The last decade has witnessed an incredible transformation in pop music, with groundbreaking artists redefining what it means to create chart-topping hits. From the rise of streaming platforms to the evolution of production techniques, pop songs from the last decade have shaped cultural conversations and dominated global charts. This comprehensive retrospective explores the top 30 pop songs that defined an era, examining their impact on the music industry, their innovative production, and the artists who brought these unforgettable tracks to life. Whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted music enthusiast, these pop songs from the last decade represent the pinnacle of contemporary popular music.
“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” stands as arguably the most successful pop song of the last decade, spending an unprecedented 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Released in November 2019, this synthwave masterpiece produced by Max Martin and Oscar Holter channeled 1980s nostalgia while maintaining a distinctly modern edge. The track spent four weeks at number one and accumulated over 4 billion streams on Spotify, making it one of the most-streamed songs of all time. Its infectious melody and driving beat created a sound that transcended generations, with the song becoming a cultural phenomenon amplified by viral TikTok dances and countless covers.
“Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” dominated 2017, spending 12 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the best-selling song of that year. Co-written with producers Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, this tropical house-influenced track showcased Sheeran’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with dancehall rhythms. The song’s minimalist production, featuring marimba-like sounds and a stripped-back beat, proved that sometimes less is more in pop music. With over 3.5 billion streams on Spotify, “Shape of You” demonstrated Sheeran’s global appeal and established him as one of the decade’s most commercially successful artists.
“Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish revolutionized pop music with “Bad Guy” in 2019, bringing a dark, minimalist aesthetic to the mainstream that felt refreshingly different from typical radio fare. Produced by her brother Finneas in their childhood home, this track peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song’s whispered vocals, unconventional structure, and bass-heavy production challenged traditional pop conventions while achieving massive commercial success. Eilish’s innovative approach influenced countless artists and proved that authenticity could triumph over formula in contemporary pop music.
“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars created an instant classic with “Uptown Funk” in 2014, a track that spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This funk-pop fusion drew inspiration from 1980s Minneapolis sound and contemporary production techniques, creating something both retro and modern. The song’s infectious groove, tight horn arrangements, and Mars’ charismatic vocals made it impossible to ignore on radio and in clubs worldwide. With over 4 billion views on YouTube, “Uptown Funk” became one of the decade’s most recognizable songs and demonstrated that classic funk sensibilities could still dominate modern charts.
“Someone Like You” – Adele
Adele’s “Someone Like You” showcased the power of emotional vulnerability in pop music, spending five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011. Co-written with Dan Wilson and featuring only piano and vocals, this stripped-back ballad proved that elaborate production wasn’t necessary for massive commercial success. The song’s raw emotion and Adele’s powerful vocal delivery resonated with audiences worldwide, establishing her as one of the decade’s most important artists. Its success paved the way for more acoustic-driven pop ballads and demonstrated that authentic emotion could cut through the noise of overproduced radio hits.
“Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
Before “Someone Like You,” Adele dominated with “Rolling in the Deep” in 2010, a track that blended pop, soul, and blues into a powerful anthem of heartbreak and empowerment. Produced by Paul Epworth, this song spent seven weeks at number one and won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The track’s gospel-influenced backing vocals, driving drums, and Adele’s commanding vocal performance created a sound that felt both contemporary and timeless. With over 2 billion views on YouTube, “Rolling in the Deep” launched Adele into superstardom and influenced the sound of pop music throughout the early 2010s.
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” became a global phenomenon in 2013, spending 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an anthem of positivity worldwide. Originally written for the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack, this neo-soul influenced pop track featured Pharrell’s falsetto vocals over a deceptively simple four-on-the-floor beat. The song’s infectious optimism resonated during a time of economic uncertainty, with its message of finding joy despite circumstances connecting with audiences globally. The accompanying 24-hour music video and countless fan-made versions turned “Happy” into more than just a song—it became a cultural movement celebrating positivity and self-expression.
“Royals” – Lorde
New Zealand teenager Lorde shocked the music industry with “Royals” in 2013, a minimalist critique of hip-hop’s materialism that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Joel Little, this track’s sparse production featuring finger snaps and minimal instrumentation stood in stark contrast to the maximalist pop dominating radio at the time. At just 16 years old, Lorde became the youngest artist to reach number one in the US since 1987, and her mature songwriting and distinctive contralto voice influenced a generation of alternative pop artists. The song’s success proved that audiences were hungry for intelligent, stripped-back pop music that challenged mainstream conventions.
“Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” became the defining pop earworm of 2012, spending nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and inspiring countless viral videos. Co-written with Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay, this infectiously catchy track perfectly captured the excitement and nervousness of romantic attraction. The song’s simple yet effective production, featuring bright synths and an unforgettable hook, made it instantly memorable and impossible to escape. Justin Bieber’s early endorsement helped propel the track to viral status, and its success demonstrated the power of social media in launching pop hits during the early streaming era.
“We Found Love” – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
Rihanna and Calvin Harris created a euphoric dance-pop anthem with “We Found Love” in 2011, a track that spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This collaboration showcased Harris’ production prowess, with pulsing synths and a progressive house influence that pushed mainstream pop into EDM territory. The song’s emotional lyrics about finding love in chaotic circumstances, combined with Rihanna’s powerful vocal delivery, created a perfect balance between dance floor energy and emotional depth. Its success helped popularize EDM in mainstream pop and influenced countless producers to incorporate electronic elements into their work.
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” became one of the decade’s most beloved romantic ballads, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014. Co-written with Amy Wadge, this soul-influenced pop ballad featured only acoustic guitar and Sheeran’s vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere that resonated at weddings and romantic moments worldwide. The song won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, cementing Sheeran’s reputation as a masterful songwriter. Its commercial success, with over 3 billion streams on Spotify, proved that traditional romantic ballads still had a place in contemporary pop music. For those wanting to experience the emotional depth of tracks like this with optimal sound quality, check out our guide to compare headphones for the best listening experience.
