Yello's Music Tastes
I might be a basic pop enjoyer, but I'm proud.
Table of contents
What does it take to be an all-time favorite?
These songs, whether they be childhood favorites or new jams, must hook me so much that I can listen to them on repeat and still feel joy.
Enchanted - Taylor Swift
Every time I listen to this song, it's the most euphoric experience I've ever had. I call this a masterpiece of a song that is somehow almost 6 minutes. This song is about the most basic topic of love, but it's the theatrics, tension, and instrumentation that make it feel so much larger than life. My spirits are immediately lifted every time this song plays.
The first time I heard this song was in high school in 2016 when my friend, who was also a Taylor Swift fan, recommended this album to me. At the time, I only knew her big hits, and I never heard of Speak Now. But once I gave particular song a chance, it was game over. I came out of that song as a certified Swiftie.
Into You - Ariana Grande
I really grew up through the rise and fall of EDM music and it shows. It's a shame that this song wasn't a bigger hit when it first arrived because I'm 100% sure that this is a perfect pop song. The satisfying buildup of vocals, harmonies, adlibs, and instruments never ceases to amaze me. The tone is just subtle enough to be acceptable to everyone but has that edge to feel cool while listening to it.
I don't have an epic origin story for this one. I usually heard it a few times on the radio back in 2016 and didn't think anything of it until I heard it again on my Spotify years later. But once I sat down and really absorbed it, I've been hooked since.
We Found Love - Rihanna
Before the EDM instrumentation taking over the chorus became overdone, this was the first one I can remember that nailed it. I personally think the best EDM tracks feel like a euphoric experience and this one does that for me every time. I don't really know what the verses mean but that doesn't matter because I can feel the escapism oozing from this song.
I remember hearing this song on the radio all the time back in the day for a couple of years, like it was the default EDM track of the hour. I liked it but I didn't listen to it on my own until I added this song to my "Radio Favorites" on Spotify, probably around 2018.
Begin Again - Taylor Swift
This is my resident healing song. I've never vibed with overly cheesy uplifting songs, but I also don't wanna listen to songs of despair and nihilism for too long. This track mixes both of those elements masterfully. Instead of just being about finding new love, it captures the exact moment when you can finally let go of painful memories of a past love because this new muse actually brings out the best in you. It's a hopeful song that doesn't forget the pain you need to heal from.
I didn't discover this song until my sophomore year of college in 2019. I was having roommate issues in my freshman year, which helped contribute to my worst semester. But after a new major, a new dorm, and a new mindset, I was blessed with a wonderful and respectful roommate, which felt like such a breath of fresh air. And this song was an ode to this new roommate who never judged me for just being myself.
Genie - Girls' Generation
This is my all-time favorite song from Girls' Generation and what solidified my respect for K-Pop music. While there are some English phrases sprinkled throughout, I didn't need to understand the lyrics to fall in love with this song. The melodies, the instrumentation, the harmonies were all SO rock solid. Usually, I would scoff at superficial songs, but K-Pop holds a special place because it feels like a whole different universe that I can transport myself if real life gets too serious. This perfectly polished pop song is the pure joy I sometimes need to forget about my current problems.
This is one of the earliest K-Pop songs I listened to when my sister introduced me to her K-Pop obsession, and my subsequent obsession with Girls' Generation music. I loved this song so much that it deserved to be one of my few songs on my tiny iPod Shuffle that I repeatedly listened to on my way to Chinese summer school (long story).
Style - Taylor Swift
Every Swiftie can attest to this being a perfect pop song, and I fully agree. It's obviously a throwback to 80's synths, but it somehow sounds timeless. The premise has that edge of a potentially dangerous but captivating love that makes this track have a deeper meaning than one would expect on the surface. It sounds so blissful yet forbidden. The chorus also has that classic sing-along vibe that makes this an easy crowd pleaser. That "take me home" bridge will forever have a chokehold on me.
A year before I was a Swiftie, I first heard this in my sophomore year of high school. During early morning homeroom, one of my classmates was playing this out loud through his Chromebook. At the time, I didn't think anything of it and don't even remember it playing that much on the radio. But when I dove into her catalog on my own, "Style" was an instant favorite the moment I listened to it.
Lucky Like That - Girls' Generation
I cannot describe how unbelievably happy this track makes me feel every time this plays. It's a representation of my long-standing love for Girls' Generation music, which is unapologetically bright and joyous. As I grow up with an inevitably jaded reality, it's harder for me to appreciate purely superficial, happy music, but some songs break down that barrier and allow me to just enjoy them for what they are. The classic Girls' Generation harmonies are in full force and never sounded better. And that guitar solo? Perfection.
