10. Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"
Courtesy Columbia Records
Beyonce uncorked the live pop performance of the year when she took the stage at the American Music Awards with her 2 dancers and delivered a scorching version of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)."
9. Adele - "Chasing Pavements"
Courtesy XL
You won't forget the video that accompanies this debut hit from UK singer Adele, and you are unlikely to forget the stunning song and vocal performance either. This recording should have been in heavy rotation on US pop radio as well. There are some signs it may finally get there with Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year.
8. Kid Rock - "All Summer Long"
Courtesy Atlantic Records
Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" is great. Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" is great. Put them in the pop music blender and add Kid Rock. What comes out is an instant classic.
7. Estelle featuring Kanye West - "American Boy"
Courtesy Atlantic Records
The most effervescent, bubbly R&B hit of the year. After you listen to this, you will want to hang out with Estelle and Kanye. It sounds like endless fun.
6. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl"
Courtesy Capitol Records
Brush the petty controversies aside and you have an irresistibly in your face, perky pop classic. You will never see a tube of cherry chapstick in the same light.
5. Beyonce - "If I Were a Boy"
Courtesy Columbia Records
Whether or not you agree with the sentiments of the song or not, Beyonce's performance is stunning and the song is gutsy. This is a textbook example of pop music that is challenging and meaningful.
4. Pink - "So What"
Courtesy LaFace Records
Personal pain and tragedy frequently generate some of the most memorable pop music, and "So What" is no exception. However, Pink's big-hearted sense of humor effectively brushes off any sense of bitterness.
3. Kanye West - "Love Lockdown"
Courtesy Rockafella
Kanye West sings! And he wraps the singing in one of the most artfully constructed records of the year. Those drums will blow you away time and time again, and this is auto-tune in the hands of someone who knows how to use it as enhancement not replacement.
2. M.I.A. - "Paper Planes"
Courtesy Interscope
U.S. pop radio needs songs like this to expand the consciousness of listeners and programmers alike. M.I.A. proves that pop music is truly a world art form.
1. Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"
Courtesy EMI
Coldplay simply get better with each album released, and this is a single for the ages. There is a majesty here that no other band today approaches.
