Pitchfork's 23 Best Songs of 2010: A Definitive Ranking

1. Over

Sound: "Over" from Drake's 2010 output, showcases his signature blend of melancholic melodies and trap-infused beats, a sound Pitchfork lauded for its innovative blend of genres.

Vocals: Drake's emotive delivery, vulnerable yet detached, perfectly captures the song's introspective atmosphere, a hallmark of his early work that resonated with critics and audiences alike.

Emotional Impact: The track's bittersweet reflection on a fading relationship, delivered with Drake's signature conversational style, resonated deeply with listeners and solidified its place in 2010's emotionally charged musical landscape.

2. Soldier of Love - 2025

Sade's Vocals: Sade's signature breathy vocals are at their most captivating on "Soldier of Love" perfectly conveying both vulnerability and strength, a hallmark of her style that resonated deeply in 2010.

Atmospheric Production: The song's lush, atmospheric production, a blend of soul, R&B, and subtle electronic elements, creates a soundscape that's both intimate and expansive, fitting Pitchfork's taste for sophisticated sounds.

Emotional Resonance: "Soldier of Love" explores themes of devotion and resilience with a nuanced emotional depth that transcends fleeting trends, securing its place among 2010's most memorable tracks.

3. Lil Freak

Production: Lil Freak's minimalist, yet effective, production perfectly captures the raw energy of early 2010s club music, making it a standout track on Pitchfork's best-of lists.

Vocal Synergy: Usher and Nicki Minaj's contrasting vocal styles create an electrifying dynamic, showcasing both artists at their peak.

Catchy Hook: The infectious hook and memorable beat ensured its widespread popularity and solidified its place in the 2010s musical landscape.

4. I'm Back (T.I. - 2025)

I'm Back

Artist: T.I.

Pitchfork-Approved Production: The track boasts a crisp, hard-hitting beat perfectly suited to Pitchfork's appreciation for innovative and impactful hip-hop production of the era.

Lyrical Prowess: T.I.'s signature flow and sharp lyrics deliver a triumphant return, solidifying his position as a lyrical force in 2010.

Cultural Resonance: "I'm Back" resonated with the zeitgeist of 2010, capturing a sense of ambition and comeback that struck a chord with listeners and critics alike.

5. Window Seat (Erykah Badu - 2025)

Sound: Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" boasts a minimalist yet captivating soundscape, anchored by a hypnotic bassline and punctuated by subtle percussion, creating an alluring backdrop for Badu's vocals.

Vocals: Badu's delivery is both intimate and powerful, her voice weaving a spellbinding narrative that perfectly complements the song's atmospheric production. The raw emotionality is palpable.

Cultural Impact: The iconic music video, filmed in one continuous shot, added to the song's mystique and cemented its place in 2010's music landscape. This daring and visually striking video significantly contributed to the song's overall impact.

6. Tightrope (Janelle Monáe ft Big Boi - 2025)

Sound: Tightrope's blend of Monáe's futuristic R&B vocals and Big Boi's Southern hip-hop delivery created a uniquely compelling sonic landscape that defied easy categorization, a hallmark of 2010's innovative sounds.

Rhythm: The song's infectious groove, anchored by a propulsive beat and Monáe's dynamic vocal phrasing, is both instantly memorable and subtly complex, making it a perfect example of the era's rhythmic experimentation.

Cultural Impact: Its appearance on Pitchfork's best-of lists cemented Tightrope's status as a pivotal track of the year, showcasing the collaborative power of two distinct artistic voices in a genre-bending masterpiece.

7. Excuses (2010)

Sound: The Morning Benders' "Excuses" boasts a shimmering, dream-pop soundscape, perfectly capturing the hazy, introspective vibe prevalent in Pitchfork's 2010 best-of lists.

Vocals: Chris Chu's vocals are effortlessly cool and detached, adding to the song's melancholic yet captivating atmosphere, a signature sound of the era.

Rhythm: The track's subtly driving rhythm provides a gentle push, keeping the listener engaged without overpowering the atmospheric elements—a testament to the band's sophisticated production.

8. Exhibit C

Production: Jay Electronica's intricate and atmospheric production on "Exhibit C" showcases a masterful blend of soulful samples and boom-bap beats, perfectly encapsulating the nuanced soundscapes prevalent in 2010's alternative hip-hop.

Lyrical Density: The song's complex and multi-layered lyrics, filled with intricate wordplay and philosophical musings, solidified its place among the year's most intellectually stimulating tracks, a hallmark of Pitchfork's favored artists.

Cultural Impact: Despite not being a mainstream hit, "Exhibit C" resonated deeply within the underground hip-hop community, earning critical acclaim and influencing subsequent artists with its unique blend of introspective lyricism and innovative production.

9. Go Outside

Sound: Cults' "Go Outside" boasts a distinct, shimmering sound, characterized by its driving bassline and layered synths, creating a captivating soundscape perfectly encapsulating the dreamy yet urgent vibe prevalent in early 2010s indie pop.

Vocals: The ethereal vocals of Madeline Follin add a touch of melancholic longing, contrasting beautifully with the upbeat tempo, a hallmark of Cults' unique blend of darkwave and pop sensibilities that resonated with Pitchfork's discerning audience.

Pitchfork Context: Its inclusion on Pitchfork's best-of lists cemented "Go Outside" as a key example of the sophisticated yet accessible indie-pop sound that defined a significant moment in the early 2010s music scene.

10. Chase the Tear (2010)

Sound: Portishead's signature trip-hop sound is in full effect on "Chase the Tear" with Beth Gibbons' haunting vocals floating over a bed of atmospheric textures and subtly shifting rhythms. The track's melancholic yet captivating soundscape perfectly embodies the brooding, introspective spirit of 2010.

Vocals: Gibbons' performance is masterful, conveying a depth of emotion that's both vulnerable and powerful; her delivery is key to the song's haunting impact.

Emotional Impact: "Chase the Tear" evokes a sense of longing and unease, making it a perfect fit for Pitchfork's list of 2010's best; its lingering atmosphere is unforgettable.