5. Arcade Fire, “Antichrist Television Blues” (Merge): A dark, depressing look into the world of stage parents and child stars that is cleverly disguised by the jangling guitar, the sweet backing vocals and Win Butler’s diabolically earnest delivery.
3. Alicia Keys, “No One” (J): An uplifting soul anthem in the old-fashioned sense – the kind Aretha or Chaka or Whitney would have sang in their heydays – “No One” is the song that proves Miss Keys belongs in that company.
2. Justice, “D.A.N.C.E.” (Ed Banger/Vice): Breezy French disco never sounded better as the ode to Michael Jackson (exhorting him to “Do the dance ”) fluttered into the clubs on those dainty synths and cutesy vocals.
1. Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, “Umbrella” (Def Jam): It takes a mighty song to withstand radio oversaturation, but nothing handled it better than “Umbrella.” (Cue the “ella, ella, ay ay ay ” effects.) Simultaneously current, with its groove and Jay-Z cameo, and classic, with a hook that snags even the most casual passerby, “Umbrella” will be the song from 2007 that everyone will still want to hear 20 years from now.