If You Can't Tell Us Who Sang These Pop Hits, You Don't Know Music
- by Elizabeth Atkinson
- – on
- in Entertainment
Pop music is an abbreviated and adapted term for popular music. The two used to be interchangeable as pop music was considered what is popular. Now, other genres can be considered popular music and pop music has created its own genre and styles. Pop music is constantly evolving, and the latest trend includes more dance hall and Latin influences. Along with consistent radio play, pop music takes up numerous television channels as well. Television shows such as "The Voice", "American Idol", "The Four", and many more provide a platform for new and upcoming artists to appeal to artists and producers. Some of these judges include Adam Levine, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, and many more artists that are at least part of a sub genre of pop music. When you go through the quiz, you may note that a number of these artists got their start by covering pop songs on YouTube. The variety of platforms that propel pop artists are very much at the forefront of today's music.
Pop music, though often not taken as seriously as other genres of music, is influential and accounts for a lot of airplay on the radio. It is almost impossible to avoid some of the artists on this list. Whether or not you're a fan, there is a good chance you know who they are.
Who sang "What About Us"?
This artist released her first solo album in the year 2000 and has steadily been releasing music ever since. Her second album, which came out in 2001, featured some of her most iconic hits such as "Get the Party Started" and "Just Like a Pill". Her album titled "Greatest Hits.....So Far" features these hits as well as "Raise Your Glass" and "So What". As well as being known for her vocal ability, acrobatic performances set her apart from other artists.
Who sang "Malibu"?
This artist had her start on the Disney channel show Hannah Montana. But fame was always in the cards for this artist with her famous Dad to show her the ropes. But don’t let the Disney roots and famous daddy’s fool you, this artist has certainly made a name for herself. With smash hits like “Party in the USA”, “Can’t Be Tamed”, and “Fly on the Wall”. But the artist also has a repertoire of ballads such as “When I Look at You” and “The Climb”.
Who sang "Genie in a Bottle"?
This artist has appeared on many reality television shows. Starting early on with shows such as Star Search and The Mickey Mouse Club, her experience makes her a perfect candidate to be a coach on the latest hit singing show, The Voice. Much like other longstanding artists, her style has changed fairly drastically over the years. One of her more controversial hits includes the 2002 pop hit "Dirrty". She also has a solid acting career, starring in the film "Burlesque".
Who sang "God's Plan"?
This Canadian King of the 6 is a successful singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, entrepreneur, and I am sure the list could go on and on. He made his start on Degrassi: The Next Generation in the early 2000's. By 2010, he released his debut studio album "Thank Me Later", which debuted at number one on the US Billboard chart. Most of his albums have gone on to break records and win awards as his critical and commercial success have only grown over time.
Who sang "Shut Up and Drive"?
This artist is recognized as a pop icon, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She is also Spotify's most streamed female artist of all time. With accolades such as these it is no surprise that she has such a long list of notable singles. Her once good girl image took a more edgy approach with her third album becoming more of a sex icon. Her darker themed hits include "S&M", "Disturbia", "Love the Way You Lie" and many more.
Who sang "Rolling in the Deep"?
This artist is an English singer and songwriter. Her second album, "21", earned 6 Grammy Awards, and has been certified 16 times platinum in the UK. This artist took a brief break from music and when her album "25" dropped, it was her second album to be certified diamond. This album earned her 5 Grammy Awards. With all of these critical awards, it is no surprise that her commercial success is also influential. Hits such as "Hello" and "Someone Like You" have this artist leaving her fans in tears.
Who sang "What Lovers Do"?
This group's debut album "Songs About Jane" was released in 2002 and produced some of their most well known hits such as "She Will Be Loved", "This Love", and "Harder to Breathe". Since then, the group has steadily produced hit music. Their 4th album, released in 2012, featured pop hits "Payphone" and "One More Night". The hit song "What Lovers Do" comes from their 6th and latest album, "Red Pill Blues" which was released in 2017 and has been gaining popularity.
Who sang "Confident"?
This is yet another artist with a load of television experience. Starring in "Camp Rock", having her own Disney channel show "Sonny with a Chance", and having a recurring role on "Glee" are some of her most noteworthy acting roles. Her music is another successful element in her career. She has 7 singles that have featured in the top 20 on the Billboard top 100 in the US. These hits include: "Give Your Heart a Break", "Cool for the Summer", and "Sorry Not Sorry".
Who sang "Perfect"?
This English artist seems to have a fondness for math equations with his debut album being "+", with albums "x" and "÷ " to follow. This artist has become well known for his slow ballads. His first single "The A Team" won him the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. From then on, meaningful lyrics have become a staple for one of his songs. This artist proved to more than just a slow jam artist with the release of "Shape of You".
Who sang "Before He Cheats"?
This artist has become incredibly well known for her crossover music potential between country and pop music. Her debut album "Some Hearts", released in 2005, became the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. This album featured "Before He Cheats" and "Jesus Take the Wheel". This artist released 5 albums between 2005 and 2015, and she has become the only country artist to have all first five studio albums reach either numbers one or two on the Billboard 200.
Who sang "Wake Up"?
This artist has a substantial acting career and is most well known for her starring role on the Disney channel television show "Lizzie McGuire". She has also starred in many feature films such as "Cheaper by the Dozen" in 2003 and "A Cinderella Story" in 2004. This artist found much commercial success for her music while signed under Hollywood Records and releasing 3 studio albums. These albums include "Metamorphosis" which featured "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean", and the album "Most Wanted" which featured the hits "Wake Up" and "Beat of My Heart".
Who sang "New Rules"?
This artist actually got her start making YouTube videos covering other artist's songs. This allowed her to gain a fan base. She is an English singer, songwriter, and model that has done very well on the UK charts and has recently broken onto the US Billboard charts with her single "New Rules". The song has a strong dance element with EDM and electropop influence. This dance element is complemented by meaningful lyrics with advice on how to get over an ex.
