2021 - Can't Stop The Pop

Westlife – Swear It Again

‘Swear It Again’ was the start of a new era for pop music and there was no stopping Westlife as they showcased a tried-and-tested formula.

The Honeyz were on the cusp of a lucrative record deal in America when they released ‘Love Of A Lifetime’. What could possibly go wrong?

It was a moment of cultural significance when Kavana released ‘MFEO’ as his fourth single, long before text speak was even a thing.

The ’90s/’00s teen-pop takeover continued apace as Jessica Simpson released her debut single ‘I Wanna Love You Forever’.

Having blossomed as one of the Spice Girls’ best singers, the time came from Emma Bunton to launch her solo career proper

As the final single from Atomic Kitten’s second album, ‘Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt’ had an important link to the group’s legacy.

‘Fool Again’ brought Westlife’s debut album campaign to a fittingly triumphant – if ever so slightly predictable – finale.

‘Sweet Lies’ is the epitome of a pleasant pop song that didn’t ever sound like it would trouble the charts.

‘Scandalous’ is everything that the lead single from a second album should be and represents Mis-Teeq at their zenith.

The shadow of Savage Garden lingers over ‘Insatiable’. But it’s far more than a perfunctory debut single for Darren Hayes.

Ballads rarely – if ever – factor into a discussion of Girls Aloud’s best songs. But ‘Whole Lotta History’ is a notable exception to the rule.

‘Love Revolution’ was further evidence that if any pop act could successfully revive the sound and spirit of the ’80s, then it was Phixx.