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When Tim Westergren started Pandora in 2000, his aims were considerably more limited than trying to create the world’s biggest digital radio channel. “As a film composer, a large part of my day was spent sitting with a director and swapping CDs. It turns out that’s the only way to really get to know someone’s taste,” he says. Today, Pandora’s Musical Genome consists of complex formulas designed to reflect the particular attributes of the millions of songs in its database, but back in 2000, it was just Westergren, one musician speaking his own truth. We asked Westergren to come up with his Top 10 musical attributes and the songs that best exemplify them. The Genome started here.

1. Percussive chordal piano
Ben Folds, “Tom & Mary”
I’m a piano player, and I’ve always gravitated to this style.

2. Melody
James Taylor, “Fire and Rain”
Good melodies for me are completely timeless.

3. Melodic piano solo
Steely Dan, “Ruby Baby”
This solo by Greg Phillinganes is so perfect it gives me something to aspire to.

4. Acoustic guitar
Simon & Garfunkle, “Bleecker Street”
I’m a very nostalgic person and the guitar work here is very nostalgic.

5. Funky groove
Brand New Heavies, “Have a Good Time”
You can’t help but feel good when you hear it.

6. Delicate female vocals
Imogen Heap, “Hide & Seek”
This is just a really personal taste thing. It’s very bare, very raw.

7. Pop songs with classical orchestration
Elton John, “Madman Across the Water”
Elton did a version with Bruce Hornsby that shows what the hybrid of classical and pop could be. There’s never enough.

8. Four part harmony
Bach’s Etudes
An intellectual fascination. An intense listening experience.

9. Hooks
Hanson, “Mmm-bop”
For all the music purists to turn over in their grave.
It’s so much harder than it looks.

10. Choral harmonization
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Sacred Hymns
An otherworldly musical presence.