29 Best Songs of 2010-2017: The Ultimate Playlist

Ready to rewind to the golden age of music? This isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a journey through some of the most unforgettable tunes of a defining decade. From catchy pop anthems to soulful ballads and genre-bending masterpieces, the period between 2010 and 2017 gifted us an incredible soundtrack to life. This list of the best songs 2010 to 2017 is your definitive guide, carefully curated to reignite those nostalgic sparks and maybe even introduce you to some hidden gems you missed the first time around. Whether you're reliving your youth, discovering new artists, or simply seeking the perfect playlist for a party, this compilation has something for everyone. We’ve delved deep into the charts and critical acclaim to bring you a diverse collection that captures the essence of a pivotal era in music history. Get ready to rediscover the sounds that shaped a generation!

29 Best Songs of 2010-2017: The Ultimate Playlist
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. See You Again Wiz Khalifa
Charlie Puth
Super Hits 6B+
2. Shape of You Ed Sheeran ÷ (Deluxe) 6B+
3. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson
Bruno Mars
Uptown Special 5B+
4. Thinking out Loud Ed Sheeran x (Deluxe Edition) 4B+
5. Closer The Chainsmokers
Halsey
Changes 3B+
6. All About That Bass Meghan Trainor Title (Deluxe) 3B+
7. Rolling in the Deep Adele 21 3B+

1. See You Again (Super Hits)

Emotional Impact: "See You Again" resonates deeply with listeners due to its poignant lyrics about loss and remembrance, making it a powerful and moving track from the 2010s.

Vocal Performance: Charlie Puth's emotive vocals and Wiz Khalifa's signature flow complement each other perfectly, creating a memorable and affecting duet.

Pop Culture Significance: Featured prominently in *Furious 7*, the song became a global phenomenon, solidifying its place in the cultural landscape of the mid-2010s.

See You Again - Wiz Khalifa,Charlie Puth

2. Shape of You - ÷ (Deluxe)

Catchy Rhythm: Shape of You's infectious beat and memorable rhythm solidified its place as a global phenomenon, perfect for any early-to-mid 2010s playlist.

Vocal Delivery: Ed Sheeran's smooth vocals and relatable lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, making it an undeniable hit of the era.

Pop Culture Impact: Its ubiquitous presence across radio, television, and social media cemented its status as one of the defining songs of its time, proving its enduring quality.

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

3. Uptown Funk (Uptown Special - 2025)

Sound: Uptown Funk's infectious blend of P-funk and modern R&B created a sound undeniably fresh for 2014, establishing itself as a defining track of the mid-2010s.

Rhythm: The song's irresistible groove, driven by a tight, funky bassline and crisp drumming, made it a guaranteed dance floor filler and a radio staple for years.

Pop Culture Impact: Its music video, a vibrant celebration of style and dance, further cemented Uptown Funk's place in popular culture, becoming a ubiquitous presence in the 2010s.

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson,Bruno Mars

4. Thinking out Loud (2014)

Genre & Sound: A masterful blend of acoustic and pop, "Thinking Out Loud" boasts a warm, intimate sound that resonated deeply with listeners throughout the mid-2010s.

Vocal Performance: Ed Sheeran's emotive vocals are at their peak here, conveying vulnerability and heartfelt emotion that made the song incredibly relatable.

Enduring Appeal: Its timeless romantic theme and unforgettable melody cemented "Thinking Out Loud" as a defining song of its era, remaining a popular choice even years after its release.

Thinking out Loud - Ed Sheeran

5. Closer (2016)

Sound: Closer's blend of future bass and pop perfectly captured the sonic landscape of the mid-2010s, a sound both innovative and instantly catchy.

Vocals: Halsey's emotive vocals provide a compelling counterpoint to The Chainsmokers' production, adding a layer of vulnerability that enhanced the song's emotional resonance.

Pop Culture Impact: Its massive success and ubiquitous airplay cemented Closer's place as a defining track of the era, a testament to its broad appeal and staying power.

Closer - The Chainsmokers,Halsey

6. All About That Bass - Title (Deluxe)

Song Title: All About That Bass

Artist: Meghan Trainor

Catchy Hook: The undeniable earworm chorus, instantly recognizable and impossible to get out of your head, made it a ubiquitous hit of the mid-2010s.

