If You Fail This Super Easy Pop Music Quiz, You're Seriously Deaf

I don't know about you, but the music industry these days is making me cringe. It lacks originality, freshness, and (most of all) humanness. And if you don't believe me, then next time you listen to your radio station, try to listen with a critical ear. Ignore for a second that bass drop, those overly done synthesizers, and auto-tuned voices, and you may notice just how bad the lyrics are. Start there, then listen to each instrument in the song. My guess is that you'll notice just how similar each pop song is to one another and how often lyrics are repeated. They seem to all be following the same formula. And it's that formula that's driving originality into the ground and is comprising anything that could be viewed as interesting anymore. Who do we blame? Probably us (when's the last time you paid for an album?) and those music industry giants who own and control practically everything we listen to. I'm talking about Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.

So, what will shake us out of our bland, soul-crushing future with music? Newness. We need musical pioneers who aren't afraid to take a risk. And if I have to allude to Eminem, then I will: we need people who lose themselves in their music - people who are guided by their inspiration and talents rather than lowering themselves to what they think consumers want just so they can get rich quick. End rant.

So, do you think you're a pop-music diva? Do you know about the latest smash hit sooner than any of your friends and family? Then take this quiz to figure out just how much you know.

Question 1

Name this artist!

This album marks the end of her country-music career and the beginning of her pop-music career. This was released two years ago, and it was named one of the Rolling Stone Magazine's best albums of 2014. It has drum programming, synthesizers, and processed backing vocals and (ironically) is considered one of her best albums yet. Also, in case you haven't guessed it, 1989 is the year this artist was born. That's interesting... in a way. In fact, a Rolling Stone writer called this album "deeply weird, feverishly emotional, wildly enthusiastic."

Question 2

Name this album!

Okay, so you must know this album. It's the best-selling album of the 21st century (so far). Like her last album, Adele is channeling her depression and heartbreak from her most recent breakup into this album. One might conclude that this album (and her previous one) won't be full of cliches and overly saturated motifs, but come on... Heartbreak is the most popular thing to inspire art. I don't understand why the music industry consistently keeps us locked away as a lovesick, self-obsessed generation. There's way more to us than that!

Question 3

Name this song!

This song comes from Katy Perry's latest album called Witness: "Are we crazy? Livin' our lives through a lens Trapped in our white picket fence Like ornaments So comfortable, we're livin' in a bubble, bubble So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble Aren't you lonely Up there in utopia Where nothing will ever be enough? Happily numb So comfortable, we're livin' in a bubble, bubble So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble Ah, so good Your rose-colored glasses on And party on (woo)"

Question 4

Can you name this song?

This is a song I request a lot at bars or clubs whenever the DJ is nice and takes suggestions. It's by Mark Ronson, and it features Bruno Mars. This song draws most of its inspiration from the Minneapolis sound of 1980s-era funk music, and it sounds reminiscent of songs performed by Prince. Unfortunately, there were tons of copyright controversies leading to multiple lawsuits and decisions as to who should receive credit for this song. Copyright laws shouldn't be a thing to me. Music (and other intellectual property) should be free for the public to use. Copyright laws suffocate development.

Question 5

What was the top hit for 2017?

This is a song by British singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. Honestly, I don't really like this song because it's derogatory to women. It exploits them and their bodies, which isn't cool. It kind of made me sad to see this was the top hit for 2017. Apparently, before this, Ed Sheeran went on a hiatus because he thought people didn't like him. I like his other songs way better because they're sweet and heartfelt, unlike this raunchy, sexual song that topped the charts this year.

Question 6

Can you finish these lyrics?

This song is... interesting, to say the least. I'm not sure if it's alluding to some natural disaster like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius or if this band is trying to show us a future that could happen if we don't remain vigilant with our own personal priorities and the people we care about. "I was left to my own dev-I-I-ces Many days fell away with nothing to show And the walls kept tumbling down In the city that we love Gray clouds roll over the hills Bringing darkness from above"

Question 7

Who's the youngest solo artist to earn fourteen number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 the fastest?

