Top Ten Pop Music of 2010
2010 was an amazing year for pop music! Here are our top ten favorite pop songs of 2010.
2010 Pop Music Hits
“California Gurls”- Katy Perry
“California Gurls” is a song recorded by American singer Katy Perry for her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). The song features verses from rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on May 7, 2010, as the lead single from the album. “California Gurls” is a midtempo disco-influenced pop song with elements of new wave and funk. Its lyrics are an ode to California and its women, while its hook includes lines about “bikinis and martinis”. Its composition references Katy Perry’s experiences while staying in Santa Barbara, California.
Critics generally gave the song mixed reviews. Some praised its composition and Snoop Dogg’s cameo while others criticized its use of auto-tune and one-dimensional lyrics. “California Gurls” peaked at number-one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for six consecutive weeks, giving Perry her second U.S. number-one single in and Snoop Dogg his third. The song also reached number one in ten other countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom; it iscertified multi-platinum in twelve of these countries. A remixed version featuring rapper Andre 3000 was released on June 20 to radio stations; this version peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart.”
“Teenage Dream”- Katy Perry
“Teenage Dream” is a song by American singer Katy Perry. It was released as the second single from her third studio album of the same name on July 23, 2010. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, and topped charts in Canada, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia and the United Kingdom. “Teenage Dream” became Perry’s fifth non-consecutive number one song on the US Mainstream Top 40 radio chart and tied Michael Jackson’s record for the most number-one songs from a single album. It is one of Perry’s most successful singles to date. A reworked extended play (EP) version of the album was released digitally on August 24, 2010, which featured “Teenage Dream” as its lead single and included remixes produced by Paul Epworth, Swedish House Mafia and factory Flake City.
The accompanying music video for “Teenage Dream” was directed by Matthew Cullen and featured Perry in various fantasy settings – an ice cream truck, a cotton candy clouds-filled sky androller skating rink. Critics lauded its visuals while others critiqued it as “resembling [those] found in1980s music videos”. The video won Best Female Video at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Taken from Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D film shot during her California Dreams Tour run in 2011–12 show Perry performing in costume as Cupcake Kitty; during special effects sequencings “Cotton Candy Clouds” turn into various shapes suggestive of genitals to symbolize adolescent sexual fantasies.”Teenage Dream” has been certified five times platinum bythe Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA) for sales of over five million copies in the United States only. The song has sold more than 7million digital copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles worldwide.
“Love the Way You Lie”- Eminem ft. Rihanna
“Love the Way You Lie” is a song recorded by American rapper Eminem, featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna, for Eminem’s seventh studio album Recovery (2010). The singer and songwriter Skylar Grey wrote and recorded a demo version of the song alongside the producer Alex da Kid when she felt she was in an abusive romantic relationship with her ex-boyfriend. Matthew “Filthy” Delgado, Jordan “DJ Swivel” Young, Chad “Sir Jinx” Hugo, and Timothy “DJ Khaled” Mosely produced the track. Recording sessions for the song took place at Glenwood Place Studios in Burbank, California and Boiler Room Studios in North Hollywood, California. In an interview for MTV News published on June 4, 2010, Grey said that “Love the Way You Lie” was originally inspired by her personal experience of domestic violence in a previous relationship; however, by the time she was asked to work with Eminem on his album Recovery, she had moved past that stage of her life. It subsequently became a massive commercial success; charting at number one on seventeen music charts around the world including Australia, Canada, Germany
The song received positive reviews from critics who praised Eminem’s lyrical performance as well as Rihanna’s singing; some named it one of 2010’s best singles. It won numerous awards including Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The single reportedly sold 14 million copies worldwide. Critics have credited its success to its intense emotional appeal; according to Music Times reviewer Edita Karadhzic-Pirković the song is ” Rooseveltesque in that it offers hope during difficult times.”
In May 2014, almost four years after its release date as part of Recovery, Billboard magazine ranked “Love the Way You Lie” at number two on their list of 100 Greatest Pop Songs from 2010 to 2015.
