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.
100. Justin Timberlake - Summer Love
© Jive Records
It's one of the weaker songs on FutureSex/LoveSounds but at this particular point in time average Justin Timberlake is better than the best by many other performers.
99. Akon - Don't Matter
Courtesy UniversalMotown
Akon has a sure hand with melody, and it's obviously apparent in this sweet song of forbidden love.
98. Lil Mama - Lip Gloss
Courtesy Jive Records
Something tells me this isn't the last we'll hear from teenage Lil Mama. This song is a throwback to classic hip hop girl groups like J.J. Fad and Salt 'n Pepa.
97. Ne-Yo - Because of You
Courtesy Def Jam
96. Blake Lewis - Break Anotha
Courtesy J Records
Blake Lewis, this year's American Idol runner-up, brings his musical vision to record. His energy and passion for pop are in abundant evidence here.
95. Rihanna featuring Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You
Courtesy Def Jam
94. Mat Kearney - Nothing Left to Lose
Courtesy Sony
It took many months, but Mat Kearney finally broke through into the pop top 40 this year. The moments that will stick in your memory are when he effortlessly glides into his upper vocal register as the chorus kicks off.
93. Enrique Iglesias - Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)
Photo by Scott Gries / Getty Images
Pop Latin superstar Enrique Iglesias returned this year with this fun little slice of pop effervescence complete with ping pong ball sound effects.
92. Katharine McPhee - Over It
Courtesy J Records
2006 American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee hit the pop singles chart early this year with this wistful, soulful song. The use of lower register is particularly engaging.
91. Natasha Bedingfield featuring Sean Kingston - Love Like This
Courtesy Epic Records
A sunny, singalong tune that takes advantage of the rocket to stardom of teenager Sean Kingston. On the charts Natasha Bedingfield avoided the sophomore curse by taking this song into the pop top 10.
