Top 100 Pop Songs of 2010

Year 2010 And Field

 

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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. Feel free to agree or to disagree. Either way, there is a lot of great pop music to be found on this list.

100
of 100

Nickelback - "This Afternoon"

It's a laidback song from Nickelback that's perfect for a barbeque. It's complete with an amusing accompanying music video. 

99
of 100

Ke$ha - "Your Love Is My Drug"

Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug," is an insanely catchy tune complete with giggling and a silly spoken word outro. 

98
of 100

Black Eyed Peas - "Imma Be"

For the fourth single from their smash hit album, the Black Eyed Peas turned to this song with a dual personality. It begins as stripped down hip-hop then slides into a jazzy groove for the end section. The result was another #1 pop hit for the group. 

97
of 100

Shontelle - "Impossible"

Barbados born Shontelle proved that she was not a one-hit wonder with this plaintive ballad that placed higher up on the charts than her first hit "T-Shirt" did.​ 

96
of 100

Willow Smith - "Whip My Hair"

When she was only ten years old, Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, released this song that went viral on the internet. It's uptempo and extremely catchy, but it can seem a bit simplistic and terribly repetitive as well.  

95
of 100

Timbaland featuring Katy Perry - "If We Ever Meet Again"

In an unusual twist, Timbaland sings here. This song also helped keep Katy Perry in the pop spotlight while fans waited for her next album.​

94
of 100

Taio Cruz - "Dynamite"

Taio Cruz' second big hit in the US is a collaborative effort with Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Benny Blanco. All three are masters of contemporary pop.​ 

93
of 100

Taylor Swift - "Today Was a Fairytale"

Taylor Swift's "Today Was a Fairytale," debuted at #2 on the pop singles chart. It was written and performed specifically for the soundtrack to the film Valentine's Day and features Taylor Swift in pop mode singing about a nearly perfect day.

92
of 100

Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber - "Eeenie Meenie"

Two of the top teen-oriented artists collaborated on a track that sounded like pure summer fun when it first appeared in the spring of 2010. Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber toured together later in the year.​ 

91
of 100

We the Kings featuring Demi Lovato - "We'll Be a Dream"

Two teen favorites collaborate here for an outstanding teen dating song. This one is a prime candidate for next year's prom list.​ 

90
of 100

Jesse McCartney - "Shake"

Jesse McCartney takes the approach here of not messing with a formula that works. He says that it is the song on his upcoming album Have It All that is most similar to the previous Departure collection.​ Listen to the song.

89
of 100

Kelly Clarkson - "All I Ever Wanted"

The title track from Kelly Clarkson's album All I Ever Wanted is one of the strongest tracks on the collection. It was originally recorded by the Oklahoma rock band Aranda.

88
of 100

Miranda Cosgrove - "Kissin' U"

The 17-year-old star of Nickelodeon's show iCarly embarked on pursuing a mainstream pop career this year. The song is centered on the sweetness of young love. 

87
of 100

Justin Bieber - "Somebody To Love"

This appealing dance-pop song was initially recorded as a demo by Usher. However, he rejected the song for himself and suggested that his protege Justin Bieber do a recording of the song. Ultimately, there are now versions with both Usher and Justin Bieber taking lead vocals while the other provides backup support.

86
of 100

Iyaz - "Solo"

Borrowing a hook from Janet Jackson's "Again," Iyaz proved here he is no one hit wonder.​ 

85
of 100

Jason Derulo - "In My Head"

A debut single as massive as 2009's "Whatcha Say" is a hard act to follow. However, "In My Head" is catchy enough it did the trick turning into another big hit for Jason Derulo.​ 

84
of 100

Selena Gomez and the Scene - "Naturally"

17-year-old Selena Gomez broke into the pop top 40 for the first time with this perky bit of dance pop. The song climbed all the way to the top 10 in the United Kingdom. 

83
of 100

Enrique Iglesias featuring Pitbull - "I Like It"

A little promotion from the hit TV show Jersey Shore and surefire raps from Pitbull helped bring Enrique Iglesias back into the pop top 10 for the first time in nearly ten years. This is one of the top party hits of the year.

82
of 100

Jay-Z featuring Mr. Hudson - "Young Forever"

Jay-Z's haunting song is built around Alphaville's 1984 song "Forever Young." This hit served as an introduction to US mainstream pop audiences for British artist Mr. Hudson, a protege of Kanye West.

81
of 100

Linkin Park - "The Catalyst"

Linkin Park headed in the direction of more synth textures and less rock guitar on this lead single from the A Thousand Suns album. The album and single were a commercial disappointment for the band in a year in which rock did not fare well at all in music sales.​ 

80
of 100

Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP - "We No Speak Americano"

Australian duo Yolanda Be Cool built a worldwide pop sensation around a sample of a 1950s Italian pop song. It is quite repetitive but good for a solid smile the first few times through.

79
of 100

Flo Rida featuring David Guetta - "Club Can't Handle Me"

Flo Rida collaborated here with one of the hottest pop-dance producers, David Guetta. The result was another extremely catchy pop hip-hop song that brought Flo Rida his fifth top 10 pop hit in the past three years.​ 

78
of 100

Taylor Swift - "Mine"

Taylor Swift's first single from the massively successful Speak Now was somewhat disappointing seeming a bit too similar to previous hits. Fortunately, "Mine" is one of the weaker tracks on the album. There ​were multiple outstanding tracks to come when the album hit stores.​

77
of 100

Train - "If It's Love"

Reportedly "If It's Love" was written around the same time as Train's hit "Hey, Soul Sister." It was intended as a thank you to Train's fans. 

76
of 100

Michael Jackson featuring Akon - "Hold My Hand"

The first single from Michael Jackson's posthumous album does feel a bit incomplete but is clearly in the mode of other classic uplifting Michael Jackson anthems. 

75
of 100

Wiz Khalifa - "Black and Yellow"

Wiz Khalifa makes his debut in the pop mainstream with a musical celebration of the colors most associated with his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Norwegian duo StarGate produced the song.​

74
of 100

Jay Sean featuring Nicki Minaj - "2012 (It Ain't the End)"

The first single from Jay Sean's first album after his massive breakthrough in 2009 with "Down" is musically more of the same and nearly as catchy. This year's most valuable featured artist Nicki Minaj adds her personality to the project.​ 

73
of 100

Christina Perri - "Jar Of Hearts"

The song "Jar Of Hearts" by singer Christina Perri caused a sensation after it was used as the soundtrack to dance on the reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance? The song climbed on to the Billboard Hot 100 after being released independently on iTunes. Later Atlantic Records reissued the song, and it began to rise on the charts again.​ 

72
of 100

Adam Lambert - "If I Had You"

Adam Lambert headed to the Max Martin hit factory here. It is catchy but slightly faceless. The accompanying music video is more distinctive than the song.​ 

71
of 100

Black Eyed Peas - "The Time (Dirty Bit)"

The Black Eyed Peas continue to march to the beat of their drummer. Here they build a song around the 1980s Dirty Dancing hit "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life." The primary concerns are celebration and fun.​

70
of 100

The Ready Set - "Love Like Woe"

The Ready Set is 21-year-old solo performer Jordan Michael Witzigreuter. He was signed to a recording contract by Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz. On this track producer, J.R. Rotem takes him in a pop dance direction. 

69
of 100

Lady Gaga - "Alejandro"

The final hit from Lady Gaga's collection The Fame Monster sounds like a musical tribute to none other than Ace of Base. It also came complete with a controversial video. 

68
of 100

Trey Songz featuring Nicki Minaj - "Bottoms Up"

R&B singer Trey Songz hit the pop top 10 with this song about the joys of hanging out in a club. It features a rap from Nicki Minaj performing as her alter ego Roman Zolanski.​ 

67
of 100

Sean Kingston featuring Nicki Minaj - "Letting Go (Dutty Love)"

Sean Kingston collaborated with the StarGate production team for the first time here. It keeps him on the dance floor and became one of his biggest hits.

