29 Best Songs of the 2010s: The Ultimate Playlist

The 2010s: a decade of seismic shifts in music, from the rise of streaming to the explosion of genre-bending collaborations. Trying to pick the best songs in 2010s is a near-impossible task, a Herculean effort to distill a decade of sonic innovation into a single, satisfying playlist. But we're up for the challenge! This list isn't just a random collection of chart-toppers; it's a carefully curated journey through the soundscapes that defined a generation. We’ve delved deep into the archives, considered critical acclaim, and, most importantly, listened to countless hours of music to bring you a definitive ranking of the songs that resonated most deeply with listeners worldwide. Whether you're a nostalgic music lover reliving the decade's best moments or a curious newcomer discovering the gems you missed, get ready to rediscover the unforgettable tracks that cemented the 2010s as a truly iconic era in music history. Prepare for a trip down memory lane filled with earworms, anthems, and the songs that shaped a generation's soundtrack.

29 Best Songs of the 2010s: The Ultimate Playlist
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Shape of You Ed Sheeran ÷ (Deluxe) 6B+
2. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson
Bruno Mars
Uptown Special 5B+
3. Counting Stars OneRepublic Native 4B+
4. Rolling in the Deep Adele 21 3B+
5. Wake Me Up Avicii True 2B+
6. Somebody That I Used To Know Gotye
Kimbra
Making Mirrors 2B+
7. Titanium David Guetta
Sia
Nothing but the Beat 2.0 2B+

1. Shape of You (Ed Sheeran - 2025)

Catchy Hook: Shape of You's instantly recognizable, reggae-tinged melody cemented its place in the 2010s pop landscape, becoming ubiquitous and undeniably catchy.

Global Phenomenon: Its massive global success, fueled by a memorable music video and Sheeran's already established fanbase, solidified its position as a defining song of the decade.

Enduring Appeal: Even years later, its infectious rhythm and singable chorus continue to resonate, showcasing its timeless quality within the broader 2010s soundscape.

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

2. Uptown Funk (Uptown Special)

Sound: Uptown Funk's infectious blend of funk, soul, and pop created a sound uniquely suited to the 2010s, perfectly capturing the decade's eclectic musical landscape.

Rhythm: The irresistible groove, driven by a tight rhythm section and punctuated by horns, made it impossible not to dance along, solidifying its place as a defining track of the era.

Cultural Impact: Its ubiquitous presence in media and its inescapable catchiness made "Uptown Funk" a true pop culture phenomenon of the 2010s, exceeding mere popularity and becoming a cultural touchstone.

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson,Bruno Mars

3. Counting Stars (Native)

Sound: Counting Stars' soaring, anthemic sound, driven by a powerful synth riff and driving beat, perfectly captured the expansive feeling of the early 2010s pop landscape.

Vocals: Ryan Tedder's instantly recognizable vocals, both vulnerable and powerful, deliver a performance that is both emotionally resonant and undeniably catchy.

Cultural Impact: The song's massive popularity cemented OneRepublic's place in the 2010s music scene, becoming a ubiquitous presence on radio and in popular culture, further enhancing its lasting impact.

Counting Stars - OneRepublic

4. Rolling in the Deep (Adele)

Sound: Adele's powerful vocals are layered over a driving beat, creating a captivating and unforgettable sound that defined a moment in 2010s pop.

Emotional Impact: The song's raw lyrics about betrayal and heartbreak resonated deeply with listeners, making it an anthem for a generation.

Pop Culture Moments: Its iconic music video and widespread radio play solidified "Rolling in the Deep" as a defining track of the early 2010s.

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

5. Wake Me Up (Avicii - 2025)

Sound: Avicii's "Wake Me Up" masterfully blends electronic dance music with acoustic instrumentation, creating a unique and instantly recognizable sound that defined a moment in the 2010s.

Rhythm: The driving beat and infectious melody are undeniably catchy, making it perfect for both dance floors and casual listening, solidifying its place in popular culture.

Pop Culture Impact: Its massive global success and ubiquitous presence in media cemented "Wake Me Up" as a defining anthem of the decade, showcasing a transition in EDM's mainstream appeal.

Wake Me Up - Avicii

6. Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye ft Kimbra - 2025)

Memorable Melody: Gotye and Kimbra's vocals intertwine beautifully in this instantly recognizable track, creating a hauntingly catchy melody that defined the early 2010s.

