iMushoo

10 best songs of 2010

By Mary Ann Chua

Categories: Music

It's only a month into the new year -- but with a flurry of new releases, we wanted to highlight the best songs of 2010 to date. Many of the new singles feature guest artists, an "et-al" phenomenon that includes Ludacris, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Jay Sean, 3OH!3 and others leading the pack. But let's not exclude Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift, whose success from 2008 album releases have carried them over into the new decade. Here are AOL Radio's Top Pop Songs of 2010 so far -- pulled from our

listener ratings on our Fresh 40 station. Be sure to check back frequently, as we will be updating this post every couple months with the best 2010 songs.

10) Taio Cruz: 'Break Your Heart'

This R&B song -- with auto-tune vocals and a synth back-beat -- is the first single from Taio

Cruz's September-released album 'Rokstarr.' Originally penned for UK singer Cheryl Cole, this No. 1 UK hit has been remixed in 2010 for the US version that features rap sequences by Ludacris.

9) Jay-Z: 'Young Forever'

This Jan. 26-released single is the fifth song featured off his 2009 studio album 'The

Blueprint 3.' Produced by Kanye West, this best song of 2010 features British R&B/pop

singer Mr. Hudson singing splices of Alphaville's 1984 hit 'Forever Young' -- while Jay-Z raps original lyrics. You may remember the 1984 version from the prom scene of the cult classic 'Napoleon Dynamite.'

8) Taylor Swift: 'Today Was a Fairytale'

This is one of two tracks by Swift featured on the soundtrack for the forthcoming film 'Valentine's Day' (opening in theaters Feb. 12, 2010). Swift makes her onscreen debut, alongside a slew of actors, including heartthrob 'Twilight' actor (and possibly ex?) Taylor Lautner. The raw guitar sound and romantic lyrics will make any love-bound tween swoon: "But can you feel this magic in the air? / It must have been the way you kissed me / Fell in love when I saw you standing there."

7) Owl City: 'Vanilla Twilight'

A follow-up to 'Fireflies,' this love anthem is for those enduring a long-distance relationship. The single still has Adam Young's whimsical synth-pop, crescendoing from his piano solo as he sings: "I'll watch the night turn light blue / But it's not the same without you / Because it takes two to whisper quietly." Featured on the July-released 'Ocean Eyes,' the deluxe edition was released Jan. 26.

6) Kevin Rudolf: 'I Made It'

Featuring Cash Money collaborators Birdman, Lil Wayne and Brit R&B newcomer Jay Sean, the rock/pop song is about, well, living the dream and making it as an artist. Weezy adds notable punchlines in the bridge: "Made it to the goal line, straight out the huddle / Cash money goldmine, Weezy stay loyal / Boy we getting money like we just found oil." The song will be featured on Kevin Rudolf's forthcoming, still untitled, sophomore album.

5) Selena Gomez & the Scene: 'Naturally'

The second single off Gomez's September-released debut 'Kiss & Tell', the electropop tune premiered on 'Radio Disney.' Gomez sings about a boy who is a perfect fit for her: "When you know it's meant to be / Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally / When you're with me, baby."

4) Justin Bieber: 'Baby'

Featuring Ludacris, the song is no stranger to Beiber's formula: R&B beats and puppy love. Ludacris even raps about his first love: "She had me going crazy / Oh, I was star-struck / She woke me up daily / Don't need no Starbucks / She made my heart pound." This best song of 2010 is featured on his forthcoming album 'My World (Part II)' debuting this spring.

3) Lady Antebellum: 'Need You Now (2010 Mix)'

This top song is about the longing of late-night companionship. A beautiful ballad for a booty-call, the song reached No. 1 on the Hot Country charts in November, eventually transitioning over to pop radio as well as the Billboard 100. Just last week they pulled a Taylor Swift and released a 2010 pop mix version -- electric guitar replacing the country guitar twang in the chorus and the bridge. Subtle, but it does the trick.

2) Ke$ha: 'Blah Blah Blah'

Featuring the playful rap duo 3OH!3, Ke$ha sings (over video game-sounding synth beats) about getting with a guy. Blunt and emotionally removed, the clean version still gets the point across, minus some of the verbiage in this unrefined line: "I don't care where you live at, just turn around boy and let me hit that / Don't be a little b-- with your chit chat, just show me where your d-- at." This best song of 2010 is the second released-single off her debut album 'Animal.'

1) Lady GaGa: 'Telephone'

Not to be confused with Beyonce's remix of 'Video Phone' -- which also includes Lady GaGa -- this top pop song is featured on GaGa's 'The Fame Monster' and was released as a single on Jan. 26. Although the song incorporates a harp, it's definitely club-ready -- and features a surprising rap sequence in the middle by Beyonce. Written by GaGa and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, the song was originally intended for Britney.