The past thirteen years have been a sonic rollercoaster, a whirlwind of genre-bending collaborations and unforgettable melodies. Trying to pick the best songs from 2010 to now feels almost impossible – a Herculean task that demands careful consideration of countless chart-toppers and hidden gems. But that's exactly what we've done! This isn't just a list of popular tracks; it's a journey through a decade-plus of musical evolution, capturing the shifting soundscapes that have defined a generation. From the catchy pop anthems that ruled the airwaves to the underground bangers that shaped countless playlists, we've scoured the archives to bring you an ultimate collection of songs that truly resonated. Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado looking for a nostalgic trip or a curious newcomer eager to discover the defining hits of the 2010s and 2020s, get ready to dive into our definitive list of the best songs from 2010 to now. Prepare for a wave of musical memories – and maybe even some new favorites.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 6B+ |
| 2. Uptown Funk |
Mark Ronson Bruno Mars | Uptown Special | 5B+ |
| 3. Sorry | Justin Bieber | Purpose (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 4. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 5. Hello | Adele | 25 | 3B+ |
| 6. Closer |
The Chainsmokers Halsey | Changes | 3B+ |
| 7. Rolling in the Deep | Adele | 21 | 3B+ |
1. Shape of You (Ed Sheeran)
Catchy Melody: Shape of You's instantly recognizable rhythm and infectious melody cemented its place as a global phenomenon, making it a quintessential track of the 2010s.
Ed Sheeran's Vocal Delivery: Sheeran's smooth vocals and relatable lyrics contribute to the song's widespread appeal, showcasing his talent for crafting both catchy and emotionally resonant music.
Enduring Popularity: Released in 2017, its consistent radio play and continued presence in popular culture demonstrates its lasting impact on the musical landscape of the past decade.
2. Uptown Funk
Upbeat Tempo and Groove: Uptown Funk's infectious rhythm and undeniable groove make it a perfect choice for any party playlist from the 2010s and beyond.
Bruno Mars' Vocals: Mars' charismatic vocals deliver a performance full of energy and swagger, solidifying the track's place as a timeless classic.
Enduring Popularity: Its blend of funk, soul, and pop ensured its widespread appeal, remaining a staple on radio and in popular culture well into the 2020s.
3. Sorry - Purpose (Deluxe)
Sound: "Sorry" boasts a minimalist yet impactful soundscape, built around a stark, melancholic piano melody and a subtle, driving beat, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Vocals: Justin Bieber delivers a raw and vulnerable vocal performance, conveying genuine remorse and emotional depth that resonates deeply with listeners.
Pop Culture Impact: Released in 2015, "Sorry" became a global phenomenon, dominating charts worldwide and solidifying Bieber's comeback after a period of public scrutiny; its iconic dance moves further cemented its place in pop culture history.
4. Thinking out Loud - x (Deluxe Edition)
Genre and Sound: A perfect blend of folk-pop and acoustic sounds, "Thinking Out Loud" showcases Sheeran's signature intimate style, making it instantly recognizable and appealing even years later.
Vocal Performance and Emotional Impact: Sheeran's emotive vocals deliver a powerful message of enduring love, contributing to the song's widespread appeal and resonance with listeners.
Cultural Impact and Staying Power: Released in 2014, the song's timeless melody and relatable lyrics secured its place as a modern classic, continuing to evoke strong emotions and remain popular within the decade's best songs.
5. Hello
Vocal Performance: Adele's powerhouse vocals are the undeniable heart of "Hello" showcasing her incredible range and emotional control, a defining characteristic of her artistry in the 2010s and beyond.
Emotional Resonance: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone resonated deeply with listeners, capturing a universal experience of longing and reflection, solidifying its place as a defining ballad of the era.
Cultural Impact: "Hello" wasn't just a hit; its iconic music video and widespread popularity cemented its status as a significant cultural moment of the 2010s, further enhancing its lasting appeal.
6. Closer (The Chainsmokers ft Halsey)
Genre-bending Sound: "Closer" masterfully blends elements of pop, electronic dance music, and trap, creating a unique sonic landscape that defined a moment in popular music.
Memorable Vocal Performance: Halsey's sultry vocals provide a captivating counterpoint to The Chainsmokers' signature production, adding depth and emotional resonance to the track.
Cultural Impact: Released in 2016, "Closer" became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and cementing its place as an iconic song of the mid-2010s.
7. Rolling in the Deep (Adele - 2025)
Sound: Adele's powerhouse vocals are perfectly complemented by a driving beat and gospel-tinged backing vocals, creating a sound both anthemic and intensely personal, a hallmark of her early 2010s work.
Emotional Impact: The song's raw emotion, exploring themes of betrayal and resilience, resonated deeply with listeners and cemented its place as a defining track of the era.
Pop Culture Impact: "Rolling in the Deep" dominated charts worldwide and became synonymous with the rise of Adele as a global superstar, launching numerous covers and remaining a staple in popular culture.
8. All of Me
John Legend’s Vocals: John Legend's emotive vocals are the heart of "All of Me" showcasing his incredible range and control, making it a standout track from the 2010s.
Timeless Melody: The song's simple yet profoundly moving melody ensures its continued relevance and appeal, solidifying its place among the best songs of the decade.
Romantic Resonance: "All of Me" captured the zeitgeist of romantic expression in the early 2010s, becoming a ubiquitous wedding staple and a testament to its enduring emotional power.
9. Someone Like You (Adele - 2025)
Vocal Performance: Adele's powerhouse vocals are the undeniable heart of "Someone Like You" showcasing her incredible range and emotional control, perfectly capturing the heartbreak and vulnerability of the lyrics.
Lyrical Resonance: The raw honesty and relatable themes of lost love make "Someone Like You" a timeless anthem for anyone who's experienced heartbreak, securing its place among the most emotionally resonant songs of the 2010s.
Enduring Popularity: Its continued popularity and numerous covers solidify "Someone Like You" as a defining song of its era, demonstrating its staying power and lasting impact on the music landscape.
10. Thrift Shop (The Heist)
Sound: Thrift Shop's infectious beat, a blend of hip-hop and funk, is instantly memorable and undeniably catchy, perfectly encapsulating the early 2010s sound.
Lyrical Content: The witty and clever lyrics, focusing on budget-friendly fashion and a rejection of materialism, resonated deeply with a generation grappling with economic uncertainty and the rise of social media.
Cultural Impact: Its playful yet poignant message, coupled with the memorable music video, cemented "Thrift Shop" as a defining song of the 2010s, a decade marked by both economic hardship and an embrace of individuality.
11Shallow
Lady Gaga,Bradley Cooper
2018
A Star Is Born Soundtrack
12Call Me Maybe
Carly Rae Jepsen
2011
Kiss (Deluxe)
13God's Plan
Drake
2018
Scorpion
14Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
15Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X
2019
16We Found Love
Rihanna,Calvin Harris
2011
Talk That Talk
17Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
18STAY
Justin Bieber,The Kid LAROI
2021
My World 2.0
19Levitating
Dua Lipa
2020
Future Nostalgia
20Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
2019
After Hours
21Flowers
Miley Cyrus
2023
Endless Summer Vacation
22As It Was
Harry Styles
2022
Harry's House
23Despacito
Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi
2017
Justice
24Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles
2019
Fine Line
25Easy On Me
Adele
2021
21
26Anti-Hero
Taylor Swift
2023
27vampire
Olivia Rodrigo
2023
GUTS
28Kill Bill
SZA
2023
SOS
29Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989