🎵Best 2010s Songs of All Time
The 2010s delivered decade-defining hits that fused pop, hip-hop, and electronic sounds while shattering streaming records. From Adele's emotional ballads to global dance anthems, these tracks captured cultural moments and dominated charts. Vote for your favorites below.
What counts: Best means chart dominance, cultural impact, critical acclaim, and lasting popularity. Figures are approximate.
Uptown Funk▲ Rising
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars channeled 80s funk into a 2014 juggernaut that ruled radio for months. Its infectious bassline and video made it inescapable, topping charts worldwide and earning multiple Grammys. The track's retro energy revitalized party playlists.
Year: 2014Artist: Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Funk/PopStreams (B): 3.8 BCritic Score: 8.7/10
added by IJRin 5 rankingsUptown Funk
75Bad Guy▲ Rising
Billie Eilish's 2019 whisper-rap track flipped pop conventions with its dark, minimalist production and anti-hero persona. It earned her first number one and multiple Grammys. The song marked a shift toward Gen-Z alternative pop.
Year: 2019Artist: Billie EilishBillboard Peak: 1Genre: ElectropopStreams (B): 2.7 BCritic Score: 8.9/10
added by IJRBad Guy
42Despacito▲ Rising
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's 2017 Latin smash with Justin Bieber broke streaming barriers and popularized reggaeton globally. Its remix pushed it to number one for weeks. The song ignited the Latin music explosion in pop.
Year: 2017Artist: Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy YankeeBillboard Peak: 1Genre: ReggaetonStreams (B): 3.5 BCritic Score: 7.9/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsDespacito
38Rolling in the Deep▲ Rising
Adele's 2010 breakout fused soulful vocals with stomping drums to launch her into superstardom. The song's raw breakup rage resonated widely, hitting number one and setting sales records. It announced a new era of powerful balladry.
Year: 2010Artist: AdeleBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Soul/PopStreams (B): 2.1 BCritic Score: 9.2/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsRolling in the Deep
26Old Town Road▲ Rising
Lil Nas X's 2019 viral country-rap hybrid exploded via TikTok, redefining genre boundaries and spending record weeks at number one. Its remix with Billy Ray Cyrus amplified the crossover success. The song highlighted internet-driven music culture.
Year: 2019Artist: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray CyrusBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Country/RapStreams (B): 2.9 BCritic Score: 8.1/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsOld Town Road
26Happy▲ Rising
Pharrell's 2013 feel-good anthem from Despicable Me became a global positivity movement with its simple whistled hook. It topped charts and inspired countless covers and videos. The track captured the decade's upbeat pop optimism.
Year: 2013Artist: Pharrell WilliamsBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Pop/FunkStreams (B): 2.3 BCritic Score: 8.3/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsHappy
25Shape of You▲ Rising
Ed Sheeran's 2017 tropical-pop hit became the most-streamed song ever at the time with its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics. It dominated charts for weeks and showcased his songwriting versatility. The track bridged pop and dance seamlessly.
Year: 2017Artist: Ed SheeranBillboard Peak: 1Genre: PopStreams (B): 4.2 BCritic Score: 7.8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsShape of You
24Justin Timberlake's 2016 upbeat single for Trolls brought disco-pop energy and topped charts. Its joyful vibe and dance challenge fueled its success. The track earned an Oscar nomination.
Year: 2016Artist: Justin TimberlakeBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Pop/DiscoStreams (B): 1.7 BCritic Score: 7.7/10
added by IJRin 5 rankingsCan't Stop the Feeling!
11Thinking Out Loud▲ Rising
Ed Sheeran's 2014 soulful love song blended acoustic warmth with wedding-ready lyrics to become a staple. It reached number one and showcased his romantic side. The track earned Grammys.
Year: 2014Artist: Ed SheeranBillboard Peak: 2Genre: Pop/SoulStreams (B): 2.2 BCritic Score: 8.2/10
added by IJRThinking Out Loud
11See You Again▲ Rising
Wiz Khalifa's 2015 tribute to Paul Walker from Furious 7 became an emotional chart-topper with its heartfelt melody. Charlie Puth's piano hook amplified the grief. It set records for streaming and defined cinematic tie-ins.
Year: 2015Artist: Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie PuthBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Hip-Hop/PopStreams (B): 2.6 BCritic Score: 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsSee You Again
10Daft Punk's 2013 disco-funk revival with Pharrell and Nile Rodgers dominated summer radio and earned Grammys. Its groovy bassline revived dance floors. The track bridged 70s funk with modern production.
Year: 2013Artist: Daft Punk ft. PharrellBillboard Peak: 2Genre: Disco/FunkStreams (B): 1.9 BCritic Score: 8.8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsGet Lucky
10The Chainsmokers and Halsey's 2016 collaboration mixed EDM drops with raw relationship lyrics to become a festival staple. It spent weeks at number one and defined mid-decade pop-EDM. The track's emotional honesty drove its appeal.
