David Byrne put out the May edition of his monthly playlist, and this month's theme is "Pop Music." He included songs by Post Malone, Skrillex + Diplo + Justin Bieber, Grimes, Selena Gomez, Drake, Sia, MO, CHVRCHES, Hozier, Britney Spears, Pixies, The Weeknd, Carly Rae Jepsen, Halsey, Camila Cabello, Migos, Chance the Rapper, MGMT and more. He also accompanied the playlist with this message, which is very worth reading:



In my world, certain people look down their noses at pop music. I believe they consider it inauthentic, pandering, manufactured and lacking any intention other than being a “hit”. Much of that is true, but of course there are many exceptions—great songs that speak to their times and also become hits.

Many of the songs here were made by committee. There are often multiple writers, producers and mixers who collaborate to shape the final product. They’re very complicated collaborations. Does the singer, the artist, have a hand in it too? I’m not privy to this process. John Seabrook’s recent book, The Song Machine, gives more details, but I believe the artist and their managers do get to vet what is pitched to them. But they for sure get leaned on by the record and production companies that are part of the creative process. The artist and their reps have an idea of what seems right for themselves at that moment—it might be something fun, something provocative or something that signals a change in direction. The choice of song and producer tells a story.

But are pop songs any good? Most of the songs on this playlist are total earworms for me. They’re not all current—I’ve been accumulating them for some time, but I sense they do have something in common. Though the sounds and styles vary, I’d say that one has to admire the skill and craft involved in the creation of these hooks, the incremental dribbling out of little surprises and the production that holds your attention.

I subscribe to most of those aims and values as well, but I’m saddled with trying to keep my eccentricities while still having catchy choruses and an accessible sound. I listen and learn from these songs and their production, while still perversely holding onto the idea that I can also do it my own way. I love collaborating, but I’m too much of a control freak to ever completely let go of the reigns. But I can still sit back, enjoy and sing along.

Listen Byrne's full playlist HERE.

Byrne recently released his first solo album in 14 years, and he's touring, including NYC's Panorama, two Forest Hills Stadium shows with Tune-Yards, and more.

--

Tracklist

I Fall Apart by Post Malone

Where Are Ü Now (with Justin Bieber) by Skrillex and Diplo

Flesh Without Blood by Grimes

Venus Fly by Grimes feat. Janelle Monáe

Stay With Me feat. Mary J. Blige by Sam Smith

If We're In Love by Róisín Murphy

Just Like We Never Said Goodbye by Sophie

Born Again Teen by Lucius

Hands To Myself by Selena Gomez

Sorry by Justin Beiber

Hotline Bling by Drake

Chandelier by Sia

Kamikaze by MØ

The Mother We Share by Chvrches

Take Me to Church by Hozier

How I Roll by Britney Spears

Here Comes Your Man by Pixies

Party Monster by The Weeknd

Girls Like (feat. Zara Larsson) by Tinie Tempah

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Classic Man by Jidenna feat. Roman GianArthur

Bad At Love by Halsey

Havana by Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug

Redbone by Childish Gambino

TShirt by Migos

Bad Liar by Selena Gomez

Can't Feel My Face by The Weeknd

Blessings by Chance The Rapper

FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna & Kanye West & Paul McCartney

Lemonade by Sophie

Electric Feel by MGMT