2012: Top Tunes

2012 was, all in all, an interesting year for music.  The year’s hits had the Harvard Baseball team, Abercrombie and Fitch male models and several others wanting to lend out their numbers so someone might call them. Americans mistook PSY’s Korean Gangnam Style lyrics for something else, singing basically every part of the song incorrectly (except for the “Hey Sexy Ladies” part). Some hits were even resurrected from the ‘80s.

We’ve rounded up the top 10 hits of 2012 (based on the highest number of weeks spent on the Billboard Top Ten List). Love ‘em or hate ’em, these are the songs that define 2012.

10. “Glad You Came” The Wanted

The universe will never be the same, because (for people who grew up in the ’90s boy band era) we’re so glad The Wanted came out with new singles following their X Factor debut. “Glad You Came” spent 15 weeks on Billboard’s Top Ten, climbing all the way to number 3 in March.

9. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” Kelly Clarkson

Thriving on another break-up single, “Stronger” resurrected themes from earlier successful tracks (Break Away Anybody?) while demonstrating Clarkson’s growth as an artist. Despite a disappointing return to reality singing competition television, Clarkson’s hit landed number 1 on Billboard in February. So, I take it, what didn’t kill her made her stronger?

8. “I Will Always Love You” Whitney Houston

During the midst of Whintey Houton’s untimely death, fans resurrected her famed cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” For 18 weeks following the singer’s death, Houston’s hit nestled on the Top Ten. For one thing, fans will always love this powerful ballad from The Bodyguard soundtrack.

7. “One More Night” Maroon 5

Maroon 5’s Overexposed album spawned success, especially with its second single, “One More Night.” This number 1 hit peaked on Billboard’s charts in late September, spending 18 weeks on the Top Ten overall.

6. “Some Nights” Fun.

Continuing momentum from their first hit, “We Are Young,” Fun’s second single, “Some Nights” spent 19 weeks on the Top Ten, reaching number 3 in September. In a word, the 2012 music world was Fun.

5. “Payphone” Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa

While payphones may be a thing of the past—when was the last time you used a payphone or saw a phone bank?—“Payphone,” was nothing but new. As a testament to Maroon 5’s maturing sound, “Payphone” mixed Adam Levine’s tenor voice with Wiz Khalifa’s catchy rap creating a Billboard number 2 hit. The single spent 19 weeks on the Top Ten.

4. “Starships” Nicki Minaj

No one can deny Nicki Minaj’s unique voice and artistic talents. “Starships” intoxicating rhythm, repetitive lyrics and Nicki Minaj’s energetic rap fueled this hit, letting it stand for 21 weeks on Billboard’s Top Ten. While “Starships” might not make sense lyrically, the numbers do.

3. “We Are Young” Fun. featuring Janelle Monae

Fun. and Janelle Monae set the world on fire with “We Are Young,” a song that resonated with fans of diverse musical interest from pop to alternative. “We Are Young” reached number 1 in March, spending 22 weeks on the Top Ten overall.

2. “Call Me Maybe” Carley Rae Jepsen

Hey, you may not like it and think it’s crazy, but Carley Rae Jepsen’s hit was weighty. “Call Me Maybe” appeared on the Top Ten list for 23 weeks, hitting number 1 in June, setting the tone for the pop-filled summer.

1. “Somebody That I Used to Know” Gotye featuring Kimbra

“Somebody” spent 24 weeks on the Top Ten list. Although he’s yet to release another single, Gotye’s song hit number 1 in April. With the number 1 song of 2012, let’s hope Gotye’s music isn’t just something that we used to know.

Cover Photo Source: Jake Bellucci via Flickr
Photo Source 1: Joella Marano via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Source 2: Mark Runyonvia Flickr
Photo Source 3: Julio Enriquez via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Source 4: Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Source 5: Mirandaheneghan via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Source 6: Christopher Macsurak via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Source 7: Lunchbox LP via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Source 8: Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons