Lady Gaga

18 Iconic Songs You Won't Believe Are Turning 10 In 2018

Britney returned to the top while the world was introduced to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry...

Thursday, December 21, 2017 - 15:01

Put'cha hands up! Woma-woma-nizer! P-p-p-poker face!

Ah, 2008. It was a much simpler time, when all of the Single Ladies put on their best Poker Face and ditched their Womanizers to Kiss A Girl… and they liked it!

In reality, us Brits weren't having the best time thanks to a little thing called the recession but thanks to the arrival of exciting new pop stars and one of the greatest musical comebacks of all time, we made it through with some absolute tunes that have indeed went down in the history books and made 2008 one of the golden years of pop.

Against all odds, the original Princess Of Pop Britney Spears reclaimed her throne as she returned to the industry at her best with 'Womanizer' while two new divas were brought into our lives as Katy Perry and Lady Gaga burst onto the scene with fresh looks and even fresher songs.

Let's take a trip down memory lane to revisit 18 of the year's most iconic songs that we cannot believe are about to be a decade old!

Beyoncé - 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)'

View the lyrics

All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies

Now put your hands up
Up in the club, we just broke up
I'm doing my own little thing
Decided to dip and now you wanna trip
Cause another brother noticed me

I'm up on him, he up on me
Don't pay him any attention
Just cried my tears, for three good years
Ya can't be mad at me

Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, o-ohh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, o-ohh
If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it

If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hips
Got me tighter in my Dereon jeans
Acting up, drink in my cup

I can care less what you think
I need no permission, did I mention
Don't pay him any attention
Cause you had your turn and now you gonna learn

What it really feels like to miss me
Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Don't treat me to the things of the world
I'm not that kind of girl
Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve
Here's a man that makes me then takes me
And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond
Pull me into your arms, say I'm the one you own
If you don't, you'll be alone
And like a ghost Ill be gone

All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies
Now put your hands up, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

Writer(s): Chris Stewart, Thaddis Harrell, Beyonce Knowles, Terius Nash Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

Uh oh oh, uh oh oh oh! Beyoncé returned in 2008 with a split persona in her third solo album I Am... Sasha Fierce, an epic dual album that was half Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and half Sasha Fierce. While the lead single 'If I Were A Boy' gave the superstar her fourth solo UK number one single, it was the Sasha-fied 'Single Ladies' that has become one of her signature hits. A party staple complete with a timeless music video and dance routine copied around the world, it was another jackpot moment in the ever-evolving star's career.

Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face'

View the lyrics

Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah

I wanna hold 'em like they do in Texas, please
Fold 'em, let 'em hit me, raise it, baby, stay with me (I love it)
LoveGame intuition, play the cards with spades to start
And after he's been hooked, I'll play the one that's on his heart

Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I got
Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I got

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)
Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)
Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)

I wanna roll with him, a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you're with me (I love it)
Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun
And, baby, when it's love, if it's not rough, it isn't fun (fun)

Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)
Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)
Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)
(Mum mum mum mah)

I won't tell you that I love you, kiss, or hug you
'Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin
I'm not lying, I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue gunning
Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand 'cause I'm marvelous

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)
Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)
Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)
Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face (she's got me like nobody)
Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)
Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)

Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)
Po-po-po-poker face, fu-fu-fuck her face
(Mum-mum-mum-mah)

Writer(s): Stefani Germanotta, Nadir Khayat Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

With three simple words - RedOne! Konvict... GA-GA! - a superstar entered our lives in 2008, however Lady Gaga proved 'Just Dance' was no one-hit-wonder when she quickly followed it up with the incredible 'Poker Face'. The relentless dance banger showed the party had only just started and the UK embraced Gaga wholeheartedly when it became her second consecutive number one single and is one of the best-selling digital songs in history. Slay? Slay!