This was one of those rare times where I enjoyed this song when it first came out. In August 2022, the group returned for their 20th anniversary with a new album and I instantly jumped on it. After the bombastic lead single as the first track, this second track was an instant win for me. I will never get tired of this blissful celebration of a song.
goodnight n go - Ariana Grande
I never thought I would fall in love with this kind of song because this was during an era between 2017-2020 where I wasn't vibing with much pop music at the time, especially the trap-infused hits. But when I finally gave this song a chance, I immediately picked up on how special and precious this composition sounded. It's what I call a sweet banger because it's a bop but also touching at the same time, which is a difficult balance. You can feel the infatuation and tenderness most prominently in the high notes. I'm always in awe of how ethereal this song ends, like when you come home and contemplating the potential soulmate you just met.
I discovered this song in 2022 when I decided to give the entire Sweetener album a listen from start to finish. I was fine with the singles back in the day, but putting these all together made me realy appreciate the naive optimism that this project achieved, especially during a difficult time in the world.
Full Circle - Miley Cyrus
Nowadays, Disney Channel-era songs don't really age well with, maybe even cringy. But when I remember deep cuts such as this track, I'm left wishing they had more love from current fans. You'd think the lyrics talking about a cyclical relationship would come from a grown adult, but this is coming from a teenager. The melodies and instrumentation feel so timeless, even today. Though, that might be the nostalgia talking.
I discovered this song in its prime back when the album was new in 2008. I rinsed through the Breakout album either on my CD radio machine or during long car rides to Six Flags over many months. It was always a favorite of mine whenever I would choose a CD to play. Even back then, this song stood out to me as exceptional and deep.
Holy Ground - Taylor Swift
If I were wanna get hyped, this is my go-to song. The instantly kinetic energy with the pounding drums and quick lyrics feel just like a rush of romantic nostalgia that this track explores. Whenever people write off Taylor as just a heartbroken songwriter, I want to point them to this song, because it reflects on a past relationship in a much more favorable light. no bitterness or longing; just remembering the good times they had. Plus it's a great workout song.
I discovered this song when I first dove into Taylor's discography and became a fan back in 2016. It was one of the first deep cuts when I had the courage to listen beyond the singles. I vividly remember jamming to this song while I was doing homework at my high school library.
If I Lose Myself - OneRepublic
When ethereal EDM tracks hit, they hit me HARD. This song is a successful example, going all out as if it's your last night with someone you love. Although it's a quite basic song, that works in its favor to make room for getting lost in the emotionally-driven EDM breakdown. Ryan Tedder's vocals are also spot-on and makes me wish more male pop vocals are this dynamic.
I never heard this song on the radio back in 2014 because Counting Stars was the only single that dominated the band's presence. I honestly don't remember when or where I discovered this song, but I must have randomly stumbled upon it when browsing iTunes or Spotify. But I knew I instantly hooked upon first listen.
Lavender Haze - Taylor Swift
What a way to begin an album. Taylor Swift always nails her albums' first tracks, but this caught me by surprise. It's the perfect blend of cool, mysterious, hazy, and a little quirky. Yes, it's a love song, but it with an interesting twist. Upon closer attention to the lyrics, it's actually about love fueled by denial. Because no matter any potential warning signs or outside opinions, the narrator would rather stay in the cloudly comforts of love.
I discovered this song right when the Midnights album released in 2022. I don't actually listen to album drops right at midnight because I value sleep more than a compromised state of consumption. So I got my first impressions while working out in my basement first thing in the morning. So you can imagine how unexpectedly impressed I was when this first track played while trying to get through a boring workout.
Come Clean - Hilary Duff
Without fail, every 2000's Disney Channel kid will cite this as one of the best songs from this era. And that's for a good reason. Unlike other Disney-friendly songs that expire once kids grow older, this track transcends those limits and became a timeless classic. Do the lyrics sound a little simplistic and nonsensical? Of course, but when the production sounds this tight, the vibes outshine everything else. If you wanna feel like a 2000's kid, THIS is the song will fulfill that.
I don't actually remember the first time I heard this song. But if I had to guess, it was probably the music video playing between Disney Channel shows, back when I had no idea what color grading was. I was so fascinated by how blue everything was in that video. Unlike High School Musical, Hannah Montana, or even Cheetah Girls, we never had a Hilary Duff CD, which feels like a crime. Because if we had the Metamorphosis CD, we would've rinsed that album at nauseum during car rides, especially this track.
Ain't It Fun - Paramore
I never suspected this song would become an all-time favorite, but that's why I value looking back and rediscovering songs I forgot about over the years, including this song. It's an upbeat song about the realities of growing up, but in a more tongue-in-cheek way. It feels like an older person talking down to someone who expects the world when they grow older. It also helps that the melodies and hooks are SO infectious and a random choir moment towards the end of the track. It's a whole journey for an unusually long radio hit.
I first discovered this song when it became a sleeper hit on the radio back in early 2014. I liked the song at the time, but I didn't go out of my way to listen to it on my own time. I still didn't have my own iTunes or Spotify account. It wasn't until college around 2021 when I randomly came across Paramore's older hits, that this track and Still into You began my rediscovery of Paramore's music. I'm still not a superfan, but this song helped me realize how special this band is.
peace - Taylor Swift
I never usually put stripped-down songs in my all-time favorites, but this song breaks through because of the genuine sincerity of it all. This is about swearing to love and protect someone in spite of the uncertainty and turbulence of their surroundings, especially with someone who brings a lot of scrutiny. Almost like an oasis to the chaos.
