The summer has blasted us with hits, and if you don’t like “Moves Like Jagger,” then it’s not July’s problem. But for every hot track that has dominated the season, another has been cruelly overlooked.
Here are five lost summer hits that deserve your attention before your pull your sweaters out of storage. There’s some dance action, a ballad, and something that hovers in between.
Listen up ya’ll it’s Music
And so it ends. I cannot thank you enough for making this tournament so great, with special thanks to Nick and Joe.
Please enjoy this victory lap by our tournament champion, Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.”
Listen up ya’ll it’s Music · Pop Songs Tournament
Welcome to the CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament.
This game is CLOSED. CYNDI LAUPER WON!
To see the final bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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I decided to close the Final Four games a bit early, since it was obvious who was going to win and I was eager to get the final match started. Though I never would have predicted them when we started this tournament, I am delighted by our final two challengers: They are both undeniable classics that have been routinely covered, perpetually played, and consistently beloved. Those are the qualities the Ultimate Pop Song should possess.
And so… the time has come to cast your final vote. Will you choose Journey or Cyndi? Cyndi or Journey?
“Time After Time” (Cyndi Lauper)
“Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey)
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
Welcome to the Final Four of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament.
These games are CLOSED.
To see the updated bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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We’ve come so far! There were four decades represented at the beginning of this tournament, but now there is only one. Every division was conquered classic 80s hit, and even though I would’ve chosen Beyonce over Michael Jackson, I can’t complain with the results. All of these songs are great.
But which are the two greatest? Will “Time After Time” finally meet its match against “Like a Prayer,” or will the Cyndi Steamroller continue its path of destruction? Can Michael Jackson make us stop believin’ in Journey, or will we prove that we’re all just small town girls (and boys)? Your votes will decide!
Remember: Vote in both polls. If one poll has significantly more votes than the other, then the songs in that poll could be disqualified.
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece in the New York Times magazine about The Overtones, a U.K. vocal group that fuses doo-wop sounds with pop-R&B flair. Since writing that piece, I’ve gotten even more interested in their music. Their original songs (like “Gambling Man”) have a sexy swagger, and their arrangements of oldies like “Sh-Boom” sound fresh. They’re obviously rooted in pre-rock traditions, yet they make me want to pay attention, not just grab my grandma’s shawl and settle down with a nice bowl of Werther’s Original candies. (At 2:15, for instance, their version of “Have I Told You Lately” becomes a country-rock throwdown. Weird! Exciting! Listenable!)
So anyway: The Overtones liked my NY Times piece, and when they came to New York City last month as part of a “getting to know you” gauntlet with record executives and TV people, they joined me for a breakfast interview. At one point, they serenaded me with an a cappella rendition of Cee-Lo’s “Fuck You,” and since I always enjoy it when attractive men sing to me, I was pleased.
More importantly, though, we discussed their work. What does it take to make retro music feel current? How does a musical theatre background assist in the development of a pop career? Who chose the bowties? That sort of thing.
After the jump, you’ll find highlights of my conversation with Timmy Matley, Mike Crawshaw, Mark Franks, Lachie Chapman, and Darren Everest. I’ll embed more of their videos as well, so you can get a better sense of what they’re about.
Listen up ya’ll it’s Music
Welcome to the ELITE EIGHT of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament, Rock Warrior & Groove Thang Divisions.
These games are CLOSED. (ALL OPEN GAMES)
To see the updated bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
—
It’s time to decide who wins each division. Can you believe it? There used to be sixteen songs in each little corner, and now there are just two.Lord, how these children do grow.
In the Sweet Sixteen games, Nirvana scored an upset over Guns ‘N Roses, who were seeded first in their division. Can Cobain and Company overtake Journey, who were seeded second? And for that matter, can Michael Jackson topple first-seeded Beyonce? Vote and decide!
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
Welcome to the ELITE EIGHT of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament, Joy Bomb & Deep Feelings Divisions.
These games are CLOSED. (ALL OPEN GAMES)
To see the updated bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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It’s time to decide who wins each division. Can you believe it? There used to be sixteen songs in each little corner, and now there are just two.Lord, how these children do grow.
So who’s it gonna be? Madonna or Kelly Clarkson? Cyndi Lauper or Sinead O’Connor? The choices might seem impossible, but somewhere in your heart, you’ll find the answer.
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
Welcome to the SWEET SIXTEEN of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament, Games 7 and 8.
These games are CLOSED. (ALL OPEN GAMES)
To see the updated bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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Round 2 eliminated all the rap songs from the tournament, and we’ll surely have to explain that to St. Peter. However, there are 8 amazing jams remaining in the Groove Thang division: Michael Jackson is battling Prince, and in case that’s not epic enough, Beyonce is battling herself.
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
Welcome to the SWEET SIXTEEN of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament, Games 5 and 6.
These games are CLOSED. (ALL OPEN GAMES)
To see the updated bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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This is where the boys come to play. Though women dominate Joy Bomb and Deep Feelings, Rock Warrior has become an all-male division… and an almost all-80s division at that. Will lone 90s holdout Nirvana be able to overcome Guns ‘N Roses? And will the perpetually relevant “Don’t Stop Believin’” overtake the 80s standard-bearer “Livin’ On a Prayer?” Your votes will decide!
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
Welcome to the SWEET SIXTEEN of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament, Games 3 and 4.
These games are CLOSED. (ALL OPEN GAMES)
To see the updated bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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Personally, I don’t know how to choose among the following songs. It’s a devil’s deal all around. Who should roll forward, Tracy Chapman or Cyndi Lauper? Simple Minds or Sinead O’Connor? Let’s steel our hearts and vote.
Listen up ya’ll it’s Closed Games · Music · Pop Songs Tournament
