30. Blake Lewis “Break Anotha’”
Album: A.D.D.
Genre: Pop, Electronic
Producer: Blake Lewis, Ryan Tedder
US Billboard Hot 100: ---
It’s such a shame this song failed to make an impact in the charts,
Break Anotha is very radio friendly and could’ve easily been the first hit that he needed to solidify his now descending career, even though there were better tracks in his debut album. In this song, the Idol runner-up warns a girl about a playa who is going to break her heart, with a breakdown that suggests that he might be the womanizer in question. The chorus is insanely catchy and his signature beat-boxing that made him one of the most unique Idol contestants ever, can be heard at the very beginning, giving you a little preview of what’s about to come. The video is a low budget mess, but that didn’t stop Blake Lewis from releasing one of the most catchiest tunes of the year.
29. Beyonce “If I Were A Boy”
Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Genre: Pop
Producer: Toby Gad
US Billboard Hot 100: #3
First time I heard this song, I hated it, I had a big ‘wtf?’ face as this is not the Beyonce we are used to hear. After a few more spins, I started to love it. Beyonce’s vocal performance is probably at its best and with those stunning lyrics about her questioning of the male side of the relationship as she gives a description of what her life would be like if she were a boy, I ask myself why I didn’t like at first listen. The emotion in her voice make the song more believable and beautiful. The outstanding black and white video also gives you a more understandable concept of what the song is truly about. I love both Beyonce sides from this new album, but this song is definitely the best she has offered this year, a truly epic pop ballad.
28. Madonna f/ Justin Timberlake “4 Minutes”
Album: Hard Candy
Genre: Dance-Pop
Producer: Timbaland, Danja, Justin Timberlake
US Billboard Hot 100: #3
Madonna made a great comeback this year and she did it with a very different new sound. She collaborates with Timberlake and producer Timbaland, delivering four minutes and four seconds of pure pop perfection as she trades sexy slogans with Justin Timberlake such as
"What I need is a you intervention!" among a few others. Yes, the song can be considered a sell-out, but she did it to move once again to the front of the pack of pop music. Madonna sounds great in the verses but it’s safe to say that Justin sounds way better, basically leading the song, making Madonna sound like a guest on her own song. Madge also managed to release one of the best videos of the year with a futuristic look and a great choreography. Madonna delivered once again, one of the best pop tracks of the year, no doubts about that.
