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The All Songs Considered host's list includes many records that felt particularly appropriate for such a turbulent year.

Seven Democrats are still in the running for the party's presidential nomination, and they'll be competing in seven different state contests Tuesday. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts leads in many polls after early victories in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Adam Hochberg.

The population of the United States has officially reached 300 million. According to government calculations, America reached the milestone at 7:46 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The United States is only the third country in the world to reach 300 million people.

Rep. Porter Goss, President Bush's nominee for CIA director, faces tough questioning from Senate Democrats at his confirmation hearings. Responding to multiple accusations that he used intelligence politically, Goss pledged to provide non-partisan intelligence. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports.

For the first time since the Vietnam War, the U.S. electorate is more concerned about foreign affairs and national security than the economy. That's the conclusion of polling data released this week by the Pew Center for the People and the Press. NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Andrew Kohut, Director of the Pew Center.

The nation used Twitter to mark the second inauguration of President Obama and to get information on the Boston Marathon bombing. But the year's most retweeted tweet was about the sudden death of a TV star.

Pakistan and archrival India met Sunday in one of the most anticipated matches in Cricket World Cup action. India came out on top. Pakistan, which lost to the USA last week, plays Canada next.

Marine Gen. Michael Hagee is on his way to Iraq to talk to his troops about using lethal force "only when justified." The trip comes amid allegations that Marines killed unarmed Iraqi civilians in two separate incidents. The military has opened investigations into the deaths.

Lupe Fiasco is a Chicago-based rapper who made his mainstream debut on the most recent CD by Kanye West, who is also from Chicago. Now Fiasco is further cementing the Windy City's reputation as a breeding ground for innovative hip-hop, with a new CD, Food and Liquor.

In terms of pop hits, the shadow of 2013 fell over most of 2014. But for NPR Music's Stephen Thompson, there were plenty of winners this year as well.