"In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins
A soft pulse, a bit of synth drift, a vocal that barely rises above a murmur. It feels simple, but that is all a trap. The third act hits like train.
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"Hot Knife" by Fiona Apple
"Hot Knife" is a slow-burn build of staccato piano, thunderous timpani, and layered vocals that sounds like nothing else in pop.
"Psychedelic Switch" by Carly Rae Jepsen
Audio ice cream with another scoop of ice cream on top. This modern disco track is a killer showcase for vocal expressiveness.
"When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin
There's nothing like those first four bars of "When the Levee Breaks." It's the foundation of a grimy driving bluesy groove as unstoppable as the tide.
"Lisztomania" by Phoenix
Lisztomania starts with a click and a piano chord, then the whole thing lifts. It's crisp and airy. Nothing is buried. This pop confection rewards a system that can separate midrange detail.