t pop hits. By taking a few songs from this list it is possible to examine some of these characteristics that make a great song.One of the most memorable and timeless songs in history would have to be Rolling Stones Satisfaction. In the Rollinstone article they ranked this song as being the second greatest pop song of all time right under the Beatles Yesterday. This song is centered on a guitar riff that lead guitarist Keith Richards almost while sleeping. He woke up with the riff in his mind, recorded it on a tape player, and then immediately fell back asleep. This guitar riff is the hook of the song, which had immediate appeal and connection for the listener. The hook and immediate mass appeal were two of the techniques mentioned earlier as a character of a successful song. The song also touched the emotional chord of the listener with intense lyrics that made cultural commentary in the sixties the song was destined to be a hit. It was at number one for four weeks, on the charts for fourteen weeks, and was the song that propelled the Rolling Stones from a decent band into one of the greatest rock bands of all time.An example of a song that was successful more because of its lyrical content rather than mostly its musical aspect is Michael Jacksons Billie Jean. The song was one of Jacksons first attempts at songwriting from a deep, dark, and emotional place. The song was inspired by the true story of a crazed fan writing him letters claiming that he was the father of her son. The song was mysterious, and Jackson and his family already intrigued listeners so it was an emotional attachment that hooked in the audience. The song was at number one for seven weeks, on the charts for twenty-four weeks, and helped his album Thriller be such a phenomenal success.When Nirvana released the single Smells Like Teen Spirit it was evident that music was in for a change. Nirvana soon reined the charts ending the careers of dozens of hair bands and even...
