The following are my choices for the thirty best songs released as a single during 2010. The first year in a new decade is often one of musical transition and 2010 was no different (though to what remains to be seen). It was a weaker year than last, but we were still treated to a small handful of real triumphs.

My selections here are primarily determined through a subjective evaluation of each song's artistic integrity, but objective criteria (chart placement, sales, and awards) are taken into account as well.

1. “Erase Me” by Kid Cudi, featuring Kanye West

2. “Hold My Hand” by Michael Jackson, featuring Akon

3. “F**k You!” by Cee Lo Green

4. “Thinking 'Bout Somethin'” by Hanson

5. “Morning Comes" by Delta Rae

6. “Better Than a Hallelujah” by Amy Grant

7. “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)” by Kid Cudi, featuring MGMT

8. “Nothing” by Janet Jackson

9. “Not Afraid” by Eminem

10. “You Lost Me” by Christina Aguilera

11. "Giving Up the Gun" by Vampire Weekend

12. “Flash Delirium” by MGMT

13. “Up to the Mountain” by Crystal Bowersox

14. “Mr. Rager” by Kid Cudi

15. "Tightrope" by Janelle Moáne, featuring Big Boi

16. “Alright with Me” by Kris Allen

17. “Imma Be" by The Black Eyed Peas

18. “Misery” by Maroon 5

19. “Resistance” by Muse

20. “Cry Me a River” by Michael Bublé

21. “Better Things” by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

22. “Siberian Breaks” by MGMT

23. “Not In My House” by Rooney

24. “Nothing But the Whole Wide World" by Jakob Dylan

25. “Something 'Bout Love” by David Archuleta

26. “My Propeller” by Arctic Monkeys

27. “All I Ever Wanted” by Kelly Clarkson

28. “Can't Be Tamed” by Miley Cyrus

29. “White Sky” by Vampire Weekend

30. “Out of My Hands” by Jars of Clay