We’ve already taken a look at the best albums of the year, but what of the singles? Lindsay Marshall gives us her picks for the top 10 hits

Written By Lindsay Marshall

Let's break down the hits by category.

Best Rap/Pop Infusion - "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj

Before “Super Bass,” most people had surely heard of Nicki Minaj. But this instant hit, with its infectious hook and catchy lyrics, had us all singing along, and countless celebrities even doing their own versions of Minaj’s raps. At one point, during 2011, she dominated the charts with seven different singles. It seems like rap songs can’t be released these days without a sample from Miss Minaj.

Best “Girl Power!” Anthem - "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson has got to be the queen of upbeat pop breakup songs, and “Stronger” is no exception. It’s like “Since U Been Gone” Part Two. The 80s guitar riffs and her strong voice only make the song that much better, as tells her former lover, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” God help the man that breaks this girl’s heart, because she’s only going to turn around and write a catchy song about it, and then it will be stuck in your head for weeks.

Best Party Anthem - "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

Released at the beginning of 2011, this has been the biggest single from electro-pop duo LMFAO, hitting number one in North America and the U.K., among others. The group themselves admit that their songs are nothing more than the ultimate invitation to drink, dance and have a good time. What more would you expect from the guys who brought us “Shots” and “Sexy and I Know It?”

Best Single You Probably Haven’t Heard - "Video Games" by Lana Del Ray

I’ll admit that even I hadn’t heard of this song, until recently. But about 30 seconds into Lana Del Ray’s “Video Games,” I was hooked, and it has been playing on repeat for me ever since. With a haunting piano overture, and some irresistible lyrics (“I heard that you like the bad girls honey/Is that true?”), her voice simply soars. The video, which features a series of seemingly random clips, is a fitting tribute to the old school feel of the song, as well as Del Ray posing like a pin-up girl (and who can resist those big lips, whether real or man-made?). It ultimately reminds me of a mix of some great jazz legends, like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Amy Winehouse.

 Best Rock Song and Video - "Walk" by The Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters came back with an almighty bang this year, with their amazing album Wasting Light released in April, and a stellar tour of North America (including the first tour-stop in Toronto, at the sold-out Air Canada Centre). Recorded entirely in lead singer Dave Grohl’s garage, the album saw the band return to their rock-roots, and the single “Walk” was no exception. In true Foo Fighters fashion, they released a hilarious video to accompany the single, proving that these guys won’t be finished any time soon.

Best Love Song - "1 + 1" by Beyonce

It was a pretty big year for Beyonce – in some senses, literally. She released her album 4, and a slew of singles and accompanying videos, as well as announcing that she was pregnant, and due any day now. Although only released as a digital and promotional single, it had universal appeal, called a downtempo ballad that proves love conquers all. With its minimal background instrumentation, it showcases Beyonce’s amazing, multi-octave voice. It may simply be one of the most gorgeous songs that Queen B has ever performed.

 Best Song from a Movie - "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars

I would never admit to liking the Twilight movies, and I don’t think I ever could actually like them. But I will admit that the single, from the The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part One soundtrack is the perfect mix of Bruno Mars old-school-blues, and teenage melancholia.

Funniest Song and Video - "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" by Katy Perry

It may not be the best Katy Perry song of the year, but it definitely left an impression. And you can’t argue with the fact that with this single, she tied Michael Jackson’s Bad with the most number one singles from one album. The girl knows how to make a hit, and make us all laugh with her while doing it, as shown in her video for “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.),” which features more cameos than most people might be able to spot. Don’t miss the starring role of “Friday” internet sensation Rebecca Black, as well.

Best Song to Rock Out to in Your Car - "Sail" by AWOLNATION

The first time I heard “Sail” from American alternative group AWOLNATION, I couldn’t quite figure out what exactly was going on in the song, between the trippy synthesizers, and smashing guitars and bass… But I knew that I liked it. This seems to be the response from most people on first listen of the single. Written by lead singer Aaron Bruno, with a nod to the Styx song “Come Sail Away,” the song was featured all over television this year. Despite not much commercial success, I hope that the group will continue to release such heart-pounding singles as “Sail” in the future. Enjoy this one in your car, with the bass turned up, and the windows down (perhaps not in the winter though).

Single of the Year - "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele

It’s been a huge year for Adele. After releasing her debut album 19 in 2008, and winning the Best New Artist Grammy in 2009, she returned this year with her sophomore album 21. As of this month, it has sold over 13 million copies, making it the best-selling album of 2011. Despite this single being released at the end of 2010, it was the smash-hit single that lead to it, and her album, going to number one all over the world.

Written by :

Lindsay Marshall