“Just the Way You Are”- Bruno Mars
“Just the Way You Are” is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars from his debut studio album Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). The song was released in the United States to Contemporary hit radio on August 10, 2010 as the album’s lead single. “Just the Way You Are” debuted at number 85 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the week of August 28, 2010. The song improved to number 12 in its ninth week, eventually peaking at number one and spending four weeks atop the chart. It was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Worldwide, it was Mars’ third best-selling single of 2010, behind “OMG” and “California Gurls”. The song received several awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, Billboard Music Award for Top Digital Song, and a Soul Train Music Award for Best Dance Performance.
In an interview with MTV News Mars said that “‘Just The Way You Are’ [is] about girls not trying to be something they’re not… Just being themselves.” He added that he had more fun writing this song than any other; footage of these writing sessions can be seen in an E! special titled Bruno Mars: Murder on Music Row which aired on June 27, 2010.
“Raise Your Glass”- P!nk
2010 was a year for digital domination in the pop music realm, with a heavy focus on club beats and anthemic choruses. P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” is a prime example of this sound, with a pulsing synth line and infectious hook. The lyrics are celebratory and unapologetic, making it the perfect anthem for any party. Lady Gaga also released multiple hits this year that were heavily electronic, including “Alejandro” and “Bad Romance”.
“OMG”- Usher ft. will.i.am
This song was released in March of 2010 and was the lead single off of Usher’s album “Raymond v. Raymond.” The song features will.i.am and is a club anthem with a catchy beat that is sure to get you dancing.
“Not Afraid”- Eminem
“Not Afraid” is a song by American rapper Eminem from his seventh studio album Recovery. It was released as the lead single from the album on April 29, 2010, by Interscope Records, Shadyside and Aftermath Entertainment. The song was written by Eminem and produced by Boi-1da, Jordan Evans, Matthew Burnett and Mr. Porter. “Not Afraid” marks Eminem’s return to rapping after his hiatus since 2006 due to his addiction with prescription pills. Recording studios used for the song were audible during the leak of the album prior to its release date.
In an interview with MTV News, Lil Wayne expressed his support for Eminem’s recovery: “It feels good man,” he said. “I talked to him like two days ago… This is what everybody wanted — I think this is what he wanted,” he continued, before adding that Recovery “is one of those albums that will probably have a lasting effect.”
“Not Afraid” entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number one on May 8, 2010 — for the week ending date May 15 — giving Eminem his sixth career song to debut at number one on the chart (tying him with Mariah Carey) and his seventh overall number-one single in the United States (counting two songs as a featured artist). The song remained atop of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks; it also topped both Billboard Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts for nine weeks each, essentially occupying all of 2010’s top three rap songs slots at different times throughout its run on all three charts; making it one of three songs in history to achieve such success (joining Nelly’s 2002 hit “Hot in Herre” and 50 Cent’s 2005 breakout hit “Candy Shop”). Additionally, it has also topped the US Digital Songs for six consecutive weeks. On June 27, 2010, “Not Afraid” became Eminem’s tenth single in Australia to peak atop the ARIA Hip Hop Singles chart giving him more number ones than any other artist in history. In July 2010, after having spent 11 consecutive weeks atop Rap Songs and 12 non-consecutive weeks atop Digital Songs (the second longest run ever behind Lady Gaga’s 12-week run with her debut single Just Dance), “Not Afraid” ascended to mainstream prominence when it reached number two on Billboard Pop Songs – becoming only his third song as a lead artist (and fifth overall) to enter that particular radio airplay chart – behind previous hit singles “[[Lose Yourself]]”, “[[My Name Is]]”, “[[Crack a Bottle]]”, and [[Beautiful]].
“E.T.”- Katy Perry ft. Kanye West
“E.T.” is a song by American singer Katy Perry from her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). The song features a rap verse by American rapper Kanye West. It was released as the album’s second single on February 16, 2011. “E.T.” was written by Katy Perry, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Kanye West, and produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin with additional production from Benny Blanco.), with the intention of writing “a Justin Timberlake song about falling in love with an alien”.
