My idea of a perfect pop song....

These are just some examples. They are neither my favourite songs nor even my fave song from any of them listed below. But I'm glad if they come on the radio. Pop cuts across a wide spectrum so......

Synthpop - Locomotion by OMD. Chugging unrelenting bassline. Synth bits appearing out of nowhere, without sounding like an NES like so many other 80s synth songs. Simple lyrics without being meanderingly pap or cheesy.

Powerpop Punk Pork - Making Plans for Nigel - XTC. Contains just the right balance of brittle discordance and melodicism. Nice unassuming lyrics.

Hip-hop Pop - Drop It Like It's Hot - Snoop Dogg. Minimalist and interrupted by tacky but memorable synth brass fills.

Hard rock pop - Macca & Wings' Let Me Roll It. Ideally what a Led Zep song should be - Stuttering drums, unique riff. Led Zep without the hoary yelling, faux Delta Blues and consarned Dungeons and Dragons imagery.

Dance pop - White Flag - Dido. The descending melody fits the mood of resignation superbly. Otherwise, breezy background music.