These are the 40 current songs that the world is hearing. They are the current definition of pop music.
1. Gotye - "Somebody That I Used To Know"
Courtesy Universal Republic
This is the biggest hit in Australia by an Australian artist since Savage Garden's classic "Truly, Madly, Deeply" in the 1990s. It is deservedly spreading around the world. This is pop perfection from the intimate, minimalist arrangement on the verses to compelling lyrics from both a male and female point of view. Gotye is a superstar in the making.
2. fun. - "We Are Young" featuring Janelle Monae
Courtesy Fueled By Ramen
Indie pop band fun are in the process of breaking into the pop mainstream. With a boost from Glee and a Super Bowl commercial, "We Are Young" has topped the iTunes sales chart which pulled it into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. The hook here is massive and unforgettable.
3. One Direction - "What Makes You Beautiful"
Courtesy Syco
A second British boy band is following the Wanted to chart success in the US in 2012. One Direction have the uptempo appeal of bubblegum teen pop. The sound may be pure fluff, but these X Factor competitors can sing.
4. Flo Rida - "Wild Ones" featuring Sia
Courtesy Atlantic
Much of "Wild Ones" is standard issue, almost overly familiar, Flo Rida. However, the soaring vocals by Australian singer-songwriter Sia cause the song to rise among the norm. With elements of dance and hip hop, "Wild Ones" is a format straddling song that represents much of mainstream pop radio of the moment.
5. Nicki Minaj - "Starships"
Courtesy Cash Money
Nicki Minaj headed to the studio with star producer RedOne for this single from her upcoming second album. It is another example of a club ready blend between pop and hip hop. There is a pleasing combination of singing and rapping from Nicki Minaj here.
6. Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe"
Courtesy Interscope
Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen knows how to deliver a sugar-coated pure pop song. "Call Me Maybe" was a #1 pop hit at home in Canada, and now it is swiftly climbing the US charts. She has been signed to Justin Bieber's new label Schoolboy Records.
7. The Wanted - "Glad You Came"
Courtesy Mercury Records
The UK's hot boy band the Wanted cross the Atlantic to bring the boy band craze back to American pop audiences. The sound is sunny, upbeat, and it's ready for dancing. Listen to the sweet harmonies with a British accent.
8. Katy Perry - "Part Of Me"
Courtesy Capitol
If you wondered how Katy Perry is doing in the aftermath of her divorce from Russell Brand, she is here to tell you. "Part Of Me" instantly joins the ranks of classic breakup songs. It is all in the style of uptempo mainstream pop that will fit perfectly on pop radio.
9. Adele - "Rumour Has It"
Courtesy Columbia Records
Few songs have such strong sales and chart action as "Rumour Has It" in advance of an actual official single release, but this song is not just any song by just any artist. "Rumour Has It" will be the official fourth and final single from Adele's landmark album 21. It has already hit #1 a the AAA radio format, reached the top 40 at alternative, adult pop, and rock radio, and has sold over 500,000 digital copies. The song's stomping beat courtesy producer Ryan Tedder is unforgettable, and Adele's vocals are immaculate.
10. Justin Bieber - "Boyfriend"
Courtesy Island Records
Justin Bieber's first single from his upcoming album Believe sounds both like an effort to be a bit more adult and emulate some other top pop stars. There are echoes here of both Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake. The song is pleasant, but it does not sound like the major effort that will significantly expand the Justin Bieber fan base.