The song became a worldwide success, reaching number one in more than 20 countries including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden and the United States while also becoming her fifth non-consecutive number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart; it additionally topped the US Pop Songs chart and became her second single to do so. “E.T.” has sold over five million digital copies worldwide making it one of Perry’s best-selling singles to date. The accompanying music video was directed by Floria Sigismondi and premiered on March 24, 2011. The video garnered positive reviews from critics who praised Perry’s maturing image and commented that it was a departure from her previous videos which solely focused on her looks or fashion sense; some also praised West’s presence in the video while others found his verses superfluous to its overall quality or message.
The song won Favorite Song at the 2011 Kids’ Choice Awards even though only part of the song was performed due to time constraints. It received nominations for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 54th Grammy Awards which were held on February 12, 2012; despite not winning either award it became Perry’s most decorated single at that ceremony to date as she left with three awards: Best Music Video (“Firework”), Best Short Form Music Video (“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”) and Favorite Female Artist.[citation needed]
“Party in the U.S.A.”- Miley Cyrus
#9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009. Party in the U.S.A. is a song by American singer Miley Cyrus for her first extended play (EP) The Time of Our Lives (2009). It was released on August 11, 2009, by Hollywood Records as the lead single from the project. The song was written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly, and produced by Dr. Luke and Kool Kojak. “Party in the U.S.A.” is an uptempo dance-pop and pop rock song with lyrics referring to heading to a club and enjoying oneself on the dance floor; it has been noted for its heavy usage of auto-tune. Upon its release, “Party in the U.S.A.” received mixed reviews from music critics; some appreciated its fun nature while others dismissed it as unoriginal.
The song achieved commercial success in the United States, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Cyrus’ highest-peaking single on that chart until “We Can’t Stop” (2013) debuted at #2 eight years later. “Party in the U.S.A.” has been certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), receiving five certifications: double platinum for sales of over two million copies; triple platinum for sales of over three million copies; and quadruple platinum for sales of over four million digital copies in paid downloads. The song’s accompanying music video was directed by Chris Applebaum and features Cyrus wearing skin-tight jeans and crop-top performing choreography with back-up dancers against a white backdrop.*
Cyrus has performed “Party in the U.S.A.” live numerous times, most notably during her headlining Best of Both Worlds Tour (2008), her first concert tour as her alter ego Hannah Montana; this included performances at Madison Square Garden (2008) which were documented in both Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (2008) and Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Live in New York City (2009). Notable performances of the song also include Cyrus singing it atop a wrecking ball naked in front of heavily distressed construction workers in her controversial Wrecking Ball music video (2013); during her Bangerz Tour (2014); during select dates of her joint headlining concert tour with French electronic duo Justice Crew, We Can’t Stop – LIVE! Tour 2014; as part of a duet with British singer Robbie Williams during his Let Me Entertain You Tour 2015 concerts held at The O2 Arena (2015); during select dates as part of her joint headlining concert tour with American rapper Future, titled Naughty America Tour 2016.*
2010 Pop Music Misses
Although there were some great pop songs in 2010, the year was definitely missing something. There were very few songs that could truly be considered pop hits. This is in contrast to 2009, which had many songs that were instant classics.
“We R Who We R”- Ke$ha
“We R Who We R” is a song by American singer and songwriter Kesha, from her first extended play (EP), Cannibal (2010). The song was released as the lead single from the EP on October 22, 2010. It was written by Kesha, alongside fun.’s lead singer Nate Ruess, Pebe Sebert and Joshua Coleman. The song was produced by Luke Gottwald under his stage name Dr. Luke, with added production from Benny Blanco. It is intended as an anthem about being yourself with a message about not caring about what people think of you; according to Kesha, “It’s saying that no matter who you are or what you’re doing, just be yourself and enjoy life.”