I can't believe this person beat performing artists like Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Madonna, but okay, sure... Here's some more information that might help you out if you're still scratching your head. The solo artist in question is a woman, and she's from Barbados. Some of her hits include "Pon de Replay," "Umbrella," "SOS," "Don't Stop the Music," and "Disturbia." Her most recent hit single is called "Lemon." So, can you name the musical artist I'm referring to?

Question 8

What song is this?

The following song was recorded by Katy Perry. It was written and produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. "There's a stranger in my bed There's a pounding my head Glitter all over the room Pink flamingos in the pool I smell like a minibar DJ's passed out in the yard Barbie's on the barbecue This a hickey or a bruise? Pictures of last night Ended up online I'm screwed Oh well It's a blacked-out blur But I'm pretty sure it ruled, damn"

Question 9

Name this song!

This song was written by Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye. According to Wiki, he wrote this in his parents' basement. Talk about humble beginnings! It's about his past relationships and how he feels about them today. The lyrics are amazing, and the harmony achieved by Gotye and Kimbra is tantalizing. It's basically ear-candy to me. I just don't get why it was released in the UK before it was released in the United States. I guess Universal Music wanted to see how well it performed in his own country beforehand? Maybe.

Question 10

What song is this?

Finally! Here's a song that tells a story. It's a story that we're familiar with or can at least empathize with. It's about a person who's pleading a one-night stand to stay even though he isn't in love. He's just lonely. Anyways this is a song by singer Sam Smith released under Capitol Music Group. But upon further inspection, this record label is owned by Universal Music Group or UMB for short. It's kinda creepy when you have to do some digging to find out who's running the world these days.

Question 11

What's this song?

Yet another song by Justin Bieber. He seems to be the new king of pop these days. This picture isn't album art but a screenshot from one of his smash hits. If you haven't seen this music video, then you should go watch it. It's like watching one of those girls-only birthday parties that you were invited to in middle school. It's addicting to watch because the women in the video look so happy. Can you name this song?

Question 12

Name that song!

This song is considered a duet between Fergie and Will.i.am, and it was a huge sensation when I was in middle school. It was probably too inappropriate to be played at middle school dances, but teachers and staff did it anyway. I don't remember looking too much into the lyrics at that age, so I suppose it wasn't too damaging to me or any of my peers. Here's another hint: a lot of people seemed to think this song copied the sexual themes that can be found in the song "Milkshake."

Question 13

Can you name this band's most recent hit?

I'm going to just apologize right away for saying this, but it must be said. The Chainsmokers are jerks. They have stumbled upon a bass style that resonates extremely well with our dopamine-driven, instant-gratification generation, otherwise known as "millennials" or "generation Y-ers." And they probably did it by accident, too. They basically admitted to saying they're muddying the waters in our music today by saying they're "blurring the lines between indie, pop music, dance music, and hip-hop." No, no, no! Make your own genre of music, and don't turn the ones we have into a big soupy mess. That's like a food critic judging the food not by how well it tastes but by how the burp sounded after. It's gross what they're doing.

Question 14

Can you name this song?

"Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shining Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying She's so beautiful And I tell her every day. Yeah, I know, I know when I compliment her, she won't believe me And it's so, it's so sad to think that she doesn't see what I see But every time she asks me do I look okay? I say When I see your face There's not a thing that I would change 'Cause you're amazing"

Question 15

What was the top hit for 2016?

Here's a huge hint for this question: it's by Justin Bieber. But here's something you probably don't know—it was partly written by Ed Sheeran. If you ever get a chance, you should look up who creates the lyrics for the songs you enjoy because more often than not, they're written by some average Joe and then sold to a recording studio. This song has a pretty decent message, and I think it's a comment on women who ask too much of their boyfriends.

Question 16

Can you figure out this song from the lyrics?

