Don't Speak

If you turned onto Virgin Radio for more than half-an-hour or so in 1997 or 1998, the chances are that you would've heard Don't Speak, sung by Gwen Stefani when she was in the band No Doubt. One reason for this is that Virgin Radio never had more than 5 songs on their playlist. The other is that it's a genius pop-song.

Despite being about the break-up of a relationship, it's got what I believe music journalists call a brilliant 'hook', and Stefani's voice melds perfectly with the melody. It's simply one of the best pop songs you could hope to hear, yet it's often neglected in Top-100 compilations. Perhaps now that it's over that crucial 10-year horizon, it will acquire some nostalgic value, and begin to be recognised as a pop classic.