The decade from 2010 to 2018 witnessed a seismic shift in the music landscape, a period brimming with genre-bending innovation and unforgettable hits. From the catchy pop anthems dominating the airwaves to the underground sounds shaping future trends, this era gifted us with a soundtrack for a generation. This list dives deep into the heart of that decade, presenting our definitive ranking of the best songs of 2010 to 2018. Forget the fleeting trends; this is a carefully curated selection of tracks that continue to resonate, showcasing the artistry, creativity, and sheer staying power that defines true musical excellence. Whether you're a nostalgic music lover reliving the past or a curious newcomer discovering the gems of a bygone era, this journey through the best songs of 2010 to 2018 is guaranteed to transport you. Prepare to rediscover old favorites and unearth hidden masterpieces that deserve a place in your ultimate playlist.
| 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. Sorry | Justin Bieber | Purpose (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 5. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 6. Dark Horse |
Katy Perry Juicy J | PRISM | 4B+ |
| 7. Blank Space | Taylor Swift | 1989 (Taylor's Version) | 3B+ |
1. Shape of You - ÷ (Deluxe)
Catchy Melody: Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that cemented its place in the pop landscape of the 2010s.
Global Phenomenon: Its infectious rhythm and simple yet effective structure propelled it to global chart dominance, making it a defining song of the era.
Enduring Appeal: Even years later, "Shape of You" remains instantly recognizable and continues to resonate with listeners, highlighting its timeless quality within the best songs of 2010-2018.
2. Uptown Funk (Uptown Special - 2025)
A Defining Track of the Decade: Uptown Funk's infectious groove cemented its place as a defining track of the 2010s, effortlessly blending funk, soul, and pop elements into an undeniable hit.
Unmatched Energy: Bruno Mars' charismatic vocals and Mark Ronson's masterful production created a song with an unmatched energy that transcended genres and captivated audiences worldwide.
Enduring Legacy: Its enduring popularity speaks volumes – a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to evoke a feeling of pure, unadulterated joy.
3. Counting Stars (Native - 2025)
Catchy Melody: Counting Stars boasts an unforgettable melody that effortlessly blends pop sensibilities with a driving rhythm, making it instantly recognizable and highly replayable.
Nostalgic Vibe: Released in 2013, the song perfectly encapsulates the sound of the mid-2010s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many listeners who experienced its initial pop culture impact.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless quality and emotional depth ensured Counting Stars remained a staple on radio and streaming platforms long after its release, solidifying its place among the best songs of the decade.
4. Sorry
Heartfelt Apology: Justin Bieber's "Sorry" delivers a genuine and vulnerable expression of remorse, showcasing a maturity beyond his years in the context of his 2010s output.
Catchy Melody & Production: The song's infectious, minimalistic R&B beat and memorable hook cemented its place as a radio staple and a defining sound of the mid-2010s pop landscape.
Global Impact: "Sorry" transcended its genre, achieving massive global success and further solidifying Bieber's position as a pop superstar during this era.
5. Thinking out Loud (Ed Sheeran - 2025)
A Defining Sound of the 2010s: "Thinking Out Loud" perfectly encapsulates the mellow, acoustic-driven pop sound that dominated the mid-2010s, showcasing Sheeran's songwriting prowess at its peak.
Timeless Romance: The song's heartfelt lyrics about enduring love resonate deeply, making it a staple for romantic occasions and a nostalgic touchstone for many.
Enduring Popularity: Its simple yet effective melody and Sheeran's emotive vocals ensured its place as a defining track of the decade, continuing to be enjoyed and appreciated today.
6. Dark Horse (Katy Perry ft Juicy J)
Catchy Melody: Dark Horse boasts an instantly memorable melody that effortlessly blends pop sensibilities with a hypnotic, almost mystical quality, solidifying its place as a 2010s anthem.
Juicy J's Feature: The collaboration with Juicy J adds a layer of gritty, unexpected texture to the song, creating a unique sonic landscape that set it apart from other pop hits of the era.
Enduring Popularity: Its blend of catchy hooks, memorable beat, and unique production choices helped Dark Horse remain a radio staple and cultural touchstone throughout the mid-2010s.
7. Blank Space
Catchy Melody: Blank Space boasts an undeniably catchy melody that perfectly encapsulates the playful yet slightly sinister tone of the lyrics, making it instantly memorable and highly replayable.
Iconic Pop Culture Moment: Its release cemented Taylor Swift's status as a pop superstar, with the music video further embedding the song in popular culture.
Production and Sound: The song's crisp production and driving beat contribute to its overall energy and timeless quality, ensuring it remains relevant even years after its release.
8. Closer (The Chainsmokers ft Halsey)
Synth-Pop Perfection: Closer masterfully blends driving synth lines with Halsey's emotive vocals, creating an undeniable pop anthem that defined a moment in the mid-2010s.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly catchy chorus and memorable melody cemented Closer's place in popular culture, becoming a ubiquitous sound of the era.
Nostalgia Trip: Revisit this track to be instantly transported back to the soundscape of the late 2010s; a testament to its enduring appeal and staying power within the decade’s best.
9. Rolling in the Deep (2010)
A Defining Sound of the 2010s: Rolling in the Deep's instantly recognizable drum beat and Adele's powerful vocals cemented its place as a defining track of the decade.
Unmatched Vocal Performance: Adele's raw emotionality shines through, making the song resonate deeply with listeners even years later.
Enduring Pop Culture Impact: Its widespread popularity and enduring appeal solidify its position as one of the most impactful songs of the early 2010s.
10. Starboy (The Weeknd ft Daft Punk)
Genre-bending Fusion: Starboy masterfully blends The Weeknd's signature R&B vocals with Daft Punk's electrifying electronic production, creating a sound uniquely its own and highly representative of the 2010s pop landscape.
Iconic Sound: The track's instantly recognizable synth riff and driving beat solidified its place as a defining anthem of the era, further cementing both artists' status as musical innovators.
Enduring Appeal: Its sophisticated production and catchy melody ensured Starboy's continued relevance and replay value throughout the latter half of the 2010s and beyond, making it a strong contender for best songs of the decade.
11Someone Like You
Adele
2011
21
12The Hills
The Weeknd
2015
Beauty Behind The Madness
13Hotline Bling
Drake
2016
Views
14Cheap Thrills
Sean Paul,Sia
2016
This Is Acting (Deluxe Version)
15Titanium
David Guetta,Sia
2011
Nothing but the Beat 2.0
16CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!
Justin Timberlake
2016
TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
17Love Yourself
Justin Bieber
2015
Purpose (Deluxe)
18Call Me Maybe
Carly Rae Jepsen
2011
Kiss (Deluxe)
19God's Plan
Drake
2018
Scorpion
20Radioactive
Imagine Dragons
2013
21Work
Drake,Rihanna
2016
ANTI (Deluxe)
22Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
23Stay With Me
Sam Smith
2014
In The Lonely Hour
24We Found Love
Rihanna,Calvin Harris
2011
Talk That Talk
25Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
26Take Me to Church
Hozier
2013
Hozier
27Despacito
Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi
2017
Justice
28Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989
29All of Me
Hunter Hayes,John Legend,Jennifer Nettles
2013
Wild Blue, Part I