Britney Spears - 'Womanizer'

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Superstar, where you from? How's it going?
I know you got a clue what you're doing
You can play brand new to all the other chicks out here
But I know what you are, what you are, baby
Look at you getting more than just a re-up
Baby, you got all the puppets with their strings up
Faking like a good one, but I call 'em like I see 'em
I know what you are, what you are, baby

Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer
Oh, womanizer, oh, you're a womanizer, baby
You-you-you are, you-you-you are
Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer

Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
(You) You got me going
(You) You're oh-so-charming
(You) But I can't do it
(You) You womanizer
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
(You) You say I'm crazy
(You) I got you crazy
(You) You're nothing but a
(You) Womanizer

Daddy-O, you got the swagger of champion
Too bad for you, you just can't find the right companion
I guess when you have one too many makes it hard, it could be easy
Who you are, that's just who you are, baby
Lollipop, must mistake me for a sucker
To think that I would be a victim, not another
Say it, play it how you wanna
But no way, I'm never gonna fall for you
Never you, baby

Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer
Oh, womanizer, oh, you're a womanizer, baby
You-you-you are, you-you-you are
Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer

Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
(You) You got me going
(You) You're oh-so-charming
(You) But I can't do it
(You) You womanizer
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
(You) You say I'm crazy
(You) I got you crazy
(You) You're nothing but a
(You) Womanizer

Maybe if we both lived in a different world
(Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer, womanizer)
It would be all good, and maybe I could be your girl
But I can't 'cause we don't, you...

Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer
Oh, womanizer, oh, you're a womanizer, baby
You-you-you are, you-you-you are
Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer

Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
(You) You got me going
(You) You're oh-so-charming
(You) But I can't do it
(You) You womanizer
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
(You) You say I'm crazy
(You) I got you crazy
(You) You're nothing but a
(You) Womanizer

Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Boy, don't try to front, I-I know just, just what you are, are, are
Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer
Oh, womanizer, oh, you're a womanizer, baby

Writer(s): Akinyemi Rapheal, Briscoe Nikeshia Michelle Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

After some personal problems, Britney Spears returned to the top - where she belongs - with one of the most legendary disses of all time, as she turned her ex-husband's betrayal into a number one hit around the world with 'Womanizer'. Its music video reunited her with 'Toxic' director Joseph Kahn, acting as a sequel to that defining video, and reminded the world of the badass temptress she is. That sauna scene? Whew! We love a confident, strong, powerful pop queen.

Kings Of Leon - 'Sex On Fire'

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Lay where you're laying
Don't make a sound
I know they're watching
They're watching

All the commotion
The kiddie-like play
Has people talking
Talking

You
Your sex is on fire

The dark of the alley
The breaking of day
Head while I'm drivin'
I'm drivin'

Soft lips are open
Them knuckles are pale
Feels like you're dying
You're dying

You
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With the what's to transpire

Hot as a fever
Rattlin' bones
I could just taste it
Taste it

But it's not forever
But it's just tonight
Oh, we're still the greatest
The greatest
The greatest

You
Your sex is on fire
You
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With the what's to transpire

And you
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With the what's to transpire

Writer(s): Followill Anthony Caleb, Followill Cameron Matthew Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

Sex. On. Fire. Is. (Almost.) Ten. Years. Old. HOW?!

Rihanna - 'Take A Bow'

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Oh, how about a round of applause?
Yeah, standing ovation
Oh-oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

You look so dumb right now
Standing outside my house
Trying to apologize
You're so ugly when you cry
Please, just cut it out

And don't tell me you're sorry 'cause you're not
Baby, when I know you're only sorry you got caught

But you put on quite a show (Ooh-oh)
Really had me going
But now it's time to go (Ooh-oh)
Curtain's finally closing
That was quite a show (Ooh-oh)
Very entertaining
But it's over now (But it's over now)
Go on and take a bow

Grab your clothes and get gone (Get gone)
You better hurry up
Before the sprinklers come on (Come on)
Talking, 'bout "Girl, I love you you're the one"
This just looks like a re-run
Please, what else is on? (Oh-oh)

And don't tell me you're sorry 'cause you're not
Baby, when I know you're only sorry you got caught

But you put on quite a show (Ooh-oh)
Really had me going
But now it's time to go (Ooh-oh)
Curtain's finally closing
That was quite a show (Ooh-oh)
Very entertaining
But it's over now (But it's over now)
Go on and take a bow

