1. SPOTLIGHT - JENNIFER HUDSON
   
   Though it seems like Hudson has been on the scene for a long time now, we all seemed to forget that the former Idol finalist had never actually recorded a single, much less an album. That changed in a big way with this stunning debut single that was dripping diva from ever pore. Sadly, her triumphant return to the musical arena was overshadowed by the devastating tragedy that hit her family. Be strong girl, our hearts are with you and we love you.
   
   
2. I CAN FEEL YOU - ANASTACIA
   
   My girl is 5'2 with a 6'2 black man for a husband. Hmmm, I wonder what the inspiration for this song was? She's 40, she's fabulous. She's still got her groove to go with those ferocious pipes. She just narrowly missed the top of the chart with this track.
   
   
3. SHINOLA - DOLLY PARTON
   
   There's nothing quite like a classic "bitch track" done with a down-home, backwoods twist. This track is so fun and camp and, hell, they even have to bleep her out when she sings "sh*t." One thing is certain, I wouldn't want to be the do-no-gooder on the other end of this one as the biggest tits in the biz tears me a new one!
   
   
4. HOT & COLD - KATY PERRYKaty made up for her borderline offensive "U R So Gay" and "I Kissed A Girl" with the fun, catchy track that helped being pop exactly where it needs to be - back on top.
   
   
5. SAME OLD FUCKING STORY - CYNDI LAUPER
   
   Who pissed off the divas this year? Not only were the bitch tracks flying, but they were coming at us with curse-word laden vitriol. Love it. Cyndi knocked it out of the park this year with her dance music return that also included a fantastic honorable mention "Into The Nightlife."
   
   
6. VIVA LA VIDA - COLDPLAY
   
   The British rockers pulled out this dynamic tune that is easily reminiscent of the brilliance often shown by U2. This one has classic written all over it and is a sure bet to clean up at next year's Grammy's.
   
   
7. WOMANIZER - BRITNEY SPEARS
   
   Welcome back Brit, Brit! There's a long-standing tradition that out of a performer's darkest hour, the best songs emerge. Though not quite as brilliant as Toxic, this track ranks right up there. Seriously, I wonder who she might be singing about!
   
   
8. JUST DANCE - LADY GAGA
   
   Everything about this New York scenester reminds us of 25 years ago when a little-known artist named Madonna worked her way up from the streets to become a true pop icon. She has a unique style, her music is impossible to shake from your brain's internal stereo and it's pure, classic pop. Madge must not be amused that a young up-and-comer is beating the same path as her and stealing her relevance.
   
   
9. SING - ANNIE LENNOX
   
   This song really didn't need to have Madonna on. Annie was enough. But it is such an amazing anthem track for women and gay men alike. With the phenomenal remix by Moto Blanco, it became a dancefloor fave.
   
   
10. IF I NEVER SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN - MAROON 5
    
    Featuring Rhianna No one drips sex more than Adam Levine and Rhianna and put them together, the track is just hot.

10 WORST SONGS OF 2008

1. IF I WERE A BOY - BEYONCE
   
   What? You mean you're not? Seriously, I always thought Beyonce was a drag queen. And what's with this Sasha Fierce BS? Come on, girl. This whole alter ego thing didn't work for Garth Brooks when he was "Chris Gaines" what makes Beyonce think we're going to buy into this lame gimmick?
   
   
2. UR SO GAY - KATY PERRY
   
   This song is just so gay, and I mean that in the crudest school yard variety as in lame, lame, lame.. It's hard to believe Katy had a hit that was actually more cloying on the nerves than "I Kissed A Girl."
   
   
3. WAKEUP CALL - MAROON 5
   
   Adam Levine is hot but this song should be a wakeup call that every once in awhile, some of the most vile shit can come spewing from the prettiest places.
   
   
4. RAISING McCAIN - JOHN RICH
   
   Quel surprise. A country song to back the Republican presidential candidate. Did Rich not even consider the irony that McCain can't even raise his hands above his shoulders because of his POW injuries? That's just tackier than polo shirts with the collar up.
   
   
5. CHINESE DEMOCRACY - GUNS & ROSES
   
   Oh would someone take Axel Rose out back and give him the hanging. I never thought I would see the day when another "artist" would try as desperately to cling on to long-gone relevancy than Madonna.
   
   
6. CARELESS WHISPER - BARRY MANILOW
   
   An old queen covering a prime cut from a now washed-up queen. How gauche.
   
   
7. CRUSH - DAVID ARCHULETTA
   
   Crush? Serously? Does Archie even hit puberty yet?
8. THE BOSS - KRISTINE W
   
   Oh Miss W. Love you like my Prada, but stay away from doing Miss Ross. Trainwreck crazy is contagious, you know.
   
   
9. ALONE - CELINE DION
   
   With the notable exception of Carrie Underwood, no one, and I repeat NO ONE should ever sing this song but Ann Wilson. Dion's a national treasure, of course, but she seriously needs to pick better songs, lay off the botox and for god sakes, cut her son's hair!
   
   
10. GET THIS PARTY STARTED - Dame Shirley Bassey
    
    This is by far the worst piece to ever be relentlessly overplayed and we're grateful that Pink has since atoned for her sin. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to have Dame Shirley cover this awful, awful song needs to be seriously be banished.

Source: abOUT Magazine with edits for ShopToronto.com