Year: 2016Artist: The Chainsmokers ft. HalseyBillboard Peak: 1Genre: EDM/PopStreams (B): 3.1 BCritic Score: 7.5/10
added by IJRCloser
8Taylor Swift's 2014 self-empowerment anthem marked her pop pivot with catchy hooks and bold production. It debuted at number one and became a cultural slogan. The song showcased her adaptability.
Year: 2014Artist: Taylor SwiftBillboard Peak: 1Genre: PopStreams (B): 2.4 BCritic Score: 7.6/10
added by IJRin 6 rankingsShake It Off
6Justin Bieber's 2015 stripped-back acoustic track showed maturity and topped charts with its honest breakup message. It marked his artistic growth. The song resonated with fans seeking depth.
Year: 2015Artist: Justin BieberBillboard Peak: 1Genre: PopStreams (B): 2 BCritic Score: 7.8/10
added by IJRLove Yourself
6Hello▼ Falling
Adele's 2015 comeback ballad shattered streaming records on release with its dramatic piano and vocal power. It returned her to number one after a hiatus. The song reaffirmed her as a ballad queen.
Year: 2015Artist: AdeleBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Soul/PopStreams (B): 2 BCritic Score: 8.5/10
added by IJRHello
5Thrift Shop▲ Rising
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 2012 quirky hip-hop track about secondhand finds hit number one with its humorous video. It proved indie rap could dominate. The song highlighted conscious consumerism.
Year: 2012Artist: Macklemore & Ryan LewisBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Hip-HopStreams (B): 1.6 BCritic Score: 7.3/10
added by IJRThrift Shop
1Adele's 2011 piano ballad delivered raw heartbreak and hit number one with its emotional climax. It cemented her as a vocal force. The track became a breakup anthem.
Year: 2011Artist: AdeleBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Soul/PopStreams (B): 1.9 BCritic Score: 9.1/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsSomeone Like You
-1Lorde's 2013 minimalist critique of wealth became a surprise number one, launching her as a voice for millennial disillusionment. Its sparse beat and sharp lyrics stood out. The track earned Grammys and influenced indie-pop.
Year: 2013Artist: LordeBillboard Peak: 1Genre: ElectropopStreams (B): 1.8 BCritic Score: 9/10
added by IJRRoyals
-3Meghan Trainor's 2014 body-positive pop hit with doo-wop flair debuted at number one. Its catchy message and retro style stood out. The track sparked discussions on self-image.
Year: 2014Artist: Meghan TrainorBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Pop/Doo-WopStreams (B): 1.3 BCritic Score: 6.8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsAll About That Bass
-4Carly Rae Jepsen's 2012 bubbly hit exploded via social media with its earworm chorus and fun video. It hit number one and defined summer pop. The song launched her career globally.
Year: 2012Artist: Carly Rae JepsenBillboard Peak: 1Genre: PopStreams (B): 1.5 BCritic Score: 7.4/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsCall Me Maybe
-5LMFAO's 2011 electro-house banger with its shuffle dance became a party staple and number-one hit. The video's viral spread fueled its global reach. It captured early 2010s club energy.
Year: 2011Artist: LMFAOBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Electro/HouseStreams (B): 1.4 BCritic Score: 6.9/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsParty Rock Anthem
-5Justin Bieber's 2015 dancehall-infused apology track showed his pop evolution and topped charts. Its tropical beat and catchy refrain made it a hit. The song helped rehabilitate his image.
Year: 2015Artist: Justin BieberBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Dancehall/PopStreams (B): 2.1 BCritic Score: 7.5/10
added by IJRSorry
-6Blinding Lights▼ Falling
The Weeknd's 2019 synthwave hit revived 80s sounds and became a record-breaking chart-topper. Its driving beat and neon video defined late-decade pop. The track showcased his genre versatility.
Year: 2019Artist: The WeekndBillboard Peak: 1Genre: Synthwave/PopStreams (B): 3.3 BCritic Score: 8.6/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsBlinding Lights
-15Roar▼ Falling
Katy Perry's 2013 empowerment anthem with its stadium-ready roar became a self-confidence rallying cry. It debuted at number one and defined her peak pop era. The track's message resonated widely.
Year: 2013Artist: Katy PerryBillboard Peak: 1Genre: PopStreams (B): 1.8 BCritic Score: 7.2/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsRoar
-16Perfect▼ Falling
Ed Sheeran's 2017 romantic ballad became a wedding favorite with its sweeping strings and heartfelt lyrics. It reached number one and highlighted his ballad prowess. The track extended his chart dominance.
Year: 2017Artist: Ed SheeranBillboard Peak: 1Genre: PopStreams (B): 2.5 BCritic Score: 8/10
added by IJRPerfect
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