The single is dead? Ten pop singles of 2008.

I mentioned this here recently and, since Friday afternoon is often a good time to do such frivolous things and the opportunity presented itself, I mentioned it - albeit in slightly different terms - to my colleagues at work.

"What? pop... singles... in 2008?"
"Yes, that's right."

They were probably protesting their innocence but I added "if that's too much choice then that's fine, let's only consider ones by female artists or all-female bands!"

Pop, in all its disguises, has returned in 2008 and here - according to the above criteria - are ten singles (in alphabetical order) that I think matter in this respect.

• Disturbia - Rihanna
• I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
• Issues - The Saturdays
• It Was You - Sharleen Spiteri
• Keeps Gettin' Better - Christina Aguilera
• Nothing Sweet About Me - Gabriella Cilmi
• Piece Of Me - Britney Spears
• Rain On Your Parade - Duffy
• So What - P!nk
• The Boy Does Nothing - Alesha Dixon
  

Pop is back for sure and, although it takes a lot from the past, it also offers something new. That is why, after over half a century, pop still matters.

oops!... U did it again

Dear Britney,

While it is not my place to lecture you, there are some things that need to be said. I don't doubt that you have real problems but so do others; you also have a new album to promote (truth to tell, I think it good and in a year that may well see the resurgence of true pop).

If we want our own disaster scenario then, here in the UK, we have Amy Winehouse. Her husband is no angel and is currently languishing in Pentonville Prison, London, charged with 'perverting the course of justice' but at least her album is today celebrating its 61st consecutive week in the UK Top 10. I understand that you just want your kids back but, if it is any consolation, at least they are safe and your former husband and their father is looking after them.

Get real, get better and be a big sister to Jamie because she probably needs you more than ever now. There are better ways to make the headlines...