Top 40 Songs of 2012 – #40-35

40. Brokenhearted – Karmin

When when YouTube sensations Karmin didn’t have a runaway hit with their debut single “Crash Your Party,” many thought that their career had an ill-fate. However when the radio-friendly “Brokenhearted” bust onto the scene, this all changed!  A pop-rock song which infused a dance-feel, lit up the charts, as it peaked at #16 on the Hot 100. It was a perfect mix of the singing and rapping mix that propelled them to stardom.

39. We Are Young – Fun

We Are Young dominated the charts and airwaves this year, even reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #1 in many charts across the globe. Everyone was going around talking about how they were young. However, in light of the craze around the songs, it became somewhat of a love-to-hate song as it seemed like we just couldn’t get rid of it. And who has a Janelle Monae cameo that short? Questions that need answers.

38. Faded – Tyga ft. Lil Wayne

Tyga came out the gates swinging with his top ten hit “Rack City.” But no other song hit like his party anthem, “Faded” with Lil Wayne. “Faded” became Tyga’s second straight top 40 hit, reaching #33 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hopefully in his next album, the rapper has more songs like this, then he can definitely expect career longevity.

37. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Christina Perri’s song gained traction when the first version of her song was released with the first of the Twilight finale movies, but even more with the last one. It particularly came to light with yours truly when it was covered by The X Factor finalist Fifth Harmony in one of their standout performances of the season. This sweet, simple love song hit home. It peaked at #31 on the Hot 100. Regardless of commericial success, the song will always be associated with the ending of the Twilight franchise.

36. Too Close – Alex Clare

Too Close by Alex Clare was one of the come-out-the-cut songs of the year. The British singer’s song was first released on 2011 in the UK, but when it was featured in a new commercial for Internet Explorer 9, it found itself all over US radio. Clare inventively combined pop, rock, and soul, and showed US artists how dubstep can be used correctly. Appearing near the top of charts worldwide, it made it to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

35. Blown Away – Carrie Underwood

There are very few artists that can sing about revenge better than former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. Unlike its predecessor, “Before He Cheats,” “Blown Away” takes on a much darker tone, almost putting it at the helm of Underwood’s single releases. It sounded different than any other country song, and somewhat royal and how country songs can tell stories. The song reached #2 on the Country Songs chart at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sounded different than any other country song, and somewhat royal and how country songs can tell stories.