10. Good Time- Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
I'm sure both artists were very happy to hear that they shed their one-hit wonder status once "Good Time" became a Top 10 hit. This song just screams "SUMMER!" with the classic "oh whoa" present in the chorus that makes it the perfect camp fire jam, sorry Spongebob.
Okay, so this was probably the most agitating song of the year. Standard Swift kiss off lyrics, nothing truly outstanding vocally, and easily over-playable. But by damn, it was one of the catchiest songs of the year. Try all you might, but that chorus requires a sing along, and that "WeeHEE" might just be the simplest stroke of genius of the year.
Thank god we had her greatest hits album to keep us from going crazy during the 4, yes 4, year intermission between Funhouse and The Truth About Love. P!nk is undeniably the most underrated pop star in America, though the Australians have the right idea over there. This girl is straight up talent. Anyways, she throws out some of the most strangely beautiful lyrics that remind us of Glitter in the Air, but this song is better. It actually HAS some substance to it compared to "Glitter," with the standard small verse, big chorus set up. Her vocals are top notch here, and her dancing in the video? Superb. Go P!nk.
7. I Knew You Were Trouble- Taylor Swift
When I first heard Taylor took a dubstep route, I had my reservations, I mean, how would the girl compete with Ellie Goulding? But my oh my, I like this Taylor alot. She's known for having fiery passion when she sings, and she puts the icing on the cake here. Standard A-list lyrics from the starlet, one of her better vocals, and a dubstep breakdown, and you get the irrestible "I Knew You Were Trouble." THIS should have been her comeback single, can you imagine the hysteria?
Kelly has said time and time again, that her career has been built off of anthems, and of course, Stronger is no different. The lyrics are the definition of cliche, but it's easily forgivable once she belts the living hell out of that chorus. Even if you don't like this song, or God-forbid Kelly Clarkson herself, you will have to find the will-power to not at least ATTEMPT that chorus. It's uplifting, powerful, and joyous, and it's as close as Kelly will probably (but hopefully not) ever get to stepping out of the "Since U Been Gone" shadow.
5. Va Va Voom- Nicki Minaj
The predominately rap artist took a pop shift this year, and ended up producing one of the more infectious songs of the year. The lyrics aren't really special, but what makes up for what the vocals lack is the A-list production. I'm just waiting for a Single Ladies level dance video to come out of this glorious piece of pop. If some part of you doesn't move or shake when you hear this track, check your pulse.
Chances are you're one of the 6.3 million, yes 6.3 million, people to download this song (That's only in America!). Recall the first time you heard this song, before it toppled airwaves across the globe. Was it not the most perfect definition of a pop song? Those ridiculously catchy lyrics, those sweeping strings, and those teeny-bop vocals will stay in Karaoke bars for decades to come. And by damn, it deserves to have a legacy we will have to tell our grandkids about.
3. Anything Could Happen- Ellie Goulding
From the depths of her haunting sophomore album comes this uplifting gem. Anything Could Happen shows off her songwriting style, which is weaker than her contemporaries, but still takes you to a euphoric land. That soaring chorus, with soaring high notes, is one of the, if not THE defining moment of pop in 2012. The bridge and final chorus is one of the most undeniably glorious moments of pop in recent memory. Even with all of that glory, it is climbing the charts almost as slowly as "Lights." No.47 in it's 10th week on the Hot 100. C'mon America, get with it.
2. Wide Awake- Katy Perry
The hit or miss vocalist gave us a real treat this year, with her Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection. Wide Awake is a sweeping song that borders along power ballad, while also being completely un-ballad like. It's a tear-jerker if you let the music take over you. Some of her best song-lyrics to date, a strong vocal, and a stunning chorus make this song fit right into Katy's growing catalog of smashes.
1. Your Body- Christina Aguilera
Why oh why did this song not take off? No.34 peak? C'MON. This song is TOO good for that. Even if this song is one of the (excuse my french) sluttiest songs of the year, Christina slays the hell out of this song, destroying the last chorus with one the most infectious riffs of 2012. The chorus begs a sing-along, then Christina reminds everyone why she's here in the first place, and why you shouldn't dare try to sing along to her in general. The production is the strongest selling point here, becoming possibly the first ever Electro-R&B song ever. I am baffled by it's underwhelming performance. Truly. Excuse me while I weep for America.
Honorable Mentions: How We Do (Party)- Rita Ora, How To Be A Heartbreaker- Marina and the Diamonds, Hello- Karmin, Sweet Nothing- Calvin Harris and Florence Welch, Let It Go- Dragonette