Relive the sonic landscape of the mid-2010s with our definitive list of the best songs 2015 to 2020! From genre-bending anthems to quiet, introspective ballads, this era gifted us a diverse and unforgettable collection of musical masterpieces. Remember the head-bopping beats that dominated the radio waves, the emotional power ballads that defined heartbreak, and the innovative sounds that pushed creative boundaries? This journey through the best songs of 2015 to 2020 isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a chance to rediscover forgotten favorites and unearth hidden gems. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or simply looking to expand your playlist, this curated selection caters to every taste, offering a potent blend of iconic hits and critically acclaimed tracks. Prepare to be transported back to a pivotal moment in music history, and get ready to hit that "repeat" button!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Sugar | Maroon 5 | V | 4B+ |
| 5. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 6. Perfect | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 7. Girls Like You |
Cardi B Maroon 5 | Red Pill Blues (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
1. See You Again (Super Hits - 2025)
Emotional Resonance: See You Again's poignant lyrics and melody resonated deeply with audiences, making it a defining song of its era, especially given its association with Paul Walker's passing.
Vocal Performance: Charlie Puth's emotive vocals are a highlight, perfectly complementing Wiz Khalifa's laid-back rap verses, creating a powerful and memorable combination.
Cultural Impact: Its use in *Furious 7* cemented its place in pop culture history and contributed to its immense popularity throughout the late 2010s.
2. Shape of You - ÷ (Deluxe)
Catchy Hook: Shape of You's instantly memorable melody and simple yet effective chorus cemented its place in the zeitgeist of the late 2010s.
Global Success: Released in 2017, its infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo propelled it to the top of charts worldwide, becoming a defining song of the era.
Enduring Popularity: Even years after its release, Shape of You remains a staple on playlists and radio, demonstrating its lasting appeal within the 2015-2020 music landscape.
3. Uptown Funk (Uptown Special - 2025)
Sound: Uptown Funk's infectious blend of funk, soul, and pop created a sound uniquely fresh yet undeniably nostalgic, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of the mid-2010s.
Rhythm: The irresistible, danceable beat propelled Uptown Funk to become a global phenomenon, making it a staple on dance floors and playlists for years to come.
Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars' charismatic vocals and performance are as captivating as the song's infectious groove, solidifying its place among the era's most memorable tracks.
4. Sugar (Maroon 5)
Catchy Hook: "Sugar" boasts an undeniably catchy hook that burrowed its way into the collective consciousness during the mid-2010s.
Upbeat Tempo: Its relentlessly upbeat tempo and feel-good vibe made it a perfect anthem for parties and summer playlists throughout 2015 and beyond.
Nostalgia Factor: The song's bright, sunny production perfectly encapsulates the sound of pop music during that era, making it a potent trigger for nostalgia.
5. Thinking out Loud - x (Deluxe Edition)
Genre & Sound: A perfect blend of acoustic intimacy and soaring pop production, "Thinking Out Loud" masterfully balances vulnerability with anthemic appeal, a hallmark of Ed Sheeran's songwriting.
Vocal Performance: Sheeran's emotive vocals are at their peak, conveying both tenderness and raw emotion, making the song incredibly relatable and deeply resonant.
Enduring Appeal (2015-2020 Context): Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated strongly throughout the mid-2010s, solidifying its place as a defining song of the era and continuing to connect with listeners beyond that period.
6. Perfect (2017)
Genre: A quintessential acoustic pop ballad, perfectly capturing the sound of the mid-2010s.
Vocal Performance: Ed Sheeran's emotive vocals are particularly striking, conveying vulnerability and sincerity.
Lyrical Content: The relatable lyrics about finding the perfect partner resonate deeply with listeners, securing its place as a modern classic.
7. Girls Like You - Red Pill Blues (Deluxe)
Artist Collaboration: Cardi B's fiery rap verses and Maroon 5's smooth pop sensibilities create an unexpected yet incredibly catchy blend, perfectly encapsulating the sound of the late 2010s.
Infectious Hook: The song's chorus is undeniably memorable and instantly singable, making it a perfect addition to any playlist from this era.
Cultural Impact: "Girls Like You" achieved massive popularity and generated significant buzz on social media, solidifying its place as a defining song of the 2015-2020 period.
8. Blank Space
Catchy Melody: Blank Space boasts an instantly memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the playful yet slightly bitter tone of the lyrics, making it incredibly catchy and easy to sing along to.
Iconic Music Video: The music video, released in the mid-2010s, became a pop culture phenomenon, further cementing the song's place in the zeitgeist of the era.
Production Quality: The polished production, a hallmark of pop music from this period, showcases Swift's vocal prowess and contributes to the song's overall impact.
9. Closer (2016)
Sound: Closer's distinctive tropical house beat, layered with Halsey's haunting vocals, perfectly encapsulates the mid-2010s pop sound that defined the era.
Vocals: The interplay between The Chainsmokers' production and Halsey's emotive delivery creates a captivating dynamic, making it instantly memorable.
Cultural Impact: Its massive popularity and ubiquitous presence on radio cemented Closer's place as a defining song of the late 2010s pop landscape.
10. Believer (Imagine Dragons)
Anthemic Quality: Believer's powerful chorus and driving beat made it a perfect anthem for overcoming adversity, resonating deeply with listeners during this period.
Memorable Hook: The instantly catchy "Believer" hook cemented its place in popular culture, frequently appearing in various media and remaining highly recognizable.
Emotional Resonance: Its message of perseverance and self-belief struck a chord with many, contributing to its enduring popularity throughout 2015-2020.
11Starboy
The Weeknd,Daft Punk
2016
12That's What I Like
Bruno Mars
2017
24K Magic
13Watch Me
Silentó
2015
14Cheap Thrills
Sean Paul,Sia
2016
This Is Acting (Deluxe Version)
15Senorita
Camila Cabello,Shawn Mendes
2019
16Love Yourself
Justin Bieber
2015
Purpose (Deluxe)
17Attention
Charlie Puth
2017
Voicenotes
18God's Plan
Drake
2018
Scorpion
19Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X
2019
20bad guy
Billie Eilish
2019
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
21SICKO MODE
Travis Scott
2018
ASTROWORLD
22HUMBLE
Kendrick Lamar
2017
DAMN.
23Trap Queen
Fetty Wap
2014
Fetty Wap (Deluxe)
24Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
2019
After Hours
25Don't Start Now
Dua Lipa
2019
Future Nostalgia
26Despacito
Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi
2017
Justice
27The Box
Roddy Ricch
2020
Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial
28Shut Up and Dance
WALK THE MOON
2014
TALKING IS HARD
29One Dance
Drake,Wizkid,Kyla
2016
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