Oh-oh, and the award for the best liar goes to you (Goes to you)
For making me believe
That you could be
Faithful to me, let's hear your speech out
How 'bout a round of applause?
A standing ovation

But you put on quite a show (Ooh-oh)
Really had me going
Now it's time to go (Ooh-oh)
Curtain's finally closing
That was quite a show (Ooh-oh)
Very entertaining
But it's over now (But it's over now)
Go on and take a bow

But it's over now

Writer(s): Eriksen Mikkel Storleer, Hermansen Tor Erik Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

After 'Umbrella' defined Rihanna as a force to be reckoned with in 2007, she re-released the Good Girl Gone Bad album a year later to bless us with more incredible songs, particularly the two singles 'Disturbia' (Halloween anthem!) and the brilliant R&B kiss-off ballad 'Take A Bow'. The latter became her second UK number one and is undoubtedly the OG anti-f**kboy anthem, as our unapologetic fave took her waster boyfriend to the trash where he belonged.

Miley Cyrus - '7 Things'

View the lyrics

I probably shouldn't say this
But at times I get so scared
When I think about the previous
Relationship we shared

It was awesome
But we lost it
It's not possible for me, not to care
And now we're standing in the rain
But nothing's ever gonna change until you hear, my dear

The 7 things I hate about you
The 7 things I hate about you
Oh you

You're vain, your games, you're insecure
You love me, you like her
You make me laugh, you make me cry
I don't know which side to buy

Your friends they're jerks
When you act like them, just know it hurts
I wanna be with the one I know
And the 7th thing I hate the most that you do
You make me love you

It's awkward and silent
As I wait for you to say
What I need to hear now
Your sincere apology

When you mean it, I'll believe it
If you text it, I'll delete it
Let's be clear
Oh, I'm not coming back
You're taking seven steps here

The 7 things I hate about you
You're vain, your games, you're insecure
You love me, you like her
You make me laugh, you make me cry
I don't know which side to buy

Your friends are jerks
When you act like them, just know it hurts
I wanna be with the one I know
And the 7th thing I hate the most that you do
You make me love you

And compared to all the great things
That would take too long to write
I probably should mention the 7 that I like

The 7 things I like about you
Your hair, your eyes, your old Levi's
When we kiss, I'm hypnotized
You make me laugh, you make me cry
But I guess that's both I'll have to buy

Your hands in mine when we're intertwined
Everything's alright
I wanna be with the one I know
And the 7th thing I like the most that you do
You make me love you

Writer(s): Armato Antonina, Cyrus Destiny Hope Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

Ten years ago the world had fallen in love with a tamed Miley Cyrus, pre-twerk and dildo-wearing onstage, and her fame reached new heights when she released her first single as just Miley, with no connection to Hannah Montana. The still-amazing '7 Things' remains the perfect scream-along anthem for road trips and parties, and let's not forget it inspired by her ex Nick Jonas. Iconic? Of course.

Estelle - 'American Boy (ft. Kanye West)'

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Just another one champion sound
Yeah, Estelle, we 'bout to get down (get down)
Who the hottest in the world right now?
Just touched down in London town
Bet they give me a pound
Tell them put the money in my hand right now
Tell the promoter we need more seats
We just sold out all the floor seats

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go someday
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to, come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy

He said "Hey, sister
It's really really nice to meet you"
I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who's just my type
I like the way he's speaking, his confidence is peaking
Don't like his baggy jeans, but I'mma like what's underneath them
And no, I ain't been to M.I.A.
I heard that Cali never rains and New York's heart awaits
First let's see the west end
I'll show you to my brethren
I'm likin' this American boy
American boy

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go someday
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to, come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
American boy

Can we get away this weekend?
Take me to Broadway
Let's go shopping, baby, then we'll go to a café
Let's go on the subway
Take me to your hood
I never been to Brooklyn and I'd like to see what's good
Dress in all your fancy clothes
Sneakers looking fresh to death, I'm loving those Shell Toes
Walking that walk
Talk that slick talk
I'm likin' this American boy
American boy

