Author: Emily Hughes

Prince could make a sparse funk rhythm feel complete, then turn around and stretch a ballad into a huge guitar performance. These 20 picks cover dance-floor favorites, romantic songs and …

Johnny Cash could make a love song sound resolute, a travel song feel restless and a tall tale land with a perfectly straight face. These 20 great songs bring together …

Nirvana could turn a simple guitar figure into a huge chorus, then hold your attention with a nearly whispered acoustic song. These 20 picks cover the band’s familiar singles, heavier …

Madonna’s best songs include the dance-floor pull of “Into the Groove,” the sweeping chorus of “Like a Prayer” and the quieter heartbreak of “Take a Bow.” These 20 picks move …

Drake’s songs range from relaxed R&B and bright dance tracks to focused rap singles. “Hotline Bling,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Headlines” make good starting points for those different …

Bob Dylan’s songs range from the searching questions of “Blowin’ in the Wind” to the electric drive of “Like a Rolling Stone.” These 20 picks include familiar starting points, tender …

Bruce Springsteen’s best songs bring together restless rock anthems, detailed stories and quieter moments of reflection. “Born to Run,” “Dancing in the Dark” and “Thunder Road” are familiar starting points, …

Jennifer Lopez’s songs bring together dance-pop, R&B and Latin rhythms. These 20 picks include familiar favorites such as “On the Floor” and “Waiting for Tonight,” alongside softer ballads and Spanish-language …

Whitney Houston’s great songs include the powerful farewell of “I Will Always Love You,” the bright pop of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and the gentle groove of “My Love …

George Strait’s best songs range from fiddle-led cowboy stories to quiet love songs and good-humored dance tunes. “Amarillo by Morning,” “The Chair,” and “Check Yes or No” are strong starting …