Anne Murray mentioned that today a person does not even have to have a voice to "sing". In fact with rap music that is much the case. Both have compiled recordings with other artists they have worked with. Both are still very active people with a burning desire to continue what they do best, bringing entertainment to the public.

He talked about his mortality and not wanting to be there when the angel of death appears. One thing I noticed was his zest for life as he quipped about having been fortunate to get out of thee then small town Ottawa to make it big with seasoned performers like Frank Sinatra who he wrote songs for. That zest probably explains why he hasn't entered a frightful faze about having to go sometime. Maybe it was his candidness, which we can look up to: "we all have to go sometime" he added. But in the meantime he keeps working and performing and his reason is that if you stand still people throw dirt at you.

Anne on the other hand referred to her notoriety largely coming from her golfing average. That is more people have given her acclaim for her golfing than for all the musical hits she has ever put together. There might be irony in the last statement but sometimes fame does not come the way we expect it to.

Amy Jade Winehouse, an English singer-songwriter, has emerged as one of the best female artist in the history of music. She was born on September 14, 1983 in the UK, but she has showed her talent in singing and writing song lyrics in her early age. Her second album "Back to Black" won her five Grammys, and it was also her first album which was successfully secured a place in the U.S. Billboard 200 album charts. When this album was released in the U.S, it has been sold for 5x platinum in the first week, and entered the seventh in the Billboard 200 album list. This album hit the U.S. market most probably due to her main song "You Know I'm No Good" which was channeled extensively via all major television networks in the U.S. Her 2007 follow-up album released on February 14, won her another award of BRIT Award. This was followed suit by her winning award of Ivor Novello Award. These awards have undoubtedly brought her a pride and fame as the best British Female Artist.

Among the new generation of female pop singers, Amy Winehouse's voice is unique. When someone listens to her songs, you will naturally think of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and other jazz veteran like The Supremes Group in the 1960s. Her voice incorporated the taste of popular singers like Lauryn Hill and Macy Gray.

From the music point of view, a 23-year-old singer who could sing with a mature attribute is rarely encountered. Her songs of "You Know I'm No Good", "He Can Only Hold Her", "Love Is A Losing Game", and "Back To Black" are some of the songs that let your nut wondering around the beauty of the art and music. Compared to other young female artist like Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse's has obviously showed a distinction to a milestone.

Her talent in singing particularly dealing with her eclectic mix of various musical genres which include jazz, R&B and soul plus her notable signature beehive hairstyle has captured media attention apart from her fans. She portrays a good attribute as a singer with her unique appearance and an intoxicating voice. She has indeed incorporated all her feelings into her music. It seems like the music has stood lively in her world. One can feel this by listening to her songs attentively. While she is a great singer, it is indeed sad to learn that she has confirmed to have developed early signs of the symptoms which could progress to emphysema in June 2008.

Below are some of Amy Winehouse's songs, keep stay tune and enjoy!

1. Rehab
   
2. You Know I'm No Good
   
3. Me & Mr. Jones
   
4. Just Friends
   
5. Back To Black
   
6. Love Is A Losing Game
   
7. Tears Dry On Their Own
   
8. Wake Up Alone
   
9. Some Unholy War
   
10. He Can Only Hold Her

 

On July 3, 1998, an Irish pop band called Westlife was formed. It is a band which focuses on ballads from teen pop to an adult contemporary sound. Their songs earned them an international recognition by winning awards such as the ITV "Record of the Year" award in the UK, and the "Best Irish Pop Act" at the annual Ireland Meteor Awards. This new age group has emerged as the most successful pop groups in the UK of all time. "Biggest Selling arena act in the UK" and the "Music artist with most consecutive number 1's in the UK." were two of the records that they managed to achieve along with other broken records.

Up to now, they have their albums sold over 40 million worldwide. The album of "Swear It Again" which was released in March, 1999 immediately topped the charts in both UK and Ireland for 14 days. When this song was released in the US in 2000, it hit on mainstream radio, and was placed the top 20 in the US chart. The release of "If I Let You Go" in August along with "Flying Without Wings" in October in the same year of 1999 have further strengthened their status as one of the top UK pop groups. The album of "Flying Without Wings" was later re-recorded to be included on the soundtrack of the Warner Brothers film, "Pokémon 2000." This is followed suit by "You Raised Me Up" which hit number one again on the UK pop chart in 2005. The Westlife version of "Against All Odds" which was recorded in the collaboration with American popular singer, Mariah Carey has become a major international hit.