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go someday
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to, come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
Tell 'em kno wagwan blud

Who killing 'em in the U.K.
Everybody gonna say, "You K"
Reluctantly 'cause most of this press don't fuck with me
Estelle once said to me "Cool down, down, don't act a fool now, now"
I always act a fool, oww, oww
Ain't nothing new now, now
He crazy, I know what ya thinking
Ribena, I know what you're drinking
Rap singer, chain Blinger

Holla at the next chick soon as you're blinking
What's your persona?
About this Americana Brama
Am I shallow?
'Cause all my clothes designer
Dressed smart like a London Bloke

Before he speak his suit bespoke
And you thought he was cute before
Look at this peacoat, tell me he's broke
And I know you ain't into all that
I heard your lyrics I feel your spirit

But I still talk that ca-ah-ash
'Cause a lot wags wanna hear it
And I'm feeling like Mike at his Baddest
Like The Pips at they Gladys
And I know they love it
So to hell with all that rubbish

Would you be my love, my love?
(Would you be mine?)
Would you be my love, my love?
(Would you be mine?)
Could you be my love, my love?
Ooh, would you be my American boy? American boy

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go someday
Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay
I really want to, come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
Be my American boy

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go someday
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to, come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
American boy

La-la-la-la-la-di-da
La-la-la-la-la-di-da

Writer(s): Will Adams, Kanye West, John Stephens, Keith Ernesto Harris, Estelle Swaray, Caleb Speir, Kweli Washington, Joshua Lopez Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

Has there ever been a greater karaoke song? London girl, American boy, team up with will.i.am and the rest is history. Yeezy back in his less serious days. A timeless banger.

Katy Perry - 'I Kissed A Girl'

Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl (Official)

It's hard to imagine a world before Katy Perry as, four albums deep into her career, she has given us a plethora of hits, countless looks, amazing videos and is a meme on the daily, however she was a fresh face in 2008, exploding onto the scene with a raunchy, oh-so-good pop anthem about good 'ole girl loving. The song still goes off and is one of her best. I-con-ic.

Girls Aloud - 'The Promise'

View the lyrics

1, 2, 3, 4
Everythin' he does, better than anythin' ordinary
Everythin' he wants, he gets, cause everythin'
He does is kinda necessary
I believe in love, tell me can anythin' last forever
Life can live up to love,
With a hand on my heart, I'm never sayin' never

You're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, nothin' that I do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade (fade)
You're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, that I cannot do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade

Maybe next time, I'll take a ride on by
I wanna feel you near
'Cause I can't play this like I'm into now,
My Aladdins lamp is down,
And I gotta fear, oh baby, right here
Givin' up, just looking into windows, yeah
I've had enough of wishin' I've found you,
Baby don't you know,
I've had as much as I can take of fallin', yeah
Got a lot to learn 'bout ridin' through

'Cause you're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, nothin' that I do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade (fade)
You're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, that I cannot do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade

Here I am,
Walkin' Primrose,
Wonderin' when I'm gonna see you again
So here I am,
Walkin' Primrose,
Wonderin' when I'm gonna see you again
I got my, hands all ready to touch your soul
I'm gonna, get the energy to wire me close to you
Got my eyes on the prize I see
Are you watching me, baby?
'Cause my, heart is turnin' to solid gold
And my, head is sayin' 'honey too good to be true'
Oh, one look in your glitter eyes
How else tellin' me every time

'Cause you're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, nothin' that I do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade (fade)
You're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, that I cannot do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade

Maybe it's not that hard to know you
Maybe we'll make it up and go
Maybe we'll work things out,
There's only one way up and one way down, I know,
If you wanna convince me, start again
If you wanna be with me in my arms

'Cause you're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, nothin' that I do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade (fade)
You're gonna make me, make me love you
Nothin' at all, that I cannot do
The promise I made, the promise I made,
Is startin' to fade, startin' to fade

