Elizabeth Ziman

Song: "Right Next To You"
Artist: Elizabeth Ziman
Album: Elizabeth & The Catapult

This is a jazzy pop artist with a velvety voice and if you haven't heard her yet, you need to. She's a New Yorker and not yet signed to a major label, but if you like Norah Jones, Suzanne Vega or Jill Cunniff, grab this record now and thank me later. More than just the voice, Ziman's songwriting is stellar.

Sour Girl

Song: "Sour Girl"
Artist: Stone Temple Pilots
Album: Thank You

This was not your typical grunge-type song from this grunge band. And that's what makes it such a great song. It's melodic, poppy and shows a different side to lead singer Scott Weiland, who actually sings normally and not like he has a pickle in his mouth.

Loverboy

Song: "The Kid Is Hot Tonite"
Artist: Loverboy
Album: Loverboy

Though they now are practically made fun of for being a cheesy 80s band, Loverboy knew how to rock in their day. In a time when new wave was hitting, there was still a place for good pop/rock bands like Loverboy and Journey. Mike Reno had a great rock voice and this band knew how to crank out hit songs.

Every Kinda People

Song: "Every Kinda People"
Artist: Robert Palmer
Album: Double Fun

Robert Palmer is best remembered for his "Addicted To Love" video in which he looked all dapper and got to dance with scantily clad hot chicks. But that doesn't show the depth of Palmer's catalog, because he had lots of great songs even before that, including this one, which is a soulful pop song with R&B flavors ala Marvin Gaye.

Mrs. Rita

Song: "Mrs. Rita"
Artist: Gin Blossoms
Album: New Miserable Experience

This was a great pop/rock album, but unfortunately for the Gin Blossoms, they broke out right in the middle of the grunge movement. That meant they were lumped with bands like Hootie & The Blowfish for not being as cool as the Nirvanas, Pearl Jams and Soundgardens of the world. But man, could they craft great songs. In my opinion, this album is still their best.

Overkill

Song: "Overkill"
Artist: Men At Work
Album: Cargo

I don't think there is a single song that feels like spring to me more than this Men At Work song. When it came out in 1983, I remember feeling the warmth of spring in the air and how this song fit that mood. Actually, it's pretty close to a perfect pop song, period.

Overkill

Song: "Overkill"
Artist: Men At Work
Album: Cargo

I don't think there is a single song that feels like spring to me than this Men At Work song. When it came out in 1983, I remember feeling the warmth of spring in the air and how this song fit that mood. Actually, it's pretty close to a perfect pop song, period.