Good luck pinpointing the precise reason for a pop song’s breakthrough. The many factors that come into play — like aesthetic trends, favorable timing and how broadly its sentiment resonates — are ...

Let’s lift our voices and sing: “Giddy up, oom poppa, oom poppa, mow mow.” The Oak Ridge Boys’ version of “Elvira” is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, and the 1981 hit song remains a ...