(Maybe next time, I'll take a ride on by)
(I wanna feel you near)
(Maybe next time, I'll take a ride on by)

Writer(s): Timothy Martin Powell, Miranda Eleanor De Fonbrune Cooper, Brian Thomas Higgins, Carla Maria Williams, Nick Coler, Kieran Rhys Jones, Jason Peter Resch Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

Although we are currently living the Glory Days thanks to Little Mix, there isn't a day that goes by that we do not mourn the loss of Girls Aloud. 'The Promise' launched their final studio album, won them their first and only BRIT Award, and was just such a moment. The video! The glamour! The showgirl performance at the 2009 BRITs! Ugh, such legends.

The Ting Tings - 'That's Not My Name'

View the lyrics

Four letter word just to get me along
It's a difficulty and I'm bitin' on my tongue
And I, I keep stallin' and keepin' it together
People around gotta find somethin' to say now
Holdin' back everyday the same
Don't wanna be a loner
Listen to me, oh no
I never say anything at all
But with nothin' to consider they forget my name (ame, ame, ame)

They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me Her
They call me Jane

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

They call me quiet
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

I'll miss the catch if they throw me the ball
I'm the last chick standing up against the wall
Keep fa-fallin', these heels that keep me borin'
Getting clamped up and sittin' on the fence now
So alone all the time and I lock myself away
Listen to me, oh no
And though I'm dressed up out and all
With everything considered they forget my name (ame, ame, ame)

They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

They call me quiet
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

Are you callin' me darlin'?
Are you callin' me bird?
Are you callin' me darlin'?
Are you callin' me bird?

They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

They call me quiet
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

They call me quiet
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane

That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name

So alone all the time and I lock myself away
Though I'm dressed up out and all
With everything considered they forget my name

Writer(s): Katie White, Jules De Martino Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

An iconic song about not being called Lisa, Mary, Jo or quiet. A riotous banger with arguably the most euphoric middle 8 of all time. Wanna say I'm wrong? That's not my name!

Duffy - 'Mercy'

View the lyrics

Hit the beat
And take it to the verse, now
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

I love you
But I gotta stay true
My morals got me on my knees
I'm begging, please, stop playing games

I don't know what this is
'Cause you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
But you do it well
I'm under your spell

You got me begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You got me begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I said release me (Yeah, yeah, yeah)

Now you think that I
Will be something on the side
But you got to understand
That I need a man
Who can take my hand, yes I do

I don't know what this is
'Cause you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
But you do it well
I'm under your spell

You got me begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You got me begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I said you'd better release (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm begging you for mercy
You look at me and think we're the same kind
'Cause you don't know what I got and
Yes, why won't you release me?
I'm gonna get more than I'm asking for
But I just don't want to waste my time
I'm begging you for mercy
You know that I'll be the other girl
Just like there's nothing in this world
You got me begging
I know that I'm gonna get me some
I just don't know where to get it from
You got me begging
You got me begging

Mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I'm begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)

You got me begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I'm begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I'm begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I'm begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I'm begging you for mercy (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Why won't you release me, yeah! yeah!
Break it down
Mercy, begging you for mercy
You got me begging
Down on my knees
You got me begging
Begging you for mercy
You got me begging
Eeeeh, eeeeh
Eeeh, oooh

Writer(s): Booker Stephen Andrew, Booker Steve Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

'Hit the beat and take it to the verse now!' Duffy, the songstress of a generation who deserved much, much more. What a song. What a woman.

Pussycat Dolls - 'When I Grow Up'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0K46C82v9o

After taking over the world with their relentless hitmaking debut album, Pussycat Dolls returned with a brashy banger that still ranks as one of their finest. With rumours of a reunion next year brewing, 2018 may just be blessed with another anthem just like this.

T.I. - 'Live Your Life (ft. Rihanna)'

View the lyrics

Ey, this is special what's happenin' to all my
All my all my soldiers over there in Iraq
Everybody right here
What you need to do is be thankful
For the life you got, you know what I'm sayin?