66
of 100

will.i.am and Nicki Minaj - "Check It Out"

will.i.am, Nicki Minaj, and a big sample from the Buggles' classic "Video Killed the Radio Star" equaled tremendous musical fun. It even caused the re-united Buggles to create their cover version of "Check It Out."

65
of 100

Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris - "Break Your Heart"

The UK's Taio Cruz made his US debut with this ultra-catchy R&B and pop blend. It was a #1 smash hit helped by a strong rap assist from Ludacris. 

64
of 100

B.o.B. featuring Rivers Cuomo - "Magic"

Showing off his versatility rapper B.o.B. collaborated with Rivers Phoenix, lead vocalist of the band Weezer, for a catchy power pop song that resulted in his third consecutive top 10 hit. 

63
of 100

Mike Posner - "Please Don't Go"

Mike Posner's second hit single drops most ​hip-hop influences and moves more strongly in an electro-pop direction. He worked with hot producer Benny Blanco in putting together the record.

62
of 100

Shakira featuring Freshlyground - "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)"

Shakira's official anthem for the 2010 World Cup combines African and Latin elements for a truly international pop sound.​ 

61
of 100

3OH!3 featuring Ke$ha - "My First Kiss"

Trash pop at its finest. The duo 3OH!3 returned with party girl Ke$ha in tow. Good trashy fun or irritating? Most audiences did have a strong opinion. 

60
of 100

Usher featuring Pitbull - "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love"

Usher returned to the dance floor following his massive hit "OMG." This time it was with surefire pop melodies from Max Martin and a guest rap from Pitbull. 

59
of 100

K'Naan - "Wavin' Flag"

Somalia born Canadian rapper and singer K'Naan gained worldwide acclaim with this anthem. It was used extensively by Coca-Cola in advertising surrounding the 2010 World Cup.

58
of 100

Selena Gomez and the Scene - "Round and Round"

Teen star Selena Gomez moved into a more adult dance-pop sound here. It continued her hit streak and likely picked up some new adult fans to go with her solid teen base. 

57
of 100

Drake - "Over"

Drake previewed his debut album Thank Me Later with this powerful meditation on the impact of his rise to stardom over the previous year. 

56
of 100

Ke$ha - "Take It Off"

Ke$ha's world in which the ordinary becomes sexy and the trashy becomes exceptional continued here. "Take It Off" was the fourth consecutive top 10 pop hit from her debut album Animal.​ 

55
of 100

The Script - "Breakeven"

Irish band the Script made their US pop breakthrough with this song. Witty wordplay and midtempo pop rock proved tremendously appealing on pop radio. Ultimately "Breakeven" was certified platinum for download sales.  

54
of 100

Alicia Keys - "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"

This sexy and intense song of desire and lust from Alicia Keys was made even more powerful in the music video by tackling interracial dating as the primary plot element.​ 

53
of 100

Drake - "Find Your Love"

Drake turns a quest for love into something sounding like a near desperate search. The controversial video contains a surprise ending that will shock the first time through. 

52
of 100

Nicki Minaj - "Your Love"

Nicki Minaj was easily the featured rapper of the year. For her first major solo pop hit, she samples the Annie Lennox song "No More I Love Yous" for a hook.​ 

51
of 100

Goldfrapp - "Rocket"

"Rocket" sounds like Goldfrapp took a wide range of 80s pop influences and threw them in a blender. This delightfully catchy song is what came out. 

50
of 100

Kelis - "Acapella"

Kelis returned in 2010 and moved away from strong R&B to a more electronic dance-pop oriented sound. The inspirational lyrics are inspired by her son Knight. 

49
of 100

OneRepublic - "Secrets"

If you feel that you tend to run into the song "Secrets" nearly everywhere, it's probably not your imagination. OneRepublic's hit has been featured in a wide range of TV shows as well as advertising by Ralph Lauren and for Apple's iPhone 4. It is a grand, sweeping ballad in the tradition of the group's first major hit "Apologize."