Below were handpicked Westlife's songs, all of which were UK number one singles. The band remains as the most successful single of the band with the record that remains unbroken to date. Keep yourself listening to some of those songs you might have familiar with. Enjoy!

Flying Without Wings

If I Let You Go

Swear It Again

Uptown Girl

My Love

Fool Again

Seasons In The Sun

Against All Odds

To Be With You

Desperado

You Raise Me Up

Okay, so everyone knows that ABBA came from Sweden, but how about the Cardigans? Try this list of well-known and not-so-well-known Swedish acts for a true treat for your ears.

1. Suburban Kids With Biblical Names

   
   Worth a mention on this list if only for the name, Suburban Kids With Biblical Name are actually creating quite a stir in the music scene. Their single "Rent-A-Wreck" is so simple, childish in a way, that it becomes something beautiful.

2. Peter, Bjorn and John

   
   Peter, Bjorn and John are the guys who had the annoying whistling tune stuck in your head for months a while back. The song, Young Folks is one of the most recent examples of the Swede invasion. Featuring yet another Swede on vocals (Victoria Bergsman), the single did amazingly well. Unfortunately, the album was perhaps a bit of a let down. Let's see what they can come up with next.

3. Sahara Hotnights

   
   Perhaps more a rock act than pop, this girl group combine raw aggression with a real knack for melodies. They've been around a while, and perhaps haven't recieved the exposure that they really deserve. Personally, I feel that the distinction of being an all-girl group has helped them immensely. A band that really has that uplifting energy, their punky attitude is perhaps best shown in the live environment, so here is a live video of them performing the track Alright, Alright.

4. José González

   
   Quite a Spanish name for a Swede! González's parents were originally from Argentina, moving to Sweden the year he was born. He is perhaps most famous for his covers of popular songs, including numbers originally by Springsteen, Massive Attack and the Knife (see below). His original work often seems to be overlooked because of this. But rest assured, it is fantastic. Even though it is great, I have chosen a cover to represent José. So here we have a live version of Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division).

5. The Hives

   
   The Hives are the best known Swedish act in the UK right now. Their blend of Garage-revival and smart-talking, smart-dressing stylisations has ensured that they have recieved a degree of longevity. From everything down the their stage names (Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, Dr. Matt Destruction, etc), The Hives are a true calculated masterpiece of a band. Dressing entirely in black and white, their live shows are turly a sight to behold, as are their eye-catching music videos.

6. The Wannadies

   
   "The You And Me Song" - the greatest Swedish song of all time? It certainly gives ABBA a run for their money. Unfortunately they haven't been heard of much as late, and it really seems that these guys are one-hit wonders. Unfortunate, because this is such an amazing tune.

7. The Knife

   
   The Knife's greatest claim to fame is being the original artists behind the song Heartbeats, a huge hit for none other than José González. This is probably the greatest unfairness in the so-called "Swedish Invasion". The Knife produce some fabulous electronic music, with the icing on the cake being the fantastic vocal lines used by the duo. One of the most weird acts on the list, this weirdness only adds to the appeal, so check out the song Like A Pen (in the video below).

8. Loney, Dear

   
   Loney, Dear, A.K.A Emil Svanängen, is a true songwriting maestro. So far, he's released four albums, and shows no sign of slowing down. His is a world of relaxation, where nothing seems to matter but the sound of Emil's voice. His latest offering, Loney, Noir, is a re-release of his 2005 album. However, this time around it's getting noticed, with many favorable reviews. The video below comes from this album.

9. The Cardigans

   
   The Cardigans enjoyed a fair bit of mainstream success in their time. They've gone a bit quiet nowadays, possibly finding it hard to top their earlier pop gems. Like it or not, everyone who has heard their hit Lovefool has had it stuck in their head at some point, and that is why they deserve the number 2 spot.

10. I'm From Barcelona

    
    Certainly the largest band on this list, I'm From Barcelona rack up a total of 29 members. There certainly seems to be strength in numbers, with these guys crafting some of the most perfect pop songs I have ever heard. Their debut album is a complete stormer. I have not been lucky enough to witness a live show with them, but from the looks of it, it is a true experience. This track, We're From Barcelona, perfectly sums them up as an act.

As you can see, Sweden is providing us with some of the best pop music around right now, with such a wide range, it is as if you need not look any further for your musical fix. Sweden has it all, and long may it continue.