I discovered this song a few months after the folklore album came out in 2020. The alternative song initially put me off, but when I eventually gave the entire album a chance and especially after a few listens, this track became my standout favorite of mine. It really helped me get through the latter half of a pandemic-filled 2020.
Don't You Worry Child - Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin
Talk about a sad bop. I don't know why EDM songs with darker undertones hit harder for me, but this might take the cake. When dug deeper to the John Martin's backstory, it was even more sad because his parents' divorce was the inspiration. Even the lyrics themselves reminisce about childhood innoncence even through hardships and how much harder it is to cope when you're older.
I discovered this song on the radio around 2013, during that golden era of EDM music. It was probably sandwiched between Clarity and Get Lucky on the KISS-FM radio station. My sister never bought it on iTunes, but I always kept this song in my memory thanks to Just Dance and now it's a comfort song to me.
Levitating - Dua Lipa
My god, this song had a chokehold on EVERYONE in 2020, even me. The irony that is dance-centric disco track dominated music during one of the most isolating, depressing periods in humanity has not lost on me. We needed any pick-me-ups and I'm glad the crowd chose this certified bop as one. It might be one of those perfect pop songs that will forever be timeless. I can't even describe exactly why this track is a masterpiece, it just bring out the purest joy in people.
I didn't listen to this song right when Future Nostalgia came out in March 2020, but I remember a period of time where I fell in love with Levitating BEFORE it became an official single with a music video...so where are my brownie points? But this came to be one of my most streamed songs in 2020 on Spotify, along with the rest of the world. I'm proud to be basic this one time.
Call It What You Want - Taylor Swift
This sentimental song holds such a soft spot for me because it's a genuine love song within a cloud of darkness. It's that bitter undertone again. Name a bolder move than enjoying life in spite of negativity. Especially in 2017, where it seemed like everyone wanted others to suffer, holding onto anything that gave you solace was crucial. The track is the oasis within a desert of vengeance.
I discovered this song when it released as a promotional single right before the reputation album came out in late 2017. That lyric video was beautifully animated as well. This became an instant favorite and I would continue to repeat this song until it became one of my all-time favorite Taylor songs.
Drive - Miley Cyrus
Such a strange deep cut within a controversial album. But I appreciate that past the obviously braggadocious themes are some sincere moments of turmoil and turbulence, especially with this breakup track. Instead of being a kiss-off, it's a stream of consciousness of how this lover has hurt her. It's not a simple as "you don't love me". It's about broken promises, yet feeling frustrated that you still want to be with them.
Because I felt betrayed about Miley's adult transition from the Disney days, I didn't give this album a chance and only knew a few singles from the album like We Can't Stop and Wrecking Ball. But it wasn't until years later around 2019 that I gave a few deep cuts a shot, which is when I was blown away by this sad bop.
XO - Beyoncé
This might just be the ultimate sentimental song to exist. And of course if comes from Beyoncé. Just a simple premise but the outreach is worldwide. Do I even need to explain it? It's THE love song, the kind where time slows and all other noise drowns out. The production really helps drive that intimacy across. The crowd singing along in the chorus is also very touching. It's an ode to both lovers and supporters. What a hopeful time back then...
I really did live under a rock as a preteen because I never listened to the entire self-title album until 2025, despite hearing about how revolutionary it was. But thankfully I did discover this song a handful of years prior, around early 2020...very fitting. Whenever I need to appreciate life, this track takes priority.
Run Away With Me - Carly Rae Jepsen
Yes, the intro of this song is a meme, but that does such a disservice to how much of a banger this is. There are very few that I'd deem as perfect pop songs, but this passed with flying colors. One word that I'd describe this track is BLISS, which perfectly matches the reckless and passionate subject matter. Love songs can be simple and anthemic at the same time. They don't have to be generic and formulaic.
I discovered this track in 2019, a handful of years after the single came out. It's a shame that I never heard this song on the radio cuz I KNOW it would be an instant favorite of mine. I remember when I was a sophomore in college, this is one of the songs I played for my classmates when we would have our homework sessions into the night and they seemed to like it a lot.
Locked out of Heaven - Bruno Mars
As a kid, I was so blown away by how different this song sounded compared to other radio hits at the time that I didn't even know it was a retro-style sound. The adoration I have for how intricate and dynamic the production is off the charts. The euphoria kicks in from the bridge onward with the last chorus slowing down the production, which is rare for pop song. Yes, the lyrics are a tad bit more risqué than your run-of-the-mill love song, but that didn't matter to pre-teen Yello! A bop is a bop.
I first heard this song when it was the lead single back in 2012. I liked listening to it on the radio, but I didn't appreciate it as much as I do now. It was one of those nostalgic singles that I forgot about until I had my own Spotify account, where it sits comfortably in my "Radio Favorites" playlist.
