Top 5 Breakout Hits of 2012

While crafting our Top 100 Songs of 2012 list, I noticed a ton of songs that were ineligible because they were released before December 16, 2011. A lot of people will probably be alarmed by their absence, but I thought why not still recognize greatness?

Here are 5 incredible songs that won't make our Top 100 list, but were still huge in 2012!

5. "Set Fire To The Rain" by Adele

Yeah, she ruled pretty much all of 2011, but even a year later she was leaving a tremendous mark on pop culture with her incredibly dramatic and sorrowful songs.

I think what people love so much about Adele is that she was a much needed break from the over-hyped, over-played, over-autotuned music that took over radio last year. "Set Fire to the Rain" is one of the best songs from 21, and should have been a second or third single.

4. "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly really had a great comeback last year, that continued through this year. Unfortunately, because he album was released a year ago, she will be excluded from this year Top 100 songs list. Before I realized that this song was ineligible, it sat at the #21 spot on our countdown.

This song is somewhat or a power-anthem, which have become popular again for the first time since Christina Aguilera's beautiful. Apparently, this generation of music lovers like songs that maker them feel good about themselves. Plus, the dance in the video is super cute.

3. "Take Care" by Drake (Featuring Rihanna)

Usually, Rihanna stands out a lot on her features, but in this instance she was only a compliment to Drake's super smooth flow. 

This is one of those songs that was wildly accepted because you don't hear this story a lot in love songs. Everyone has had a bad relationship before, and if you're starting a new one, this is a song you can definitely relate to.

2. "We Are Young" by fun. (Featuring Janelle Monae)

Still trying to find Janelle Monae on this song. Still, probably one of the greatest anthems of all time.

1.  "Somebody That I Used To Know" (Featuring Kimbra)

I hated this song with all my might when I first heard it. Then about 6 months later, after it finally died down, I really got into it. It helped a lot that I had fallen in love with Kimbra's Vows album just shortly before. 

This song is just a great example of the power of Glee how important promotion is, especially if you really do have a great song on your hands. A lot of songs go to waste because labels drop the ball. I'm glad this song rocketed into history.