48
of 100

Matisyahu - "One Day"

Matisyahu's spiritually uplifting prayer for peace in our world was used extensively as a theme song for NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics

47
of 100

Young Money featuring Lloyd - "Bedrock"

The Cash Money hip-hop label rolled out its superstar list of young rap artists to put together this clever collaborative effort. Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lloyd are among those featured here. 

46
of 100

Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars - "Billionaire"

Travie McCoy stepped away from his group Gym Class Heroes for this first solo effort. Honey sweet vocals on the hook by Bruno Mars helped it become a top 5 smash. 

45
of 100

Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris - "Baby"

This lead single from Justin Bieber's second album gets a lot of the credit for making him truly a world pop superstar. "Baby" rolled into the top 5 in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It proved he can deliver a hit single that instantly sounds timeless in its appeal. 

44
of 100

Sara Bareilles - "King Of Anything"

The lead single from Sara Bareilles' album Kaleidoscope Heart delivers more of the literate piano-based pop that animated her breakthrough "Love Song." It was inspired by her frustration with the amount of unsolicited advice she has received from others on how to live her life. 

43
of 100

Chris Brown - "Yeah 3X"

Chris Brown continued the rehabilitation of his mainstream pop career by heading back to the type of R&B dance music that made him a pop star in the first place. Watch the music video to enjoy Chris Brown's immense dancing talent as well.  

42
of 100

La Roux - "Bulletproof"

80s dance pop is the touchstone for this US debut hit by the duo La Roux. Ultimately "Bulletproof" amounts to a bit of an "I Will Survive" for a new generation.​ 

41
of 100

Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina - "Stereo Love"

Romanian musician and producer Edward Maya created an international pop sensation with this adaptation of an Azerbaijani song. The record reached #1 in at least ten different countries before making it to the US. 

40
of 100

Rihanna - "Rude Boy"

"Rude Boy" is nearly the only upbeat moment on Rihanna's album Rated R. However, even here the upbeat skates along the borderline of intensity when teasing of the unidentified male in the song runs along the border of taunting. The island lilt of the music here helped make this a huge #1 hit.​ 

39
of 100

Selena Gomez and the Scene - "A Year Without Rain"

Demonstrating her maturation as an artist, "A Year Without Rain" is an elegant dance ballad by Selena Gomez and her band the Scene. It became a top 40 hit on both pop and dance charts.​ 

38
of 100

Michael Buble - "Haven't Met You Yet"

Michael Buble successfully brought his sophisticated adult pop to the mainstream for the first time with the thoroughly charming "Haven't Met You Yet." It became his first top 40 pop hit after a string of bestselling albums. 

37
of 100

Mariah Carey - "Oh Santa!"

In the spirit of her perennial holiday hit "All I Want For Christmas Is You" Mariah Carey released her second-holiday album Merry Christmas II You. The lead single is a bubbly uptempo song borrowing the spirit of Motown and Phil Spector holiday classics. 

36
of 100

Duck Sauce - "Barbra Streisand"

This hit from the DJ partnership known as Duck Sauce samples Boney M's song "Gotta Go Home." The song hearkens back to classic disco with the utterance of "Barbra Streisand" as the only actual words that appear among the lyrics.

35
of 100

Pink - "Raise Your Glass"

Pink promotes her greatest hits collection with this celebration of the underdog that does seem to sum up the attitude of many of her top tracks of the past. Max Martin collaborated and helped bring Pink her second #1 pop hit single.

34
of 100

Robyn - "Indestructible"

Robyn says that this dance-pop hit is about things being both scary and fun when you meet someone new and fall in love. It is intelligent and irresistibly catchy pop that Robyn does particularly well.​

33
of 100

Sade - "Soldier Of Love"

Sade - "Soldier of Love"

Sade Records

Nearly ten years after their last appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, Sade returned with this spare, elegant, heartbreaking song. It went clear to #1 on the jazz chart while crossing over into R&B and pop. 