“Touch My Body” is an interesting song. I think it works well to have it as background music on a date or when you are alone with your significant other. I am surprised Carey chose it as the first release. Neverthless, it isn't a bad song, but it isn't her best either. The video to “Touch My Body” is wonderfully silly. Carey invites a computer technician into her house to fix her computer as he fantasizes fooling around with her. At the same time it isn't anything risque about it and Carey showed her sense of humor about the lyrics of the song. It was a great video to watch.

Carey managed to get a good amount of publicity appearing on several shows singing “Bye Bye”. She went onto the Oprah Winfrey Show to sing the song and sang it again a couple days later on American Idol. Several days later she appeared on Good Morning America to sing “Bye Bye” once again. The song is one of her best and it has some of the best lyrics.

“I never knew I could hurt like this
And everyday life goes on I wish
I could talk to you for a while
Miss you but I try not to cry
As time goes by”

It is obvious she is singing from a personal experience and we can feel it. It is very relatable to all those that lost someone close to them.

The video of “Bye Bye” takes us back to her home town. The direction of the video keeps your attention as the sentiment of the song tugs at your heart. Carey should have released this song as the first release since it is better than “Touch My Body” and it should definitely be another number one hit for her incredible career.

Control - "Nasty"

This song launched Jackson into the mainstream, prompting millions of girls to echo the stern warning, "No, my first name ain't ‘baby,' it's Janet! Ms. Jackson if you nasty!" A taste of what was to come, "Nasty," a modern classic, made Janet accessible to a wider fan base with its harder-edged R&B sound.

Rhythm Nation 1814 - "Miss You Much"

One of the best times in Janet's career, this album saw Janet reflecting on the social injustices of the era. It is by far her most socially conscious album, but one of the best cuts is this ode to separated love. It's a funky dance track with a great video. She'll "send it in a letter, baby, tell you on the phone," ‘cause she "miss you much"!

Janet - "If"

In the early nineties, Janet had would some would call a change in image, others just sat scratching their heads wondering where this self-empowered seductress came from. Janet didn't care, she was out to be herself, and she was really a bit of a nympho. One listen to this startlingly explicit track and the change is apparent. Mixing rock, hip-hop, R&B, pop, and dance, this is one of Janet's finest tracks to date. One thing is for sure, she isn't your girl... But if she was...

HIStory - "Scream"

Before continuing to her next album, the still hyper-empowered Jackson cut this track with her brother, who you may've heard of in passing... Trading verses of angst, Janet and Michael go on a tirade about life, seeing the King of Pop even drop an f-bomb! Thankfully, he lightened up, but even so, this is one solid track.

The Velvet Rope - "You"

Summing up the dark yet hopeful feel of this album, Janet presents an open letter of sorts to an unknown recipient whom most speculate to be Michael. "You" finds Janet contemplating action and its consequence, ultimately concluding that sometimes "you can't blame nobody but you." On The Velvet Rope, with its more varied sound and deep lyrical content, Janet allows us a window into her depression and hope. Possibly Janet's best album to date.

All for You - "You Ain't Right"

While I may've taken the obvious route and chosen the title song, it seemed better to dig up this painfully overlooked cut. A club banger sure to get the crowd on their feet, Jackson's back to her empowered self and taking names. With a lighter view on life, All for You provides the ultimate summer soundtrack. "You Ain't Right" is only a taste of what this superior pop album has to offer.

Justified - "And She Said (Take Me Now)"

Before recording her next album, Janet joined Justin for this funky slice of R&B. The track finds them trading suggestive verses leading to a quite direct chorus, in keeping with Janet's theme but a bit of a departure for clean-cut boy-bander Timberlake. Stick around for the song's Timbaland-infused outro. This track leaves one wishing the two would collaborate more often, just maybe not onstage... And for those of you who haven't picked up a copy of Justin's excellent first solo album, do so.

Damita Jo - "All Night (Don't Stop)"

Experimenting with a more rhythmic sound, "All Night" is one of the best tracks on this somewhat disappointing effort, with the notable exception of "R&B Junkie." Not terrible, but pornographic songs like "Moist" and "Warmth" leave much to be desired.

20 Y.O. - "So Excited"

Move over Ciara, Ms. Jackson's back! Well, not exactly. Audiences didn't warm up to the album as they should've, considering they were still prudishly bitter from the SuperBowl incident and dirty Damita Jo. But 20 Y.O. was actually a pretty solid album, with "So Excited" being only one example of its modern dance-R&B offerings. Just watch out for the yawners like "Enjoy."

