This set explores a pop era both celebrated and maligned, as much for the stars’ tabloid omnipresence as for the dawning sense that their songs are closer to corporate products than genuine artistic expression (a trend that’s only accelerated). There’s something to be said for the music-as-product model though - these songs have endured! Songwriters like Max Martin construct clockwork opuses like “I Want It That Way” with the visionary rigor of a Jony Ive. And fluke hits like “Friday” prove pop can still be a vehicle for new and singular voices, no matter how baffling.