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. Rihanna - "Where Have You Been"
Courtesy Def Jam
Rihanna got a big boost for her new hit "Where Have You Been" from a stellar performance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. The song is also climbing charts around the world having reached the pop top 10 in at least seven different countries. It is already a top 30 pop radio hit here in the US.
2. Ellie Goulding - "Lights"
Courtesy Interscope
It has taken many months, but "Lights" can now be considered Ellie Goulding's pop breakthrough in the US. It has been certified platinum for sales. It is a top 20 adult pop and mainstream pop radio hit while it has climbed into the top 40 on the dance chart as well. The album Lights topped the US Heatseekers album chart.
3. Pitbull - "Back In Time"
Courtesy RCA
"Back In Time" is Pitbull's seventh top 30 pop hit single since 2009. It is a top 10 hit in Canada. The song promotes the movie Men In Black 3. It is scheduled to open in theaters May 25, 2012. It is a sequel to 2002's Men In Black II.
4. Train - "Drive By"
Courtesy Sony
Train's "Drive By" has become a top 10 pop hit in a dozen different countries around the world. It is the group's biggest hit single yet in the UK. The song has been certified platinum for digital sales here in the US. It is the group's sixth single to reach the top 20 at adult pop radio where they have become consistent hitmakers.
5. Rita Ora - "How We Do (Party)"
Courtesy Roc Nation
British singer Rita Ora auditioned to be the UK's singer for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. She sees Gwen Stefani as a primary inspiration. In addition to breaking through as a pop hit, "How We Do (Party)" is also climbing the dance chart.
6. Gym Class Heroes - "The Fighter" featuring Ryan Tedder
Courtesy Fueled By Ramen
"The Fighter" is the third single from Gym Class Heroes' album The Papercut Chronicles II. The two previous singles from the album have both been certified platinum. Ryan Tedder co-wrote and produced the song. It is an uplifting anthem to survival.
7. David Guetta - "Titanium" featuring Sia
Courtesy Virgin
"Titanium" is the second major pop hit in the US this year to feature vocals by Sia. It follows her appearance in Flo Rida's current top 10 pop smash "Wild Ones." The personal strength depicted in the song is compared to titanium, one of the world's strongest metals.
8. Kirko Bangz - "Drank In My Cup"
Courtesy Warner Bros.
"Drank In My Cup" is the second single from rapper Kirko Bangz and it has become a breakthrough hit. The song is in the top 10 on both the R&B and rap charts while rising quickly on the Billboard Hot 100. 22 year old Kirko Bangz was raised in Houston, Texas and began rapping at age 15.
9. Nelly Furtado - "Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)"
Courtesy Interscope
Nelly Furtado collaborated with R&B veteran producer Rodney Jerkins on "Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)." It is the first single from her upcoming album The Spirit Indestructible which is due in stores June 19, 2012. Nelly Furtado has four top 10 pop hit singles including two that went all the way to #1.
10. Jennifer Lopez - "Dance Again" featuring Pitbull
Courtesy Epic
"Dance Again" is the third collaboration between Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull. It is becoming another worldwide top 10 pop hit for the pair following the success of "On the Floor." In the US the song has already hit #3 on the dance chart.