Discipline - "So Much Betta"

Now she's back, and people (thankfully) aren't so bitter. While missing the deeper side of nineties Janet, it's safe to say Janet is now on her A-game. Returning to the club-ready tracks that are her comfort-zone, Discipline was made for the dance floor. This is an album worth owning.

This slice of throwback R&B put this troubled British woman on US airwaves. Pretty soon the entire country was defiantly refusing rehab, with a snap and a diva-esque "no, No, NO!" If you haven't yet downloaded this one from iTunes, now's the time!

9. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake

Who knew N*Sync's frontman had it in him. Sure, the Michael Jackson-flavored "Rock Your Body" was funky and cool, obviously a step in a more mature direction. But we were blindsighted by this cold, futuristic anthem. This track received enough airplay that it became a cultural phenomenon, with "sexyback" becoming an acceptable word in the English vocab. Justin even commented that if he'd known the word/phrase would become so famous, he wouldn't have even recorded it!

8. U & Ur Hand - P!nk

Girl power was taken to a new extreme with this one. Guys like myself could only cower before P!nk's acid-rejection. However, rejection has never been so creative. Besides giving the world a new "get lost" line, P!nk gave us a perfect example of pop with rock sensibility, breathing energy back into this pop subset.

7. Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna

Ok, I'll admit I'm beyond a Jackson fan, so this song had me on my feet. Dance-club anthems sampling one of Michael's greatest hits, pop music doesn't get much better than that. Rihanna has proven time and again that she's not satisfied to just follow the trend. This song will surely go down as one of her best.

6. Feedback - Janet

It's a shame radio stations didn't pick up on this one more than they did. Without the Superbowl incident, Ms. Jackson would probably still be sitting at the top of the charts. Come on, America, quit being so prudish. That time she wasn't even pulling off her top, Justin did. Why don't you go boycott him? Back to the song, Janet gives a perfect summer tune with her signature double-layered song lyrics. Think "All for You" with a harder edge.

5. She's Makin' Me Lose It - Blake Lewis

Electronic/dance music seems to go ignored by mainstream America, and it's a shame, because this is a top-notch song. Blake shows off his skills on this collaboration with BT ("Somnambulist," or "Simply Being Loved") Mixing dance, pop, funk, and R&B, Michael Jackson would've been proud. While Audio Day Dream is a solid album, this song really shows off Lewis' capabilities.

4. 4 Minutes - Madonna

Yes, I know I called the song "loud" and "borderline obnoxious" in my recent review. But nevertheless, it is top-notch pop. This song doesn't offer much new, but simply takes the best of the best in regards to pop and gives the ultimate party song. If you're not on your feet by the opening, you may just be dead.

3. Piece of Me - Britney Spears

A bit cliché, but anyone who's heard the song can attest to its inherent coolness. Boasting some of the best production of the genre, Danja breathed life into Blackout's Brit-bot. While the whole album is worth a listen, the thumping and abrasive "Piece of Me" is a must-have. You can skip the video though, Britney seems to barely notice that music is even playing.

2. Stronger - Kanye West

Some will object to my characterization of "Stronger" as pop, but savvy listeners will recognize the signs: danceable tune, repetitive chorus, and trendy electronic production. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" was an excellent dance track, and Daft Punk rightly holds a solid position on the dance charts, with "One More Time" becoming a dance classic. Kanye's decision to enlist Daft Punk for a reworking of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" was nothing short of brilliant. I'm not yet a Kanye fan, but enough of these tracks could change my mind.

1. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 - Michael Jackson

With the help of Akon, Michael's brought one of his signature tracks into the new millennium, not that it even really needed re-working. Akon brings his African flavor, giving what some reviewers have called a "world music" feel to the song. The best remix from the re-release of Thriller, actually including newly recorded vocals from the King of Pop, leaving this track to top off the list. Look for more from MJ later this year!

It is hardly a perfect list, rather just a good list of songs to start the summer. Make sure to leave your "top pop songs in recent memory" in the comments!

Many may not know, but ten years later Hanson is still the number one heartthrob for large audiences all over the country. But luckily for the now older crowd, a decade later they have lost the long hair in favor of adorable (shorter) haircuts, gained even more killer looks (if that was even possible), and are still completely devoted to their fans, their music, and the world we live in.

