jackson Browne, “The Load Out” (1977)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal? What occurs to the rock star when the present’s over? As a rule, they simply pack it up and hold it transferring — as Jackson Browne outlines in surprisingly devastating element on piano ballad “The Load-Out,” making a once-full empty live performance corridor sound just like the loneliest place on earth, and the highway that follows a type of existential purgatory. The alienation described appears so profound that when, on the Operating on Empty album (and sometimes on basic rock radio), the music makes a more-upbeat segue into a canopy of Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs’ “Keep” — with Browne basically begging his crowd to “keep just a bit bit longer,” and the followers audibly responding — the reduction is palpable.
Most Telling Lyric: “We received time to think about those we love/ Whereas the miles roll away/ The one time that appears too brief/ Is the time that we get to play” — A.U.
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The Chicks, “Not Able to Make Good” (2007)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? After The Chicks (f.okay.a. Dixie Chicks) had been blackballed from the nation music scene for criticizing then-president George W. Bush in 2003, different artists within the style had been warned to not converse out for concern of getting “Dixie Chicked.” So, it appears truthful that the Texas trio would return to radio (however not nation) with a scathing pop ballad about how they aren’t fairly able to forgive the {industry} for the way they had been handled.
Most Telling Lyric: “I made my mattress and I sleep like a child” — T.M.
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GZA, “Labels”
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Signal Your Title
What’s the Deal? After a destructive expertise at Chilly Chillin’ Data — beforehand alluded to on the Wu’s “Shield Ya Neck” — a now-solo-operating GZA issued an everlasting warning to the complete hip-hop neighborhood in regards to the predatory tendencies of report labels, sending pictures at basically each main label and imprint within the course of.
Most Telling Lyric: “Tommy ain’t my motherf–kin’ boy!/ If you pretend strikes on a n—a you utilize/ We’ll all EMIRG off your set, now you understand godd–n/ I present Livin’ Giant n—as flip a Def Jam” — Okay.D.
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George Michael, “Freedom ’90” (1990)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Origin Story
What’s the Deal? George Michael navigated the music enterprise brilliantly sufficient to shoot proper to the highest upon his mid-’80s emergence, however realized he’d finished so at nice private price to his sense of self. He dramatically emancipated himself from his pop idol (and {industry} money cow) previous with the all-timer “Freedom ’90” single and video, retelling his story from the Wham! days to current earlier than declaring “At this time the way in which I play the sport isn’t the identical, no approach/ Suppose I’m gonna get me some joyful.”
Most Telling Lyric: “All now we have to do now/ Is take these lies and make them true by some means/ All now we have to see/ Is that I don’t belong to you and also you don’t belong to me” — A.U.
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Pink Floyd, “Have a Cigar” (1975)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Signal Your Title / F**okay This Trade
What’s the Deal? After releasing probably the most profitable albums in music historical past with Darkish Facet of the Moon, Pink Floyd discovered that everybody needed a bit — and had been very happy to go overboard on the flattery so long as they’d sufficient time to look at the cash pile up. It’s probably the most searing indictments of the greed that permeated the Nineteen Seventies report enterprise — and the cynicism and hero worship that always got here together with it.
Most Telling Lyric: “And did we inform you the secret, boy? / We name it using the gravy prepare” — D.R.
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Sara Bareilles, “Love Tune” (2007)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: The place’s the Single?
What’s the Deal? Sarcastically, the most important single of Bareilles’ profession was this No. 4 Sizzling 100 smash, a flippant pop-rock piano stomper from her Little Voice album geared toward her report label, impressed by them continuously sending her again to the drafting board with the set till she got here again with a success. Her response, repeated unforgettably all through the chorus: “I’m not gonna write you a love music.”
Most Telling Lyric: “Satisfied me to please you/ Made me assume that I want this too/ I’m making an attempt to allow you to hear me as I’m.” — H.D.
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Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, “Flip the Web page” (1976)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: Behind the Scenes
What’s the Deal: From 16-hour bus rides to snide feedback from locals about lengthy hair, Seger revealed the not-so-glamorous facet of touring on this grueling ode to life on the highway — punctuated by a wailing guitar riff, and popularized by (appropriately sufficient) a moody stay model, from the best-selling 1976 album Stay Bullet.
Most Telling Lyric: “Most instances you possibly can’t hear ’em speak, different instances you possibly can/ All the identical outdated clichés, ‘Is {that a} girl or a person?’/ And also you all the time appear outnumbered, you don’t dare make a stand” — C.W.
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The Buggles, “Video Killed the Radio Star” (1979)
Picture Credit score: Courtesy Photograph Sort: State of the Biz
What’s the Deal? Don’t let the catchy, new wave hooks idiot you — The Buggles crafted a timeless portrayal of a profitable artist going through the upheaval created by a brand new expertise. The band’s lone hit was extremely prescient: What was occurring in 1979 has occurred many times — file-sharing, streaming, TikTok and synthetic intelligence — and continues to each stymie older artists and open doorways for younger ones. MTV cemented the music’s all-time standing when the fledgling cable music channel made “Video Killed the Radio Star” the primary video it performed upon launching in 1981.
Most Telling Lyric: “They took the credit score in your second symphony/ Rewritten by machine on new expertise.” — G.P.