Stop lookin' at what you ain't got
And start being thankful for what you do got
Let's give it to 'em baby girl

You're gonna be, a shinin' star
In fancy clothes, and fancy cars
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far
'Cause everyone knows, just who ya are

So live your life (Hey! Ay ay ay)
You steady chasin' that paper, just live your life
(Oh! Ay ay ay)
Ain't got no time for no haters, just live your life
(Hey! Ay ay ay)

No tellin' where it'll take ya, just live your life
(Oh! Ay ay ay)
'Cause I'm a paper chaser, just livin' my life
(Ay) my life (Oh) My life (Ay) my life (Oh)

Just livin' my life (Ay) my life (Oh)
My life (Ay) my life (Oh) just livin' my life

Hey, never mind what haters say

Ignore 'em 'til they fade away
Amazin' they ungrateful
After all the game I gave away
Safe to say I paved the way

For you cats to get paid today
You'd still be wastin' days away
Now had I never saved the day
Consider them my protege

Homage I think they should pay
Instead of bein' gracious
They violate in a major way
I never been a hater

Still I love 'em in a crazy way
Some say they sold the yay'
You know they couldn't get work on Labor Day
It ain't that black and white

It has an area the shade of gray
I'm Westside anyway
Even if I left today and stayed away

Some move away to make a way
Not move away 'cause they afraid
I brought back to the hood
And all you ever did was take away

I pray for patience
But they make me wanna melt they face away
Like I once made 'em spray
Now I could make 'em put the K's away
Been thuggin' all my life
Can't say I don't deserve to take a break
You'd rather see me catch a case and watch my future fade away

You're gonna be, a shinin' star
In fancy clothes, and fancy cars
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far
'Cause everyone knows, just who ya are

So live your life (Hey! Ay ay ay)
You steady chasin' that paper, just live your life
(Oh! Ay ay ay)
Ain't got no time for no haters, just live your life

(Hey! Ay ay ay)
No tellin' where it'll take ya, just live your life
(Oh! Ay ay ay)
'Cause I'm a paper chaser, just livin' my life
(Ay) my life (Oh) My life (Ay) my life (Oh)
Just livin' my life (Ay) my life (Oh)
My life (Ay) my life (Oh) just livin' my life

I'm the opposite of moderate
Immaculately polished with
The spirit of a hustler
And the swagger of a college kid

Allergic to the counterfeit
Impartial to the politics
Articulate
But still'll grab a nigga by the collar quick

Whoever havin' problems
With their record sales just holler TIP
If that don't work and all else fails
Then turn around and follow TIP
I got love for the game

But ay I'm not in love with all of it
Could do without the fame
And rappers nowadays are comedy
The hootin' and the hollerin'

Back and forth with the arguin'
Where you from, who you know
What you make and what kind of car you in
Seems as though you lost sight
Of what's important when depositin'

Them checks into your bank account
And you up out of poverty
Your values is a disarray, prioritizin' horribly
Unhappy with the riches
'Cause you're piss poor morally
Ignorin' all prior advice and forewarnin'
And we mighty full of ourselves all of a sudden, aren't we?

You're gonna be, a shinin' star
In fancy clothes, and fancy cars
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far
'Cause everyone knows, just who ya are

So live your life (Hey! Ay ay ay)
You steady chasin' that paper, just live your life
(Oh! Ay ay ay)
Ain't got no time for no haters, just live your life
(Hey! Ay ay ay)
No tellin' where it'll take ya, just live your life

(Oh! Ay ay ay)
'Cause I'm a paper chaser, just livin' my life
(Ay) my life (Oh) My life (Ay) my life (Oh)
Just livin' my life (Ay) my life (Oh)
My life (Ay) my life (Oh)

Got everybody watchin' what I do
Come walk in my shoes
And see the way I'm livin' if you really want to
Got my mind on my money
And I'm not goin' away

So keep on gettin' your paper, and keep on climbin'
Look in the mirror, and keep on shinin' (Shinin')
Until the game ends, 'til the clock stop
We gon' post up on the top spot

Livin' the life, the life
In the Windmill City got my whole team with me
The life, my life
I do it how I wanna do

I'm livin' my life, my life
I will never lose
I'm livin' my life, my life
And I'll never stop it

(So live your life)

Writer(s): Makeba Riddick, Clifford Joseph Harris, Dan Balan, Justin Gregory Smith Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

While we did have Kanye West and Jay-Z in 2008, one of the biggest rappers in the world that year was the legendary T.I. With back-to-back hits, the most timeless has to be this amazing collaboration with our beloved Rihanna. Who knew that sampling O-Zone's 'Dragostea Din Tei' could ever work so well?

Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'

View the lyrics

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listened as the crowd would sing
Now the old king is dead long live the king
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you'd gone there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know St Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Oh oh oh oh ohh
Oh oh oh oh ohh
Oh oh oh oh ohh
Oh oh oh oh ohh
Oh oh oh oh ohh
Hear Jerusalem bells ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know St Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Writer(s): Berryman Guy Rupert, Buckland Jonathan Mark, Champion William, Martin Christopher Anthony John Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

Goosebumps. Every single time. Undoubtedly 'Viva La Vida' is one of Coldplay's best songs ever, and it sounded just as incredible when Lady Gaga covered it for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge the following year.

Metro Station - 'Shake It'

View the lyrics

Let's drop!
Yeah, come on

Shake, shake
I'll take you home
If you don't leave me at the front door

(Leave me at the front door)

Your body's cold

But girl, we're getting so warm

And I was thinking of ways that I could get inside
(Get inside)

Tonight you're falling in love
(Let me go now)
This feeling's tearing me up
(Here we go now)
Now, if she does it like this
Will you do it like that?
Now, if she touches like this
Will you touch her right back?
Now, if she moves like this
Will you move like that?

Come on
Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it
Your lips tremble
But your eye's are in a straight stare
(In a straight stare)
We're on the bed
But your clothes are laying right there
And I was thinking of places that I could hide
(I could hide)
Tonight you're falling in love
(Let me go now)
This feeling's tearing me up
(Here we go now)
Now, if she does it like this
Will you do it like that?
Now, if she touches like this
Will you touch her right back?
Now, if she moves like this
Will you move like that?

Come on
Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it
I saw you dancing there
I couldn't get you off my mind
But I could tell, that you could tell
That I was taking my time
But I was thinking of ways
To get you staying the night
Your body's shaking
Turn me on, so I can turn off the lights
Now, if she does it like this
Will you do it like that?
Now, if she touches like this
Will you touch her right back?
Now, if she moves like this
Will you move like that?

Come on
Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it
Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it
Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it
Shake, sahke, shake, shake, shake it

Writer(s): Cyrus Trace, Cyrus Trace Dempsey Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

We don't even know where to begin with this song. One of Miley Cyrus' siblings starts a pop-rock band and their breakout hit is one of the greatest indie-rock-lite-pop anthems of all this? We can basically see our coloured iPod Nanos in our hands listening to this one. Ugh. A time.

P!nk - 'So What'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJfFZqTlWrQ

Britney wasn't the only superstar to make her ex-husband a smash hit as P!nk flipped the 'poor heartbroken girl' headlines of her divorce into a stadium-sized rockstar banger. It sounded amazing

Lily Allen - 'The Fear'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-wGMlSuX_c

After shaking up the industry with her innovative and totally frank debut album, Lily Allen came back - with bangs! - with a vengeance as she kicked off her second album with 'The Fear'. Taking aim at the media, it took her songwriting to the next level and signalled the political voice she would later become. One of the best pop stars of our generation, without a doubt. This topped the UK Singles Chart for four (!) weeks after being released in 2008, and we hope to see her back there soon.

Adele - 'Chasing Pavements'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08DjMT-qR9g

'Hometown Glory' may have started her career but its follow-up, the second single, 'Chasing Pavements' was the chill-inducing power ballad that sent Adele rocketing up the charts for the first time. Somehow this song peaked at Number 2 in the UK, however we all know that she would eventually become no stranger to the top spot.

Words: Ross McNeilage

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