So without further ado, here are the top five reasons why Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson are still the heartthrobs of America.

1. They Haven't Lost That Amazing Ability to Write Sensitive Lyrics That Tear At Your Heart

   Who can forget the gorgeous melodies of their youthful days with songs like MMBOP, Where's the Love, and Yearbook. Their lyrics showed a world of fans how sensitive and understanding a group of young men could be. Amazingly, ten years later, they have not lost their touch. Their most recent album The Walk is testament to their genuine abilities as songwriters. Although still widely unknown among the “non-believers” the newest album again gives you songs about love, heartbreak, and fantastically, their opinion on the state of the world.

2. Hello Killer Good Looks

   Oh boy, those of us who were young enough to appreciate the cute boyish looks of Hanson's past are in for a treat when seeing their handsome faces of the present. Gone are the long blond locks (although they could still pull it off quite nicely) and here are some killer grins, gorgeous eyes, and a fantastic sense of humor (could they be anymore perfect?)

3. Everyone Loves a Family Man

   Unfortunately for those of us still dreaming, back off girls all three men are happily married to beautiful and wonderful women. The eldest Hanson, Isaac is happily married to his beautiful wife Nicole. Their first son, Clarke Everett was born in early 2007 and the couple is currently expecting another child. The middle Hanson, Taylor has been married to his wife of almost six years, Natalie. They currently have three beautiful children. And last but certainly not least, the youngest, Zac has found true love in his spouse of two years, Kathryn. The gorgeous couple is currently expecting their first child. (Possibly a rival in good looks to baby Shiloh of the Jolie-Pitt family?)

4. They Put On A Killer Performance

   From their MMBop days to the present, Hanson has always had an amazing ability to put on impressive performances. Although I have only been to two concerts (I know, I can't call myself the most diehard fan), each concert has blown me away with the clear sound and their ability (Taylor in particular) to pump up the crowd and get the screaming to ear-splitting decibels.

5. They Want To Change The World

   From their newest album, The Walk, comes the term Ngi Ne Thema “I have hope.” Currently our heartthrobs are working alongside TOMS Shoes to donate a pair of shoes to every needy child. The shoes are currently being sold at all Hanson concerts and with every shoe bought, another pair is donated to a child in need. Amazingly, in November 2007 Hanson, Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS Shoes), and the rest of the TOMS crew boarded a plane and personally delivered 50,000 shoes to children in Africa.
   
   As well as these donations, Hanson is working to raise awareness for these needy children by holding mile walks before each concert. Each brother walks barefoot for every mile and have endured numerous cuts for the cause. But even more amazingly, fans are joining this fantastic trio in their cause by walking barefoot alongside the band. I and many others were lucky enough to be able to share in this wonderful experience with a band of brothers whose mission is not only to create empowering music but to use their music and fans to empower the world, starting with the children who with your help, will one day change this world for the better.

I'd like to end this with a quote by Isaac Hanson that I found very moving. While I'm sure they have spoken it elsewhere, a large audience in Orlando, Florida heard this particular line in October 2007 at the renowned House of Blues. Isaac Hanson: “No offense to John Mayer, but we aren't waiting on the world to change.”

1. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

   
   
   This song was used for touching and poignant moments everywhere. It spent 16 weeks at number one.

2. Graduation by Vitamin C

   
   
   The universal anthem of high school leaver's world over this song tugs at your heartstrings. Every time I watch the video for a second all my high school experiences become covered with a glossy sheen and I become nostalgic. Then the song ends and I remember exactly how "great" most of my high school life was.

3. Bad Day by Daniel Powter

   
   
   Popularized by American Idol, Bad Day is not an awful song but I began hearing it frequently one the radio, in T.V shows and ads and after a while I'd had enough.

4. You're Beautiful by James Blunt

   
   
   This is indeed a wonderful song and the radio stations made sure that everyone knew it. Wildly popular in England and boosted by the Oprah Effect in the U.S the song skyrocketed to international success.

5. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

   
   
   If I could but could the amount of movies and T.V shows this one has been in.

6. We Will Rock You by Queen

   
   
   A favorite of massive crowd gatherings world over, this is also a bit of a personal over kill as I used to play this song on loop for a good period of my life.

7. Umbrella by Rihanna

   
   
   I really liked Umbrella in the beginning ... but then it got to the point where I was listening exclusively to my I pod for fear of turning on the radio.

