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Best Singles of 2001

© Chad Bowar

2001 was a another strong year for pop music singles. It saw the waning of teen pop, although superstars such as N Sync, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears saw continued success. Many rock bands crossed over to the pop charts, such as Alien Ant Farm, Nickelback, and Linkin Park. Hip-hop artists continue to do well, although dance music slipped in popularity a bit on the charts this year. It was a huge year for newcomers, as more than half the singles here are by new artists. Here are the top 20 singles of 2001, as chosen by the Suite 101.com pop music staff.

20. American Hi-Fi - Flavor of the Weak

Boston alternative rockers American Hi-Fi released their debut CD in 2001, and the single "Flavor of the Weak" is a catchy, pop/rock song.

19. Alicia Keys - Fallin'

Alicia Keys was the best new artist of 2001. Her debut CD mixed pop, hip-hop, classical, and jazz, and went to the top of the charts. She is hugely talented, and will be around for a long time.

18. Michelle Branch - Everywhere

Sedona, Arizona teenager Michelle Branch is not a teen pop artist, even though she is only 17. She is a singer/songwriter in the vein of Lisa Loeb or Sheryl Crow. She has a long way to go before reaching that level of success, but her debut single shows a lot of promise.

17. Afroman - Because I Got High

Can you say one hit wonder? Afroman won't have any more hits, but this one caused a lot of controversy. Most people think the song is anti-drug, but a good percentage think it's pro-drug. Either way, the song is hilarious.

16. Nelly Furtado - I'm Like A Bird

Canadian newcomer Nelly Furtado is another artist that we'll be hearing for a long time to come. Her debut single "I'm Like a Bird" was all over the radio and MTV this year. She is also a hybrid of pop, hip-hop, and even world music.

15. Craig David - Fill Me In

Garage dance music is huge in the UK, and 20 year old Craig David brought it to the US with this extremely catchy single.

14. Janet Jackson - Someone To Call My Lover

Finally, a non-newcomer makes the chart! Janet had another successful CD release in 2001, while big brother Michael's tanked. She knows how to write a hit single, and "Someone To Call My Lover" continues her streak.

13. The Calling - Wherever You Will Go

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