Turn back the clock a few years to the summer of 2002, turn on the radio, and it is the party-ready bounce of Nelly's "Hot in Herre," return of Eminem on "Without Me," and driving pop-rock of Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle" that are most likely to come to mind.
This list of the top 10 pop songs of the summer 2002 is based on data from record industry charts from the months of June, July, and August 2002.
1. Nelly - Hot in Herre
Courtesy Universal
Summer 2002 was the summer of Nelly. He followed his star-making album Country Grammar with this ultra-catchy party anthem. Hot on its heels was another of the summer's top hits...see below.
2. Eminem - Without Me
Courtesy Aftermath/Interscope
It had only been 2 years since the release of Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP, but when he returned it was with great fanfare as he announced the world "feels so empty without me!"
3. Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Dreamworks
Jimmy Eat World had been struggling for the better half of a decade for a breakthrough when "The Middle" climbed to #1 on the Modern Rock chart in 2001 followed by top 10 pop status in the summer of 2002.
4. Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott - Hero
Courtesy Dreamworks
Alt-rock icon and lead vocalist of Nickelback Chad Kroeger was a natural to create a big ballad for the soundtrack to the summer of 2002's top movie hit Spider Man. Josey Scott of the group Saliva joins him in this massive pop hit.
5. Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles
Courtesy A&M
Vanessa Carlton is a classic success story having been discovered at an open mic night in New York City. "A Thousand Miles" was her first single release.
6. Avril Lavigne - Complicated
Courtesy Arista
Avril Lavigne has proved to be the most enduring new artist who emerged in the summer of 2002. Her aggressive debut single "Complicated" riveted the attention of fellow 17-year-olds.
7. Cam'ron featuring Juelz Santana - Oh Boy
Courtesy Roc-a-Fella
Rapper Cam'ron had success with album sales in the past, but 2002 was the year of his big breakthrough into the top 10 of the pop singles chart.
8. P. Diddy & Ginuwine Featuring Loon, Mario Winans & Tammy Ruggeri - I Need a Girl
Courtesy Bad Boy Entertainment
Puff Daddy's (now P. Diddy) reputation took a beating in the years following the groundbreaking album Forever. The album The Saga Continues was an effort to help rebuild his reputation as a hip hop master. Pop radio responded enthusiastically.
9. Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland - Dilemma
Courtesy Universal/Columbia
While everyone was still bouncing along to "Hot in Herre," (see above) this engaging duet with Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland showcased an entirely different side of Nelly that was just as appealing to pop audiences.
10. Jennifer Lopez featuring Nas - I'm Gonna Be Alright
Courtesy Epic
Jennifer Lopez exploded as a pop star in 2001. The hits continued to come from her J. Lo album well into 2002.
