These ten songs were actually deserving of their excessive radio play.
Only includes songs released in 2009.
10. "I Gotta Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas, Okay, I'll be honest. The only reason I like this song is because it kicked the grating "Boom Boom Pow" off the airwaves. Still, up until this song caught on, I was never aware that there were two Saturdays in a week. Or maybe that's just Will.I.Am's week...
9. "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" - Pitbull, Why'd I pick this song? Oh yeah, I can sing the Spanish part. "Tu tienes la boca grande dale ponte a jugar." Si si, señor.
8. "My Life Would Suck Without You" - Kelly Clarkson, Clarkson continues to prove the only consistently successful (non-country) Idol with this bubble gum pop hit. Plus, Glee did it so it must be a good song.
7. "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga, Not my favorite Gaga song, but the only popular one (so far) released in '09, and Gaga definitely deserves mention on this list. 2009 was the year the world went, well, gaga for her.
6. "Sugar" - Flo Rida feat. Wynter, The "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" sample mixed with a strong chorus via Wynter makes this a nostalgic, grooving and (dare I say it?) sweet track.
5. "Empire State Of Mind" - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys, Hova has always mixed well with diverse styles (usually via mash-up), and he does it again here with Keys' keys. Her voice helps, too. It's strong, as always, and the soaring chorus really sounds like a stroll down Times Square.
4. "Best I Ever Had (Clean)" - Drake, I hate to be repetitive about choruses, but really, they are what make or break a song's dreams of mainstream popularity. And thanks to its chorus, this song has "car party" written all over it. (I speak from experience.) Few songs are better censored, but by replacing the frick word with a repeat line (You the, you the best > You the fucking best), this song definitely belongs in that category.
3. "TiK ToK" - Ke$ha, This song has everything Top 40 artists strive for: fun verses and a ridiculously catchy chorus that sounds like it was recorded at a club somewhere. It even uses auto-tune effectively. Moderation is key. Take note, Lil Wayne.
2. "Party In The U.S.A." - Miley Cyrus, Yes she's a no-talent brat. ("I picked that song because I needed something to go with my clothing line.") No, she wouldn't even know if the Jay-Z song was on. ("I've never heard a Jay-Z song. I don't listen to pop music" You're the biggest freaking pop star in the United Freaking States!!!) But I've got three reasons why this song deserves the #2 spot: 1: You know you secretly wanna put your hands up, nod your head and move your hips like yeah when this comes on. Even if you're hip-locked, this song's contagiousness has spread across both genders, a first for a Cyrus track. 2: This pop song is one of few on the radio that relies on guitar rather than synths/auto-tune. 3: If the people who actually write/play Miley's music can make a good song in spite of that dumb son-of-a-Billy-Ray, it must be a helluva tune. (P.S. don't show this post to my sisters.)
1. "Whatcha Say" - Jason DeRulo, Who knew you could take "Hide and Seek," Imogen Heap's layered vocal orchestra hit, and turn it into the damn catchy chorus of one of the catchiest pop/synthy/hip-hop tracks of the year? Heck, forget the chorus (just like they forgot to give Imogen Heap her "featuring" cred). The rest of the song stands alone as a stellar debut from DeRulo. It even has a great bridge! I mean, how often do you leave your car singing the bridge from the song on the radio? Yep, this single's got it all: lyrical rapping, creative mixing and cronic catchiness. It even has a nice indie flavor. Just don't tell Mr. General Public.
The Early Bird Gets The Shaft: Honorable Mentions
"Single Ladies" by Beyoncé, "That's Not My Name" by The Ting Tings, "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga, "Don't Trust Me" by 3Oh!3, "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga, "Halo" by Beyoncé, "Blame It" by Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain, "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry, "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West and "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift all caught fire in 2009, and deservedly so. Too bad they were released in 2008.
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