32
of 100

Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls"

With the release of "California Gurls," Katy Perry announced confidently that, "Summer begins here!" It did, and this delectably sweet perky pop song dominated the charts in the summer of 2010. 

31
of 100

Mike Posner - "Cooler Than Me"

Mike Posner's charming blend of pop and hip-hop was an anomaly on this past summer's Warped Tour, but it helped ensure a wide audience for his pop debut. 

30
of 100

Matt and Kim - "Cameras"

Matt and Kim's punk dance pop reached an even wider audience this year with their album Sidewalks opening at #30 on the album chart. Mainstream pop radio and audiences undeservedly overlook their music.

29
of 100

Paramore - "The Only Exception"

The biggest hit yet from the raucous punk-pop band Paramore is a reflective, bittersweet ballad. 

28
of 100

Mumford and Sons - "Little Lion Man"

"Little Lion Man" is the debut single from British folk-rock band Mumford and Sons. It has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song as well as the group being nominated for Best New Artist.

27
of 100

Usher featuring will.i.am - "OMG"

It didn't seem to make obvious sense for a collaboration automatically, but will.i.am brought out the splashy born entertainer in Usher. The result went straight to #1. 

26
of 100

Eminem - "Not Afraid"

Eminem previewed his Recovery album with a track that is truly inspirational. The result was a #1 debut on the pop singles chart.​ 

25
of 100

Kylie Minogue - "All the Lovers"

"All the Lovers" sounds like a grand culmination of Kylie Minogue's international pop success. This is beautiful, swirling disco pop that sparkles and shimmers in your ears.

24
of 100

Maroon 5 - "Misery"

Maroon 5 tightened up their sound here and provided more depth to the instrumental track with the guidance of legendary pop-rock producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. 

23
of 100

Enrique Iglesias featuring Ludacris and DJ Frank E - "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)"

Despite what might seem gimmicky about the use of the "f" word in an alternative version of this song, "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)" shows Enrique Iglesias in the club dance mode that is his musical comfort zone.

22
of 100

Coldplay - "Christmas Lights"

It was a year later than fans initially expected, but when Coldplay's Christmas record finally appeared, it sounded like a potential perennial holiday hit. The song begins in a melancholy tone but ends up proudly hopeful for the future. 

21
of 100

Rihanna - "Only Girl (In the World)"

Rihanna introduced her album project with this, well, loud and proud demand for potential lovers. It was a powerful return to club-ready dance-pop by one of the world's top pop artists. 

20
of 100

B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams and Eminem - "Airplanes"

The sound of B.o.B. turned more haunting on his second hit. Production from Alex Da Kid and a stellar vocal from Paramore's Hayley Williams helped turn this into a massive hit. 

19
of 100

Ke$ha - "We R Who We R"

Ke$ha introduced her EP with her most solid creation yet. The song is a celebration of uniqueness and the beauty of individuals delivered in Ke$ha's inimitable style and words.​ 

18
of 100

Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream"

Love songs in pop music make up a very crowded field. That makes it difficult for any individual song to stand out, but Katy Perry did it on "Teenage Dream." The quality of the song itself was demonstrated further when Glee's version became one of the biggest hits the show has had yet. 

17
of 100

Nelly - "Just a Dream"

Rapper Nelly returned to the top 5 on the pop singles chart for this time in five years with "Just a Dream." It is an R&B laced pop lament that sounds timeless the first time it is heard. 

16
of 100

Far East Movement featuring the Cataracs and Dev - "Like a G6"

L.A. based electro hip-hop collective Far East Movement came seemingly out of nowhere to launch this #1 smash celebrating drinking at clubs. The first ultra-catchy hook is courtesy of a sample from singer Dev. 

15
of 100

Diddy-Dirty Money featuring Skylar Grey - "Coming Home"

With the help of producer Alex Da Kid and featured vocalist and songwriter Skylar Grey, Diddy has made a strong return to the pop charts. The homecoming here is a welcome re-introduction by the pop mogul. Watch the Music Video.