Body Positivity Anthem: Its confident message of self-acceptance resonated deeply with a generation, becoming a cultural touchstone for body positivity.

Production: The song's retro-infused sound, a blend of doo-wop and modern pop, perfectly captured the early 2010s musical landscape.

All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor

7. Rolling in the Deep (21 - 2025)

Sound: Adele's powerhouse vocals and the song's gospel-tinged soul backdrop created a unique sound in the 2010s pop landscape, a blend of raw emotion and polished production.

Emotional Impact: "Rolling in the Deep" resonated deeply with listeners due to its themes of betrayal and empowerment, striking a chord during a period of significant social and economic shifts.

Cultural Impact: The song's massive success cemented Adele's status as a global superstar, while its music video, with its haunting imagery, became iconic.

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

8. Party Rock Anthem (LMFAO - 2025)

Sound: LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" is instantly recognizable for its infectious electro-house beat and heavy synth bassline, perfectly capturing the energetic vibe of the early 2010s.

Pop Culture Impact: The song's catchy hook and accompanying dance moves became a ubiquitous part of popular culture, dominating radio airwaves and dance floors throughout 2011 and beyond.

Vocal Performance: Redfoo and SkyBlu's enthusiastic delivery adds to the song's overall exuberant and playful energy, making it an undeniably fun listen even today.

Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO

9. Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye ft Kimbra)

Genre-Bending Sound: Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" masterfully blends alternative pop with electronic influences, creating a unique soundscape that resonated deeply with listeners in the 2010s.

Memorable Vocal Performance: Kimbra's haunting vocals perfectly complement Gotye's, adding layers of emotional depth and making the song instantly recognizable.

Cultural Impact: Its ubiquitous presence on radio and in popular culture cemented its place as a defining song of the early 2010s, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye,Kimbra

10. That's What I Like (Bruno Mars)

Groovy Baseline: That's What I Like boasts an irresistibly funky bassline that perfectly encapsulates the smooth R&B sound of the mid-2010s.

Infectious Hook: Bruno Mars' signature vocal runs and the catchy chorus are undeniably memorable, making it a radio staple for years.

Timeless Vibe: Despite its release date, the song's blend of classic R&B and contemporary production gives it a timeless quality that still resonates with listeners today.

That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
  • Someone Like You
    11

    Someone Like You

    Adele

    2011

    21

  • Just the Way You Are
    12

    Just the Way You Are

    Bruno Mars

    2011

    Doo-Wops & Hooligans

  • Cheap Thrills
    13

    Cheap Thrills

    Sean Paul,Sia

    2016

    This Is Acting (Deluxe Version)

  • Thrift Shop
    14

    Thrift Shop

    Macklemore & Ryan Lewis,Macklemore,Ryan Lewis,Wanz

    2013

    The Heist

  • Love Yourself
    15

    Love Yourself

    Justin Bieber

    2015

    Purpose (Deluxe)

  • Call Me Maybe
    16

    Call Me Maybe

    Carly Rae Jepsen

    2011

    Kiss (Deluxe)

  • Firework
    17

    Firework

    Katy Perry

    2010

    Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection

  • Happy
    18

    Happy

    Pharrell Williams

    2013

    G I R L

  • Grenade
    19

    Grenade

    Bruno Mars

    2011

    Doo-Wops & Hooligans

  • We Are Young
    20

    We Are Young

    fun.,Janelle Monáe

    2011

    Some Nights

  • We Found Love
    21

    We Found Love

    Rihanna,Calvin Harris

    2011

    Talk That Talk

  • Royals
    22

    Royals

    Lorde

    2013

    Pure Heroine

  • Moves Like Jagger
    23

    Moves Like Jagger

    Christina Aguilera,Maroon 5

    2011

    Hands All Over

  • TiK ToK
    24

    TiK ToK

    Kesha

    2009

    Animal (Expanded Edition)

  • Despacito
    25

    Despacito

    Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi

    2017

    Justice

  • Stronger
    26

    Stronger

    Kelly Clarkson

    2011

    Stronger (Deluxe Version)

  • One Dance
    27

    One Dance

    Drake,Wizkid,Kyla

    2016

    Views

  • Shake It Off
    28

    Shake It Off

    Taylor Swift

    2014

    1989

  • Blurred Lines
    29

    Blurred Lines

    T.I.,Robin Thicke,Pharrell

    2013