Remember that time I showed up with just panties under my coat? High heels, they was knee high, and my legs was grippin' that throat You told me this and I quote 'Cause we popped pills and you smoked You said, your stuff got me strung out It's like doin' lines of some coke You always say it's the best that you ever had in your life And you always play with it good when we be speedin' off in that Wraith Just keep coppin' them things that you be coppin' me on the eighth You the president and I'm Biden Just slide in 'cause you safe, nigga, third base

Question 17

Name this song!

This song is considered a sleeper hit, which means it's a song that becomes successful gradually, often with little promotion. In fact, it was the most popular song of 2013. The song criticizes other rappers who spend a ton of money trying to look good to achieve an elevated social status. It's also a criticism of us for spending tons of money on clothes that were most likely made in sweatshops. Although the message itself is serious, the tune is bouncy and fun to listen to.

Question 18

True or False: Kesha's mother helped her write "Your Love Is My Drug"

Ever heard what happened to Kesha? Well, she's contracted to work with Dr. Luke, who she claims raped and drugged her while she was working on music with him. This has been a public-relations nightmare for Sony Entertainment since Dr. Luke is employed under them. Under the terms of her contract with him, she needs to produce three more albums with him so she can be free to write music herself. Many female singers have come to her defense like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.

Question 19

Name this band!

This band signed with Warner Bros. Records back in 2009, and they released their debut album called "Talking Dreams" in 2011. Aside from their hit song called "Cool Kids," I haven't heard from this band in a while. In their early years, they released many covers of songs such as "I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons, "Lights" by Ellie Goulding, "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele, "Princess of China" by Coldplay, and many others. So, can you name this band?

Question 20

Who wrote the song OMG?

This song is heavily auto-tuned. I'm not trying to say auto-tune is an altogether bad thing. It can be used strategically throughout a song because sometimes, it just sounds better. It becomes messy and annoying when rappers or other artists aren't upfront about the fact that they used auto-tune. It takes away from people who are truly good at matching tones and delivering high notes like Christina Aguilera. Also, some songs use way more auto-tune than necessary, and it becomes an electronic song.

Question 21

What year was this song released?

"Call Me Maybe" came out when I was in my first semester of college. I'll never forget my boyfriend at the time singing this song to me. Oh, the nostalgia! Anyways, this song is still regularly played in bars and restaurants. If you've watched the music video, then you probably know about the little twist at the end, which kind of ruined the whole song for me. Anyways, this song was recorded by Carly Rae Jepson as part of her debut album Curiosity.

Question 22

Name this band!

This isn't their album art. It's a screenshot taken from one of their most popular songs called "Little Talks." This band has released other hits like "Mountain Sound" and "Dirty Paws." The latter is my personal favorite. This band is from Iceland, and they formed a band in 2010. Their debut album is "My Head Is An Animal." Unfortunately, they signed with one of the giant record labels, Universal Music Group aka one of the "big three" record labels.

Question 23

Name this song!

This comes from one of Tove Lo's smash hits, and it's the one that really put her in the spotlight of popular music. This song is about a girl who recently broke up with her boyfriend and resorts to drugs so she can dissociate and so that she doesn't feel the pain of her breakup. "Staying in my play pretend Where the fun ain't got no end Ooh Can't go home alone again Need someone to numb the pain You're gone and I gotta stay high all the time"

Question 24

Name this album!

Here's an album that isn't released by one of the four big entertainment companies. It was released under Merge Records, which has a history of releasing work its artists want to share rather than what's "trending." This album is named after one of its most popular songs. If you happen to check out their music video on Youtube, here's an interesting fact: it was filmed in Austin, Texas, USA with police officers posing as themselves.

Question 25

What pop song took samples of "I Got a Woman" by Ray Charles?

Ray Charles pioneered soul music by combining blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel. By his friends and family, he was known as "Brother." By others, he was known as "The Genius." He's been blind since the age of seven. He's been cited as one of the most important people in the music industry. Some top musical artists said he was probably more important than Elvis Presley. It's a bit ironic that the pop song that ripped off this song took it in an entirely new direction in terms of the song's message.

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