“We R Who We R” debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving Kesha her first number one single in the United States; it also reached the top ten in thirteen other countries including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. An accompanying music video for “We R Who We R” was directed by Hype Williams and premiered on MTV’s Beavis and Butt-head on October 28, 2010. In March 2011, the song won a Billboard Music Award for Top Dance Song.
“Telephone”- Lady Gaga ft. Beyoncé
“Telephone” is a song recorded by American singer Lady Gaga for her second studio album, The Fame Monster (2009). The song features American singer Beyoncé. Written by Gaga, Rodney Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels, Lazonate Franklin and Beyoncé Knowles, the song was released as the second single from The Fame Monster in the United States and Canada on March 23, 2010. “Telephone” is an electropop and disco song that contains influences of 1970s and 1980s music. Gaga has described the song as “funk-pop”. Its lyrics deal with a man who Gaga is interested in who seems to be blowing her off; she wishes him to telephone her rather than text message or email so they can have a proper conversation.
“Alejandro”- Lady Gaga
Alejandro is a song by American recording artist Lady Gaga. It was released as the third single from her third extended play (EP) The Fame Monster (2009). Alejandro was written by Gaga and RedOne, while being produced by the latter. Alejandro is a synthpop song with influences of tribal house and techno music. Lyrically, the song uses military imagery to describe Gaga’s anti-war sentiments. The video features explicit sexual references and imagery, and religious symbols such as stigmata and cross-dressing, eliciting mixed reviews from critics. Commercially, Alejandro peaked inside the top ten in over twenty countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Spain; it reached the top of the charts in Hungary and Ireland as well as Poland.
In the United Kingdom, Alejandro debuted on May 16, 2010—two weeks before its official UK single release—at number seven on the UK Singles Chart with sales of 22,390 copies. On May 30Alejandro debuted at number three on the Irish Singles Chart—marking Gaga’s sixth consecutive top five hit in Ireland—and number eight on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia. In Austria and Sweden however, Alejandro charted outside of the top forty while still managing to peak inside the top fifty in Finland, Italy and Norway; it charted within the top twenty in Denmark, France and New Zealand.
“Your Love Is My Drug”- Ke$ha
“Your Love Is My Drug” is a song by American singer Kesha, taken from her debut album Animal. The song was written by Kesha, Pebe Sebert and Joshua Coleman, and produced by Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco. It was released on May 25, 2010, as the album’s third single. The song has been certified platinum in Australia and the United States. It peaked at number two in Australia and Canada , and at number three on the Billboard Hot 100; additionally, it has reached the top ten in New Zealand, Slovakia and Sweden.
“Your Love Is My Drug” is an uptempo synth-pop song that draws influences from 1980s electronic music. The initial writing of the song did not incorporate a chorus, which caused difficulties in development; according to Kesha, she “wasn’t sure where to take it”. As a result of this writers’ block, Luke decided to incorporated a sing-along chorus in order to make the song more radio-friendly . Upon its release as a single, “Your Love Is My Drug” was met with mixed reviews from contemporary music critics; some praised its composition and Kesha’s vocal delivery while others criticized its MTV-friendly nature and lack of artisticoriginality. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Hiro Murai and features Kesha performing various activities around Los Angeles as she deals with an addiction to a fictional boyfriend; it caused controversy for its depiction of drug use but was ultimately nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards .
The song has been performed on several occasions by Kesha; she first performed it live on American talk show Lopez Tonight in May 2010 , and later included it on the set list of her first headlining concert tour—the Get Sleazy Tour—in 2011. Additionally, “Your Love Is My Drug” has also been performed at several award ceremonies including the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards .
“I Like It”- Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull
“I Like It” is a song performed by Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias, taken from his ninth studio album, Euphoria. It features guest vocals from American rapper Pitbull. The song was released to US radio on 28 June 2010 and was released for digital download in various countries on 30 June 2010. “I Like It” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Enrique’s most successful songs in the United States to date.