Unique Instrumental Arrangement: The song's distinctive blend of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, including the memorable ukulele riff, set it apart from other pop songs of the era.

Cultural Impact: Its widespread popularity and distinctive music video cemented "Somebody That I Used To Know" as a defining song of the 2010s, achieving both critical acclaim and massive commercial success.

Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye,Kimbra

7. Titanium (Nothing but the Beat 2.0)

Sound: Titanium's driving beat and soaring synth lines perfectly captured the electro-house sound dominating the early 2010s, making it instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy.

Vocals: Sia's powerhouse vocals, both vulnerable and anthemic, provided a powerful contrast to the song's energetic production, creating an unforgettable emotional core.

Cultural Impact: Its massive global success cemented Titanium's place as a defining track of the 2010s, frequently appearing in film, television, and advertising, solidifying its status as a chart-topping classic.

Titanium - David Guetta,Sia

8. Love Yourself (Justin Bieber - 2025)

Sound: "Love Yourself" boasts a mellow yet catchy acoustic-pop sound, perfectly capturing the reflective mood of the early 2010s.

Vocals: Justin Bieber's matured vocals deliver a vulnerable and heartfelt performance, showcasing a significant evolution in his artistry during this era.

Emotional Impact: The song's introspective lyrics about self-love and acceptance resonated deeply with a generation grappling with identity and self-worth, solidifying its place in the decade's cultural landscape.

Love Yourself - Justin Bieber

9. Say You Won't Let Go (Back from the Edge - 2025)

Heartfelt Lyrics: James Arthur's vulnerable vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics about a desperate plea for commitment perfectly captured the raw emotionality prevalent in 2010s pop.

Enduring Popularity: "Say You Won't Let Go" transcended fleeting trends, establishing itself as a defining ballad of the decade, demonstrating its timeless appeal.

Acoustic Foundation: The song's stripped-back acoustic arrangement, contrasted with powerful vocals, created a unique intimacy that resonated deeply with listeners in the 2010s.

Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur

10. Call Me Maybe - Kiss (Deluxe)

Catchy Melody: "Call Me Maybe" boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that effortlessly burrowed its way into the collective consciousness of the 2010s.

Ubiquitous Pop Culture Impact: Its infectious hook and playful lyrics led to countless viral videos and covers, cementing its status as a defining song of the decade.

Nostalgic Vibe: The song's bright, upbeat sound evokes a specific feeling of carefree fun, making it a perfect soundtrack for reminiscing about the early 2010s.

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
  • God's Plan
    11

    God's Plan

    Drake

    2018

    Scorpion

  • 7 Years
    12

    7 Years

    Lukas Graham

    2015

    Lukas Graham

  • Radioactive
    13

    Radioactive

    Imagine Dragons

    2013

  • Happy
    14

    Happy

    Pharrell Williams

    2013

    G I R L

  • Old Town Road
    15

    Old Town Road

    Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X

    2019

  • bad guy
    16

    bad guy

    Billie Eilish

    2019

    WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

  • We Are Young
    17

    We Are Young

    fun.,Janelle Monáe

    2011

    Some Nights

  • Royals
    18

    Royals

    Lorde

    2013

    Pure Heroine

  • Take Me to Church
    19

    Take Me to Church

    Hozier

    2013

    Hozier

  • Despacito
    20

    Despacito

    Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi

    2017

    Justice

  • Let It Go
    21

    Let It Go

    Idina Menzel

    2013

  • Born This Way
    22

    Born This Way

    Lady Gaga

    2011

    Born This Way (Special Edition)

  • Ain't It Fun
    23

    Ain't It Fun

    Paramore

    2014

    Paramore

  • Drunk on a Plane
    24

    Drunk on a Plane

    Dierks Bentley

    2014

  • Candy
    25

    Candy

    Robbie Williams

    2012

  • Dancing on My Own
    26

    Dancing on My Own

    Robyn

    2010

  • All Too Well
    27

    All Too Well

    Taylor Swift

    2021

  • Everything Is Embarrassing
    28

    Everything Is Embarrassing

    Sky Ferreira

    2012

  • I Want You
    29

    I Want You

    Luke James

    2012