Who sang "Me Too"?
This artist broke onto the music scene in a big way with pop anthem "All About That Bass." Since then, this artist has released a steady flow of pop hits. Her debut album was released in 2015, debuting at number 1 on the US Billboard 200, and included the aforementioned single as well as "Lips are Moving" and the more emotional duet with John Legend "Like I'm Gonna Lose You". Now, you can see her on TV as a judge on new TV singing show "The Four".
Who sang "Hips Don't Lie"?
This artist is one of the leading artists in crossover music between pop and Latin styles. "Hips Don't Lie" showcased the artists appeal as it managed to reach number 1 on charts across 15 countries. She is a triple threat performer as a singer, songwriter, and dancer. She is also known for being the artist behind the anthem for the 2010 World Cup "Waka Waka (Time for Africa)" which became the biggest selling World Cup song of all time with over 10 million downloads.
Who sang "That's What I Like"?
This artist got his start testing the waters by featuring on other artist's tracks and just singing the hooks. The two songs he sang on before releasing his own single were "Nothing on You" by B.O.B, and "Billionaire" by Travis McCoy. Following the success of these songs, this artist released a string of his own successful singles including "Just the Way You Are", "Grenade", and "The Lazy Song". Since then, his style has changed quite drastically. Songs like "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic" introduced a new take on an older style that really created its own lane in today's music industry.
Who sang "Single Ladies"?
This artist got her start performing in a girl group. The group became very successful, ultimately becoming one of the best selling girl groups in history. Recently, the group reunited for a performance at Coachella. This artist struck out on their own as a solo artist and has found tremendous success. This artist has won an inconceivable amount of Grammy Awards at 22. She is also the most nominated woman in the awards history. If you do not remember this artist, the bee hive judges you.
Who sang "Praying"?
This artist has been no stranger to controversy following the past few years of being in the media fighting for her right to make music. She began as a song writer and managed to become a successful solo artist. Her first few albums were heavily influenced by dance beats and catchy tunes. Songs like "Tik Tok" and "We Are Who We Are" have become pop music anthems. However, after the struggles she has faced she came back with songs that showcase her personal growth, like her latest single "Praying".
Who sang "Swish Swish"?
This artist took time to break out into fame, her first album released under her birth name did not do well. However, now that seems like a distant memory to the pop star. Her single "I Kissed a Girl" drew a lot of attention as controversy grew between the songs message and the artists church and gospel music background. Her fifth and latest album, "Witness" is her most collaborative album with features from artists such as Migos and Nicki Minaj.
Who sang "Side to Side"?
Unknown to most, this artist got her start by performing on Broadway. From there, she went on to perform on a hit Nickelodeon show, "Victorious", from which she got a spin off titled "Sam and Cat". This artist is frequently praised for her incredible vocal range. Since performing on shows that emphasize her youth, this artist has worked on being taken seriously as a performing artist and as a woman. Songs such as "Dangerous Woman" and "Side to Side" have worked on perfecting her high pony and her persona.
Who sang "Too Good at Goodbyes"
This artist has frequently been referred to as the "male Adele". Which, if you know Adele, is a huge compliment. His debut album, In The Lonely Hour, released in 2014, had 5 incredible singles. This album was nominated for 6 Grammy Awards and won 4 of them. The album in its entirety won Best Pop Vocal Album. One of the singles, "Stay With Me", won Song of the Year. His second album came out in 2017 and featured the hit song "Too Good at Goodbyes".
Who sang "Look What You Made Me Do"?
This artist started out as a country music singer. This artist has proven to be one of the most successful crossover artists. Her first album won the Grammy for Album of the Year, making her the youngest artist ever to have won the award. Then in 2014, she released a pop album, "1989", released a string of singles such as "Shake it Off", "Blank Space", and "Bad Blood". This album also won the Grammy for Album of the Year, making her the only woman, and only fifth act ever, to win the award twice.
Who sang "Toxic"?
This artist is known for being the "Princess of Pop". Sadly, she is also known for her epic meltdown during 2007. As time goes on, she has become an inspiration for sharing her struggles and her story with her fans. Despite not releasing music as frequently as she used to, she remains the fourth best-selling female album artist of the Nielsen SoundScan era. Songs such as "Oops!... I Did it Again", "...Baby One More Time", and "Womanizer" are iconic hits that keep this pop star relevant.
Who sang "Bad Liar"?
This artist rose to fame after appearing on a Disney Channel television program "Wizards of Waverly Place" starring as the sarcastic and clever Alex Russo. She has a longstanding career in acting but has grown into a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her album "Revival" which was released in 2015 marked a shift into more complex and lyrically mature pop music. Some of the pop hits from that album are "Good for You", "Same Old Love", and "Hands to Myself".
Who sang "Anaconda"?
This artist used to be recognized for her outlandish costumes and wigs. She is an influential female rapper known for her ability to perform extremely quick paced verses. This artists sexuality and performance ability attribute to her being one of the most sought after artists for features on other artists tracks. As a lead artist, she has earned 5 top 10 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 list between the years 2011 to 2017. Some of these hits include "Super Bass", "Starships", and "Motorsport".
Who sang "What Do You Mean"?
This Canadian artist has certainly had their share of ups and downs since their early rise to fame. His Youtube videos got him noticed, and it did not take long for this talent singer to find himself in the hearts of many young fans. With all of the fans, came a lot of critics. His young and playful pop songs like "Baby" and "One Time" were popular enough to propel him to be able to have more creative control in the future while already having a strong fan base. His later songs like "Sorry" and "Love Yourself" have shown that he does have more talent than some critics gave him credit for.