The Top 10 Pop Songs of 2011

The year 2011 has been a good one for pop music fans, especially those who like more dance-oriented music. With the exception of a monumental year for soulful Brit singer Adele, most of the stuff that's made waves on music charts and radio stations throughout the year has been closer to the dance music genre than anything else, and artists like Britney Spears, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and the like have ruled the airwaves in 2011. Here are my picks for the ten best pop songs of the year:

#10 - Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5

This highly popular pop tune from alternative rockers Adam Levine and company was somewhat of a departure for the group. Powered by a catchy, danceable hook and featured vocals by Christina Aguilera, this one rose into the pop music stratosphere in 2011 and became one of the group's all time best performing singles. Watch the video for "Moves Like Jagger" here, complete with clips of Mr. Jagger himself moving like, well Jagger!

#9 - Till the World Ends - Britney Spears

The year 2011 was a comeback year for Britney Spears, who hadn't released anything new since 2008's "Circus." "Femme Fatale" came out in March to respectable reviews and the album produced four hit singles, including this one. "Till the World Ends" was well-received by critics and fans alike and became one of Britney Spears' most successful songs of her career. Check it out here.

#8 - S&M - Rihanna

Na na na na na, c'mon!

This Rihanna song is from 2010's "Loud" album and burned up the charts for the first part of the year for its catchy, albeit raunchy lyrics and its hard-driving music track. Check it out right here.

#7 - Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Back in February, this lead single from Lady Gaga's sophomore album received unprecedented hype and sold a lot of copies in the process. Many argued that the song sounded a lot like Madonna's "Express Yourself," causing somewhat of a backlash against the singer in subsequent weeks, but nevertheless the song became a huge anthem for its catchy chorus and positive message. Watch the singer perform the tune on Saturday Night Live from earlier this year right here.

#6 - Give me Everything - Pitbull, featuring Ne Yo, Afrojack and Nayer

The combination of Nayer and Ne Yo's vocals, Pitbull's raps, and Afrojack's production skills made this one sort of a sleeper hit throughout the year. Take a look and a listen to "Give Me Everything" right here.

#4/5 - E.T./Firework - Katy Perry

Katy Perry has been on a tear with songs from her 2010 album, "Teenage Dream." Though she's had more than two monster hits in 2011, these two are standout pop ditties. The first, "E.T.," featuring Kanye West, is so hyp-no, hypnotizing, and "Firework" is just, well, a heartwarming, irresistible anthem. Click on the song titles to check them out.

#3 - Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO

Though LMFAO has been around since 2006, they were never really too well known outside of the hip hop world until 2011. This was the year that these crazy hip-hop funksters broke out with not one, but two smash singles. Their latest tune, "Sexy and I Know It" is currently mesmerizing the masses with its silly yet fun lyrics, but it would never have been a hit if it wasn't for their breakthrough smash, "Party Rock Anthem." This one was the biggest hit of the summer and had everyone saying, "Every day I'm shufflin'." Check out the equally fun video for "Party Rock Anthem" right here.

#2 - We Found Love - Rihanna

The lead single off of Rihanna's "Talk That Talk" record is one of those songs that just stays with you long after you've heard it. This easy-on-the-ears tune is catchy and a bit melancholic, and oh so good! Take a listen right here.

#1 - Rolling in the Deep - Adele

There's a fire starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringin' me out the dark

The opening words to Adele's soulful, runaway smash became all too familiar with music fans in 2011. The debut song from Adele's "21" album was undoubtedly the most played song of the year, as well as 2011's biggest-selling single. It also did well as a dance/club song. Take a listen to "Rolling" here.

So there you have it, my choices for the ten best pop songs of 2011. As you can see from the list, the great majority of these songs was dance-oriented and helped make 2011 one of the best years for the genre ever. If you may have other choices for your best songs of the year, please share them below. In the meantime, here are some other great songs to make a big splash in 2011:

Tonight I'm Loving You, Enrique Iglesias

Edge of Glory/You and I - Lady Gaga

Someone Like You - Adele

Without You - David Guetta, featuring Usher

Just Can't Get Enough - Black Eyed Peas

On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez

Grenade - Bruno Mars

Superbass - Nicki Minaj