There’s nothing wrong with pop music. The genre, just like everything else, can be subjectively either good or bad, depending on how you listen to it. For the people complaining about pop not having substance, they’re not looking in the right places. There are numerous examples of the genre breaking boundaries, sometimes subtly, sometimes more direct, all while sticking to conventions. That’s not an easy thing to do.
We have Taylor Swift’s Reputation, for instance—an album that’s honest, playful, and often satirical. The casual listener might dismiss it as something surface level, and that’s one of the record’s main points. The songs are against them while, at the same time, for them.
Take as another example the 1975 with their glittery 80s-inspired music, where they create from the ground up an entire backstory, all while managing to remain accessible to the public.
On a side note, pop doesn’t always have to be deep in order for it to have substance. Well-structured, simple, and catchy tunes are sometimes all we need, and someone who does that properly is Carly Rae Jepsen. Just listen to her album Emotion from beginning to end—it’s a masterpiece deserving of being placed alongside other amazing pop albums, such as Carole King’s Tapestry and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.
For this season’s Spindle Jam, we grace the stores’ walls with essential pop records we think you’ll love. Here are some of them.
Adele – 21
The most certified album in music history (it’s got 400+ certifications!) Inspired by Motown soul, Adele’s powerful voice delivers on every track. This record includes “Rolling in the Deep,” “Turning Tables,” “Rumour Has It,” and other recognizable hits.
Ed Sheeran – Divide
Cut at 45 RPM, with two records for optimum quality! This is the “Shape of You” musician’s third record, and one that earned him a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Jason Mraz – We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
You can’t go wrong with this album. C’mon, it’s Jason Mraz! This one’s got familiar tunes you’ve heard for sure—“Make It Mine,” “I’m Yours,” and “Lucky,” to name a few.
Coldplay – Ghost Stories
Taking cues from the entirety of their previous work, Ghost Stories is both romantic and revolutionary. Combining modern production techniques with tried and tested styles, this one’s another must-listen.
Maroon 5 – It Won’t Be Soon Before Long
Cry your eyes out with some early Maroon 5. Coming right after Songs About Jane, this record saw the band taking on the same funk-infused pop rock approach they’re most known for.
Troye Sivan – Blue Neighbourhood
Music as cool as the person behind it. Broken, hopeful, and definitely danceable.
Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience
Get your hands on this while you still can. The record will surely go down as one of the best pop records of this generation.
Harry Styles – Harry Styles
An extension of what Styles did on One Direction, but with a new twist—70s rock! ZZ Top and Aerosmith, anyone?
The Weeknd – Starboy
A fun, party record with appearances from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, and Daft Punk.
Everything here is available in our stores and the website. For more of this, drop by one of the branches and check out our Vinyl Essentials wall.
Words by Kurvine Chua Visit the stores to see our Vinyl Essentials - Pop Wall Satchmi, 4F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall Satchmi, 2F Phase 2, UP Town Center