8. Baba O'Riley by The Who

   
   
   Another personal overkill, I first heard this song on an episode of House and couldn't get enough of it.

9. One Love by Bob Marley

   
   
   This may well be one of the best songs ever. I think perhaps that it is played more than any other Bob Marley songs out there however and the Jamaica tourist board ads are really what did it for me in terms of sending it into overkill status.

10. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

    
    
    This song may well have one of the most creative videos ever and is insanely addictive. The problem comes when everyone around you is singing and slowly you yourself start to feel a little crazy.

10. The Way I Are - Timbaland Ft. Keri Hilson

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Honestly one of the greatest dance floor anthems of all time, and truly a song that all of us can relate to. Who hasn't been in the position of the lead singer in this tune? “I ain't got no money! I ain't got no car to take you on a date!” How true. Not only has this tune got a fantastic beat and lead synth, it also contains vocals that are easy to sing along to while getting your groove on. Who would expect any less from heavy weight producer Timbaland?

9. Say It Right - Nelly Furtado

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It was hard to decide on which Nelly Furtado song would make it onto this list. Honestly nearly her entire recent album (entitled “Loose”) has been on the Top 40 sometime within its release, and I tend to blame this album for the use of the word “promiscuous” in many new pop tunes. “Say It Right” is a great downtempo hit that rolls through nicely and holds it all together with a super drum line and great vocals, both in the writing and the singing.

8. Summer Love - Justin Timberlake

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Another ridiculously captivating hit from Justin's latest effort “FutureSex/Lovesounds.” One of the most overplayed songs during the summer of 2007 if you ask me (and for obvious reasons… It's all about summer!) However, its amazingly rhythmic introduction paves the road for some imaginative vocals and a chorus that everyone loves to shout out while on the floor.

7. Put Your Hands Up For Detroit - Fedde Le Grande

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There is no way that I ever expected to see a European house DJ to ever make it onto a list of the top DJ tunes in North America. But there isn't a club you can go to on Top 40 night without hearing this tune! It's everywhere, and for once, I'm not upset about a house tune being overplayed! About time the Hip-Hop obsessed dance floors of the Americas got a kick in the tempo! Hoping to hear a lot more from Fedde in the New Year…

6. Beyonce - Irreplaceable

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Amazingly, this hit was number one on the American Top 40 for 6 weeks in a row! And that was rare this year; with only two other tunes staying on for the same amount of time or longer. Trendy guitar chords in the intro paired with a deep kick drum and Beyonce's gorgeous voice make this a killer track. Not to mention the uplifting tone of the tune, which is kind of ironic considering what the song is about!

5. Britney Spears - Gimme More

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While the version that includes a rap intro by TI is far superior to the overplayed tune that is constantly on the radio, this tune is still one of the best DJ dance tunes 2007 had the pleasure of knowing. The sheer repetition of the word “gimme” makes me want to hear more, but we'll have to see if Britney is up to making dance music in the new year: something tells me she'll have her hands full with other matters…

4. Give It To Me - Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado

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Seeing JT and Nelly Furtado together in a track's title pretty much guarantees its success in this market. With each of them currently having incredibly successful albums and careers, it would be a crime not to mention their joint effort this year. Timbaland's beats pull through very well and his voice is a great contrast to the higher octaves of Furtado and Timberlake.

3. Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna

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This song gets the night going every single time. I swear it's the clap line. A seemingly unstoppable chart climber, Rihanna has arguably has one of the most enormous years any hip-hop artist has every seen. Her new album, “Good Girl Gone Bad” has sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, and is the 13th best selling album of 2007.

2. Stronger - Kanye West ft. Daft Punk

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Another enormous hit from Kanye West (who now may have forced 50 Cent into retirement, due to the fact that his new album “Graduation” has out sold 50's new album “Curtis.”) This track features lyrics and samples from an older Daft Punk song called “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” and really cranks up the power of this dance floor anthem.

1. Umbrella - Rihanna ft. Jay-Z

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Where to begin! Rihanna and Jay-Z took home an incredible amount of praise for this fantastically poppy dance anthem. It was rated the number one track of 2007 by the United World Chart, was named the number one single of 2007 by Entertainment Weekly and also topped the list of Blender Magazine's songs of the year. A truly remarkable achievement in pop music and without doubt one of the most famous songs of the last decade.

Here's to 2008 in music! Happy New Year to all and see you on the dance floor!

Stephen Young also goes by the alias DJ Theory and is an emerging DJ and avid clubber.