14
of 100

Bruno Mars - "Just the Way You Are"

After landing in the top 5 as featured vocalist on debut singles from B.o.B. and Travie McCoy, Bruno Mars went straight to the top with his first solo hit. His "Just the Way You Are" is likely to supersede the Billy Joel classic of the same name in the minds of many pop fans. 

13
of 100

Taylor Swift - "Back To December"

Taylor Swift's second single from the Speak Now delivers an apology in song. It is a lyrically powerful creation with a bit of a rock ballad feel.

12
of 100

Neon Trees - "Animal"

Utah's Neon Trees are one of the breakout pop acts of 2010. "Animal" is based in 80s pop influences and gained one of the broadest audiences of any song in the year. It reached the top 10 on alternative, rock, adult pop, and mainstream pop radio formats.  

11
of 100

Bruno Mars - "Grenade"

Although most of Bruno Mars' songs lean to the happy side of love, "Grenade" shows his heart can be broken as well. Stellar break-up lyrics along with his sure hand for a pop melody have turned this song into another top chart hit for Bruno Mars. 

10
of 100

Florence and the Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"

This potent mix of pop, folk, and more than a bit of soul anthem introduced mainstream pop audiences in the US to Florence and the Machine when she delivered a stunning live performance of the song at the MTV Video Music Awards. It returned to the charts again later in the year after a showstopping Glee performance of "Dog Days Are Over." 

09
of 100

Kanye West featuring Dwele - "Power"

Kanye West returned with an instrumental track that can leave you awestruck and words that will make you think. In essence, it was Kanye West back in his groove.

08
of 100

Cee Lo Green - "F**k You!"

The audacity of the title and lyrics made "F**k You!" an instant viral hit when it first appeared on YouTube. When the dust settled a bit this song co-written by Bruno Mars and his team the Smeezingtons made it clear it is one of the most cleverly constructed pop songs of the year with a powerful classic Motown influence. 

07
of 100

Katy Perry - "Firework"

Katy Perry's third single from the album became her third consecutive #1 hit. It is a powerfully uplifting anthem encouraging listeners to celebrate themselves and look to the future with a positive point of view. 

06
of 100

Robyn - "Dancing On My Own"

Swedish pop singer Robyn says she was inspired by classic sad disco anthems in this vulnerable dance-pop song. It became her first #1 pop hit at home in Sweden after hitting the charts there for 15 years. 

05
of 100

Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"

This plaintive painful ballad was one of the biggest country crossover hits in recent memory. It is reminiscent of classic 70s pop with highly memorable emotional lyrics. The song climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as hitting #1 on the adult pop, adult contemporary and country charts.

04
of 100

B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars - "Nothin' On You"

Two massive talents made their pop mainstream debut on this single, and it went straight to #1. Rapper B.o.B. and pop songwriter, producer and vocalist Bruno Mars are a magical recording pair. The sweet result of their collaboration sounds close to pop hip hop perfection. 

03
of 100

Eminem featuring Rihanna - "Love the Way You Lie"

This song could be at least somewhat autobiographical for both Eminem and Rihanna. "Love the Way You Lie" movingly addresses the issue of domestic violence from the point of view of both people involved. As expected with such a sensitive topic, the song generated controversy. This is one of the most daring mainstream pop hits of the year. 

02
of 100

Rihanna featuring Drake - "What's My Name?"

One of Rihanna's most romantic songs features red-hot rapper and singer Drake. This second single from actually soared to #1 on the US pop singles chart before the first single "Only Girl (In the World)."

01
of 100

Kanye West featuring Pusha T - "Runaway"

"Runaway" is a stunningly beautiful Kanye West song dedicated to a "toast for the douchebags." The piano figure that serves as the song's center is positively haunting. The release of the single was accompanied by an epic 35-minute video that incorporated additional music from Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album.