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.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11God's Plan
Drake
2018
Scorpion
127 Years
Lukas Graham
2015
Lukas Graham
13Radioactive
Imagine Dragons
2013
14Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
15Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X
2019
16bad guy
Billie Eilish
2019
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
17We Are Young
fun.,Janelle Monáe
2011
Some Nights
18Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
19Take Me to Church
Hozier
2013
Hozier
20Despacito
Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi
2017
Justice
21Let It Go
Idina Menzel
2013
22Born This Way
Lady Gaga
2011
Born This Way (Special Edition)
23Ain't It Fun
Paramore
2014
Paramore
24Drunk on a Plane
Dierks Bentley
2014
25Candy
Robbie Williams
2012
26Dancing on My Own
Robyn
2010
27All Too Well
Taylor Swift
2021
28Everything Is Embarrassing
Sky Ferreira
2012
29I Want You
Luke James
2012