The Year in Music: The 25 Best Singles of 2011

It's been a great year for music. Here's my 25 favorite tracks of the last 365 days.

1. Nicole Scherzinger – “Don’t Hold Your Breath (Fred Falke Remix)”
This progressive dance track off the former Pussycat Doll member’s debut album Killer Love evokes female empowerment and is the perfect song to get over any guy.

2. Lady Gaga – “Marry The Night (Zedd Remix)”
This deluxe version Born This Way album track stood out instantly as the hottest track on Gaga’s sophomore project.

3. Robyn – “Call Your Girlfriend (Sultan & Ned Shepard Remix)"
In ways only Robyn can the Swedish Pop princess walks you through an awkward break up.

4. Benny Benassi & Chris Brown – “Beautiful People”
Not since “Forever” have I liked a Chris Brown track so much.

5. Ellie Goulding – “Lights (Bassnector Remix)”
2011 saw the marriage of a Prince and his Princess and while the entire world watched the affair, Prince William and Kate Middleton watched on as Ellie Goulding sung this #1 UK hit at the Royal Wedding.

6. Yelle – “Safari Disco Club”
You don’t have to speak French to enjoy a French pop song.

7. Jessie J – “Domino”
The deluxe version of her debut album, Who You Are, producedthe gem “Domino” – which is exactly the direction this incredibly talented singer should stay in… fun uplifting danceable pop music and boy can she sing!

8. David Guetta & Sia – “Titanium”
Sia at her best on one of the most powerful tracks on French DJ Superstar David Guetta’s dance music masterpiece Nothing But the Beat.

9. Wynter Gordon – “Still Getting Younger”
Wynter’s favorite track on her excellent EP With The Music I Die is a plea for love and she conveys the message in a way that people stop and listen.

10. Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks”
These LA boys bursted onto the music scene this past year with a song intended to raise awareness about gun violence. Did you know that?

11. Austra – “Beat and the Pulse”
Former Diamond Rings backup singer, Canadian Katie “Austra” Stelmanis broke onto the scene this year at SXSW with this dubstep infused gem drawing strong comparisons to Nine Inch Nails “Closer” in a female approach.

12. The Good Natured – “Wolves”
This brand new UK act could easily pick up where the Cranberries left off. Their debut EP Skeleton released a string of great hits, with “Wolves” leading the pack.