These are the hottest 10 pop songs of the week as determined by About Top 40. This chart is compiled consulting data from various music industry charts and sources. It is intended to indicate the hottest rising hits. Recordings that have reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart are disqualified from this chart.
1. Usher - "Scream"
Courtesy RCA
Usher has explained the difference he sees between his previous single "Climax" and "Scream." He says, "They are truly polar-opposite tracks. Where 'Climax' sears and broods, 'Scream' celebrates and dances. "Scream" is accomplishing the goal of appealing to Usher's pop fans. It has already powered its way into the top 20 in mainstream pop radio airplay.
2. Pitbull - "Back In Time"
Courtesy RCA
Pitbull's "Back In Time" is continuing to climb charts beyond the US adding to his reputation as "Mr. Worldwide." "Back IN Time" is a top 10 pop hit in Austria and Hungary while lingering just outside the top 10 in Australia.
3. Rihanna - "Where Have You Been"
Courtesy Def Jam
Rihanna's music video for "Where Have You Been" has received praise for showing the star trying out new dance moves. The song is a major dance hit in addition to climbing the pop charts. It has hit the top 10 on pop singles charts in at least 10 different countries.
4. Karmin - "Brokenhearted"
Courtesy Epic
Karmin's "Brokenhearted" was boosted on the pop charts by being discounted on iTunes to 69 cents per copy for the entire month of March 2012. The song was produced by Canadian dance pop producer Cirkut and one of the songwriters, Emily Wright. "Brokenhearted" has hit #1 on the dance chart.
5. Gym Class Heroes - "The Fighter" featuring Ryan Tedder
Courtesy Fueled By Ramen
"The Fighter" is the third consecutive top 40 pop radio hit from the album Papercut Chronicles II for Gym Class Heroes. It is their sixth top 40 pop radio song overall and immediately follows the platinum certified songs "Stereo Hearts" and "Ass Back Home."
6. Ellie Goulding - "Lights"
Courtesy Interscope
Ellie Goulding grew up in England playing music. She began playing clarinet at the age of 9 and guitar at 14. At 15 she began writing songs. One of her primary collaborators on the debut album Lights is producer and songwriter Starsmith, aka Finlay Dow-Smith.
7. Jennifer Lopez - "Dance Again" featuring Pitbull
Courtesy Epic
Jennifer Lopez has caused a stir by saying she may not continue on as judge on American Idol next year during season 12. "Dance Again" is her lucky 13th top 20 pop hit single in the US. It is also a top 10 hit on the Latin pop chart and a #1 dance hit.
8. David Guetta - "Titanium" featuring Sia
Courtesy Virgin
"Titanium" was first released as a promotion single by David Guetta back in August 2011 in advance of the album Nothing But the Beat. It was not officially promoted to radio in the US until late April 2012. "Titanium" first featured the vocals of Mary J. Blige, but they were discarded in favor of Sia's version. It has hit the top 10 in many countries around the world and has appeared on both the Latin pop and dance charts in the US in adddition to being a pop hit.
9. B.o.B. - "Both Of Us" featuring Taylor Swift
Courtesy Atlantic
"Both Of Us" is the third top 40 pop hit from B.o.B.'s album Strange Clouds. It is Taylor Swift's first collaboration with B.o.B.
10. One Direction - "One Thing"
Courtesy Columbia
One Direction are one of the hottest pop breakout artists of 2012. Their upcoming North American concert tour is completely sold out. The debut album Up All Night has already been certified gold.
