Summary: The chart-topping hits of 2007 featured Beyoncé at peak pop and Kanye West ahead of the curve with electronic dance music. Why do the hits of 2007 have such impressive staying power? <a href="http://www.slate.com/authors.chris_molanphy.html">Chris Molanphy</a> says it might be because the 2007 <em>Billboard</em> charts were more comprehensive than ever, marking the first time that digital music sales were incorporated into a song’s ranking. Molanphy writes <strong><em>Slate</em></strong>’s <a href="http://www.slate.com/topics/w/why_is_this_songno1.html">Why Is This Song No. 1?</a> column and hosts the podcast <em>Hit Parade</em>.<br>In the Spiel, John McCain just keeps on delivering.
