January 25, 2006

One of the best things about today's online music services is the opportunity to purchase individual songs for unlimited listening regardless of whether or not they have been released as a single. Each week I uncover some of the best pop tracks to download from online music services. The music will range widely across pop genres.

Read lists from previous weeks.

1. Beyonce and Luther Vandross - The Closer I Get to You

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This version of the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway classic from Beyonce's smash debut album Dangerously in Love is swiftly on its way to being a classic in its own right.

2. High School Musical - Get'cha Head in the Game

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This Disney musical is a treat, and this contemporary r&b tribute to basketball, complete with squeaky sneakers, is irresistible.

3. Il Divo - Unchained Melody (Senze Catene)

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The romantic classic "Unchained Melody" is sung in Italian here by the quartet that effortlessly blends pop and opera. This is a natural for Valentine's Day.

4. We Are Scientists - This Scene Is Dead

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Think "Mr. Brightside" with a harder edge and you'll get close to this track from the album With Love and Squalor.

5. Yellowcard - One Year, Six Months

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The pop melody shines brightly with acoustic guitar accompaniment on this little gem.

6. Audio Bullys - Shot You Down

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British mixers deconstruct Nancy Sinatra's version of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" that was used in the soundtrack to Kill Bill, Vol. 1.

7. Morningwood - Take Off Your Clothes

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Morningwood's over-heated sexy, trashy rock reaches its peak on this track from their self-titled album.

8. Duncan Sheik - Serena

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A flashback to the first solo album by the man behind the 90's hit "Barely Breathing." "Serena" is a gentle song that erupts into full guitar rock mode.

9. Rosanne Cash - Seven Year Ache

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This was the hit single that made pop audiences fully aware of Johnny Cash's oldest daughter. Her latest album Black Cadillac appeared in stores this week.

10. Sia - Breathe Me

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This song, featured in the HBO TV series Six Feet Under, made the world aware of Sia's inimitable voice.