Tik Tok

The opening line of "Tik Tok" set a new tone for pop music in late 2009 when Kesha Sebert declared she was brushing her teeth with a bottle of Jack Daniel's. This talk-sung verse introduced an unapologetic, glitter-soaked persona that stood apart from the polished productions dominating the charts at the time. Co-written with Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco, the track served as the lead single for her debut album Animal, which arrived in January 2010.

Its production relied on a sparse yet infectious arrangement featuring a clicking beat, handclaps, and a synth line that stuck to listeners immediately. The song shifted between conversational rapping in the verses and a soaring, melodic chorus where Kesha urged everyone to "Don't stop, make it pop." Critics initially debated whether this energy was a breakthrough or disposable noise, but the public response was undeniable.

Commercially, the song became a juggernaut, spending nine consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. That streak marked the longest-running number-one debut by a female artist up to that point. It topped charts in over a dozen countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and Norway. By the end of 2010, digital sales had surpassed 14 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling single of the year. The RIAA eventually certified the track 12 times Platinum, and Billboard later placed it at number 68 on its all-time Hot 100 chart. [edit]