Behind the Hits: The Unsung Heroes of Songwriting

popular pop music song lyrics and song writers

Even though the spotlight usually falls on the performers that produce songs, some of music’s most important individuals in music are the songwriters that work the hits behind the scenes.

These musical architects produced the melodies and lyrics for popular music. Consider several of the best songwriters to come along without actually recording a note.

Looking for popular pop music song lyrics? We have come up with favorite and trending and sing along to the hottest hits. Explore our curated collection of chart-topping lyrics now.

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Writers and their popular pop music song lyrics

  • Max Martin
  • Diane Warren
  • Jimmy Webb
  • Bernie Taupin
  • Holland-Dozier-Holland
  • HONOURABLE MENTION
  • Carole King


Max Martin


Swedish songwriter and producer Max Martin is arguably the most successful songwriter of the modern era. His works are regarded as popular pop music song lyrics. With 27 Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits to his name, Martin has written for virtually every pop superstar of the past three decades.

His mathematical approach to songwriting has produced some of the most infectious hooks in pop music history. Martin has won the ASCAP Pop Music Songwriter of the Year Award 11 times.


Notable hits:


“…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears
“I Want It That Way” – Backstreet Boys
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” – Backstreet Boys
“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
“Save Your Tears (Remix)” – The Weeknd and Ariana Grande
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
“So What” – Pink
“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
“It’s My Life” – Bon Jovi
“It’s Gonna Be Me” – NSYNC

Diane Warren


Known as the “Queen of the Power Ballad,” Diane Warren has written hits across multiple decades and genres. Her emotional lyrics and memorable melodies have earned her an Oscar, a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe.

Warren has had nine No. 1 songs and 32 top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100. Her songs have been recorded by artists ranging from Celine Dion to Aerosmith.


Biggest successes:


“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
“Un-Break My Heart” – Toni Braxton
“How Do I Live” – LeAnn Rimes
“Rhythm of the Night” – DeBarge
“I Get Weak” – Belinda Carlisle
“Nothing’s Going to Stop Us Now” – Starship
“I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” – Chicago
“If I Could Turn Back Time” – Cher
“Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
“Solitaire” – Laura Branigan

Jimmy Webb


Jimmy Webb is often cited as America’s greatest living composer. His sophisticated compositions blend elements of pop, country, and classical music, creating timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences decades later.

He achieved success at an early age, winning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year at the age of 21; with “Up, Up and Away”.

In fact, at the 1969 Grammy Awards, Webb accepted awards for “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman”, and “MacArthur Park”.

During his career, he had a close working relationship with Glen Campbell and Johnny Rivers.


Standout compositions:


“Wichita Lineman” – Glen Campbell
“By the Time I Get to Phoenix” – Glen Campbell
“Galveston” – Glen Campbell
“Up, Up and Away” – The Fifth Dimension
“Worst That Could Happen” – The Fifth Dimension / Brooklyn Bridge
“The Highwayman” – The Highwaymen (Cash / Jennings / Kristofferson / Nelson)
“MacArthur Park” – Richard Harris / Donna Summer

Bernie Taupin


For over 50 years, Bernie Taupin has been Elton John’s primary lyricist, forming one of music’s most successful partnerships.

Taupin’s vivid storytelling and poetic lyrics have provided the foundation for some of pop music’s most enduring songs.

While the pair had 27 Top Ten hits, with 9 reaching #1 status, Taupin also had success with a few other performers. His collaboration with Starship and Heart produced two more #1 hits.


Legendary collaborations:


“We Built This City” – Starship
“These Dreams” – Heart
Virtually all hits by Elton John – Below are songs that were Top 10 U.S. Pop Hits
“Rocket Man” “Crocodile Rock” “Daniel” “Bennie and the Jets”
“Your Song” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” “Honky Cat”
“Tiny Dancer” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” “The Bitch is Back”
“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” “Philadelphia Freedom” “Island Girl”
“Someone Saved My Life Tonight” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”
“Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
“Sad Songs” “Nikita” “Candle In The Wind”

Elton John Hits NOT Written with Taupin
“Little Jeannie” “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” “Circle of Life”

Holland-Dozier-Holland


The songwriting and production team of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland were the architects of the Motown sound.

Their songs combined catchy melodies with sophisticated arrangements, creating a template for pop success that endures to this day.

Their main benefactor were The Supremes, who had TEN #1 U.S. Pop hits.


Motown classics:


“Heat Wave” – Martha and the Vandellas / Linda Ronstadt
“Where Did Our Love Go” – The Supremes
“Stop! In the Name of Love” – The Supremes
“Baby Love” – The Supremes
“Come See About Me” – The Supremes
“Back in My Arms Again” – The Supremes
“You Can’t Hurry Love” – The Supremes / Phil Collins
“You Keep Me Hanging On” – The Supremes
“The Happening” – The Supremes
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” – Four Tops
“Baby, I Need Your Loving” – Four Tops
“Reach Out, I’ll Be There” – Four Tops
“How Sweet It Is (To be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye
“Band of Gold” – Freda Payne

These songwriting virtuosos remind us the pen behind the music is just as important as the performers.

Their ability to describe universal feelings and experiences in three-minute pop songs has made our soundtracks and lives for generations.

While we celebrate the artists that make these songs possible, let us remember the songwriters that create the hits that we enjoy.

HONOURABLE MENTION

– She recorded some of her music after providing some major hits for others first.


Carole King


Before her successful career as a performer, Carole King was one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1960s. Working alongside her then-husband Gerry Goffin, King wrote countless hits in New York’s legendary Brill Building.


Early hits as a songwriter:


“Take Good Care of My Baby” – Bobby Vee
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – The Shirelles
“The Loco-Motion” – Little Eva
“One Fine Day” – The Chiffons
“Up On the Roof” – The Drifters
“I’m Into Something Good” – Herman’s Hermits
“Go Away Little Girl” – Steve Lawrence
“Some Kind of Wonderful” – The Drifters
“You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor
‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ – Arethra Franklin

Join with curated collections of pop music song lyrics

Pop music has a unique way of captivating listeners with its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Whether you’re singing along to timeless classics or the latest chart-toppers, popular pop music song lyrics have the power to evoke emotions and connect people across the globe.

From inspiring love songs to energetic dance anthems, these lyrics tell stories that resonate with fans from all walks of life.

If you’re a music lover, dive into the world of pop lyrics and discover the magic behind the words of your favorite songs.

Start exploring today and let the rock and roll rhythms, siblings acts and and lyrics inspire you! Stay connected your rock and rolls collectibles store for canvas posters, wall art, shadow art or TIN signs

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