This is admittedly a subjective list based on judgments of quality instead of sales figures or radio airplay. A number of songs have expanded reviews - click on the word 'Review' to read more information about the song.
This list should be a great conversation starter and feel free to agree or disagree. Either way there is a lot of great pop music to be found here.
20. Celine Dion - Taking Chances
Courtesy Sony
Celine Dion did indeed take chances on this single that marked her return to English-language pop recording. She moves into slightly more rocking territory in highly tasteful fashion. Some pop fans may take a second look at Celine after hearing this track. Don't miss the Eurythmics reference in the second half of the song.
19. Amy Winehouse - Rehab
Photo by Rob Loud, © C3 Presents / Front Row Center
None of the tabloid headlines over the personal problems of Amy Winehouse can erase the sheer retro brilliance of the sound of this song.
18. Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
© Universal Republic
With Colbie Caillat's emergence into the pop spotlight, MySpace officially became a music force to be reckoned with. This is one of the most comforting pop hits in recent memory. Smiles all around.
17. Regina Spektor - Fidelity
Photo © Kristin Vogel
Regina Spektor is one of the most unique artist to emerge into the pop mainstream in the past year. Spektor carries the song primarily through unique effects she produces simply with her own voice.
16. Paramore - Misery Business
Courtesy Fueled By Ramen
Paramore brought a bracing burst of pop punk energy to the pop charts this year with style well beyond their very young years. Confidence brims from every chord and the commanding wails of lead vocalist Hayley Williams.
15. Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
Courtesy A&M Records
Sounding like an instant classic upon release, this song became one of the biggest pop hit singles of the year. Fergie may not be the most technically skilled female singer in the business, but "Big Girls Don't Cry" proves she knows how to use her voice to its most stunning effect.
14. Alicia Keys - No One
Courtesy J Records
It may take a few listens for this Alicia Keys hit to sink in, but once it does, her vocals will be certain to move you.
13. Timbaland featuring OneRepublic - Apologize
Courtesy Interscope
The combined power of a gorgeous song by upcoming band OneRepublic and a gentle, tasteful production job from Timbaland brought soaring pop music back to the top of the pop singles chart. OneRepublic leader Ryan Tedder was one of the hottest songwriters and producers in the business by the end of 2007.
12. Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar
Courtesy Big Machine Records
Crossing over from the country music community, this is one of the best written songs of the year. The performance is available now in both country and pop mixes. You can take your choice. Either way it's a brilliant vocal performance by teen Taylor Swift in addition to the song's emotional charms.
11. Kanye West - Stronger
courtesy Roc-a-Fella
It seemed a tall order for Kanye West to follow up the brilliance of "Gold Digger." However, undaunted, he made matching the quality with an entirely different approach seem effortless. Hip hop meets global electropop in bracing terms.
