Unfortified Castle

And Dionne Warwick's light, polished vocal performance takes the onetime show tune to the next level.

Does it count as a rickroll if you’re told right away?

Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway's duo is my favorite of the multiple songs with this title.

That's a question I've had recently as I've gotten to thinking about just one of Janelle Monáe's show-stopping numbers.

I reflect on a song I had trouble finding which itself asks a question of its lyrical subject in light of infatuation.

Simply put, it's N.E.R.D — that says more than any genre label.

I didn't realize that until I looked a little closer for this post, which also led me to appreciating the song even more.

The Pointer Sisters' eternally catchy hit is more than meets the ear.

125 seconds. 26 "I know"s. Four chords. One perfectly short piece of art.

Kali Uchis and Tyler, the Creator provide the former feeling, while the latter comes from the space bassist, Bootsy Collins himself.

Is it cool? (Is it cool?) I don't know, but it's February 14, and it feels right.

It's also just a plain good song from a band that, yes, isn't just a meme.

This song is out there, but it's a good kind of out there because of how Blood, Sweat & Tears mediate all its intricacies and oddities.

Gladys Knight & the Pips' classic combines outstanding vocals with a compelling lyrical narrative that has a surprising twist in its chorus.

Few pop songs have genuinely surprised me in a positive way on first listen more than today's selection did.

The Dixie Cups' cover of a traditional song from their hometown stands out from the time's typical pop fare in nearly every way.

I got hooked on Yves Tumor's sound from this track alone and the complex internal war it captures.

Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.

Emeli Sandé's praiseful breakthrough hit is as catchy and singalong-friendly today as it was when she burst onto the scene.

Uncommon instruments for pop and a spin on a heartbreak narrative make for an iconic soul number.