Summer belonged to...

...a select few artists that received tremendous airplay. Every time I flipped on the radio, I'd hear these guys singing their hearts out. So here's looking at the top tracks that had us swinging this summer...

Rihanna - Umbrella: Who'd have ever thought that singing about an umbrella could get you this far?! Just kidding! The lady with an unique voice and sound has ruled the airwaves this summer. You couldn't miss her signature "aye, aye, aye" at the chorus of this track. And of course, the video is below for your viewing pleasure. The video has Rihanna in a brand new light as a sultry stylish diva, compared to her earlier days of loose jeans and baby-girl tops in Hey Mr DJ. I guess having a mentor like Jay-Z puts you in a whole other league altogether!

Justin Timberlake - Summer love: You couldn't escape hearing his voice on the radio this year. His brand of pop-hiphop-RnB somehow manages to find a way to hit the charts with alarming frequency. A smooth voice, a good sense of rhythm and experimentation are all virtues this former boy band member possesses. Add that to a good looking face and you have the women swooning too. All that put together my friends, amounts to greater record sales! Now who would complain about that...

Shop Boyz - Party like a rockstar: This track received tremendous amount of airplay on radio stations all over the city. It isn't one of my favourites but I know others who swear by the track and love it to death. I guess everyone has a rockstar in them somewhere, just dying to come out. Well with this track, I saw many "rockstars" do their thing on the dance floor and it's safe to say I have a very different appreciation for the word "rockstar" now!

Sean Kingston - Suicidal: This young artist released his debut track this summer to popular appreciation. Although I can't say the idea of feeling soo-side-ale (suicidal) in love gives me the butterflies, I have to admit there's a nice lazy summer groove to it, based on reggae with a dash of good ol' fashioned pop. I thought I noticed a faint trace of Stand by me in its bass line. In any case,  Mr. Kingston has landed a chart-busting hit this summer.

Timbaland - The way I are: Although this talented artist has been around long enough to have worked with Jay Z, Missy Elliott and a galaxy of other RnB, rap and hip hop superstars, his recent album Shock Value has his signature style and sound. The earlier release from the same album, Give it to me, featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake was a popular hit too.