30. Matt and Kim - "Cameras"
Courtesy Fader
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. Their music is undeservedly overlooked by mainstream pop radio and audiences.
29. Paramore - "The Only Exception"
Courtesy Fueled By Ramen
The biggest hit yet from the raucous punk pop band Paramore is a reflective, bittersweet ballad.
28. Mumford and Sons - "Little Lion Man"
Photo by Matt Ellis / Getty Images
"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. Usher featuring will.i.am - "OMG"
Courtesy LaFace
26. Eminem - "Not Afraid"
Courtesy Interscope
Eminem previewed his Recovery album with a track that is truly inspirational. The result was a #1 debut on the pop singles chart.
25. Kylie Minogue - "All the Lovers"
Courtesy Parlophone
"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. Maroon 5 - "Misery"
Courtesy A&M
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. Enrique Iglesias featuring Ludacris and DJ Frank E - "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)"
Courtesy Universal
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. Coldplay - "Christmas Lights"
Courtesy Capitol Records
It was a year later than fans originally 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. Rihanna - "Only Girl (In the World)"
Courtesy Def Jam