“Get Lucky” – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” brought disco back to the mainstream in 2013, featuring Pharrell Williams on vocals and legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers. This collaboration between electronic music pioneers and funk royalty created a track that peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated summer 2013. The song’s live instrumentation, groovy bassline, and polished production represented a return to musicianship in an era increasingly dominated by computer-generated sounds. Its success demonstrated that audiences still appreciated well-crafted, organic-sounding pop music and influenced a wave of disco-revival tracks throughout the mid-2010s.
“Firework” – Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “Firework” became an empowerment anthem in 2010, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of her signature songs. Written by Perry with producers Stargate and Sandy Vee, this inspirational pop track featured soaring vocals and explosive production that matched its message of self-empowerment. The song’s music video, featuring real people dealing with various challenges, added emotional depth to its uplifting message. With over 1.5 billion views on YouTube, “Firework” transcended its status as a pop song to become a cultural touchstone for self-acceptance and personal strength.
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s transition from country to full pop arrived with “Shake It Off” in 2014, a carefree anthem that spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Max Martin and Shellback, this track marked Swift’s official embrace of pop music and showcased her ability to craft irresistibly catchy hooks. The song’s message about ignoring critics and negativity resonated with fans dealing with social media criticism and judgment. Its commercial success, earning multiple Grammy nominations and accumulating billions of streams, proved Swift’s versatility as an artist and established her as a pop powerhouse capable of dominating multiple genres.
“Despacito (Remix)” – Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
“Despacito” became a global phenomenon in 2017, with the Justin Bieber remix helping the Latin pop track reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks. This reggaeton-influenced song, produced by Mauricio Rengifo and Andrés Torres, became the most-streamed song globally and broke multiple records. The track’s success opened doors for Latin music in mainstream American markets and demonstrated the increasingly global nature of pop music. Its infectious rhythm and melody transcended language barriers, with the song becoming the first primarily Spanish-language track to reach number one since “Macarena” in 1996.
“Stay” – Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko
Rihanna’s “Stay” showcased her vulnerable side in 2012, with this piano-driven ballad reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Featuring indie artist Mikky Ekko, the song’s raw emotion and stripped-back production stood in contrast to Rihanna’s typical dance-pop hits. The track’s simplicity, featuring primarily piano and vocals, allowed both artists’ voices to shine and created one of the decade’s most emotionally affecting pop ballads. Its success demonstrated Rihanna’s range as an artist and proved that mainstream audiences still appreciated vulnerable, honest performances in an era of increasingly polished production.
“Counting Stars” – OneRepublic
OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars” blended folk-pop sensibilities with electronic production in 2013, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Frontman Ryan Tedder, one of pop music’s most successful producers, crafted this track with a distinctive finger-picking guitar pattern and driving beat that created irresistible momentum. The song’s lyrics about choosing artistic fulfillment over material success resonated with audiences, while its innovative production influenced the folk-pop sound that dominated mid-2010s radio. With over 3.8 billion views on YouTube, “Counting Stars” remains one of the decade’s most-watched music videos and demonstrated OneRepublic’s ability to evolve with changing musical trends.
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” brought feel-good pop to the forefront in 2016, spending one week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Written for the “Trolls” animated film with producers Max Martin and Shellback, this track channeled disco and funk influences into modern pop production. The song’s infectious positivity and danceable groove made it a hit at weddings, parties, and family gatherings worldwide. Its success demonstrated Timberlake’s continued relevance in pop music and showed that joyful, uncomplicated pop songs still had commercial viability in an era of increasingly experimental production.
“Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi broke through internationally with “Someone You Loved” in 2019, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100. This emotional ballad, produced by TMS, showcased Capaldi’s powerful vocals and vulnerable songwriting about loss and heartbreak. The song’s stripped-back production allowed Capaldi’s raw emotion to take center stage, creating one of the decade’s most affecting pop ballads. With over 3 billion streams on Spotify, “Someone You Loved” proved that authentic emotion and powerful vocals could still cut through the noise of modern pop radio.
“Sunflower” – Post Malone and Swae Lee
Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” became one of 2018’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and serving as the lead single for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” This mellow, guitar-driven track blended hip-hop and pop influences with a laid-back vibe that showcased both artists’ melodic sensibilities. The song’s success demonstrated Post Malone’s versatility and ability to craft radio-friendly pop hits while maintaining his distinctive style. Its longevity on the charts, spending 33 weeks in the top ten, proved that audiences responded to its accessible yet distinctive sound.
“Levitating” – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” became one of 2020’s defining pop songs, blending disco and nu-disco influences into a modern dance-pop masterpiece. Produced by The Blessed Madonna and others, this track spent 77 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the longest-charting songs in history. The song’s infectious groove, retro-influenced production, and Dua Lipa’s confident vocals created a perfect escapist anthem during the pandemic. Its success cemented Dua Lipa’s status as one of pop’s leading voices and demonstrated the enduring appeal of disco-influenced pop music.
“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” shattered records in 2019, spending an unprecedented 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This genre-defying track blended country and hip-hop elements, initially gaining traction through TikTok before Billy Ray Cyrus joined for the official remix. The song’s success sparked important conversations about genre boundaries and race in country music while demonstrating the power of social media in launching music careers. Its viral success and cultural impact made it one of the decade’s most significant pop culture moments, transcending music to become a broader cultural phenomenon.
“Dynamite” – BTS
K-pop sensation BTS broke through to American mainstream success with “Dynamite” in 2020, their first fully English-language single. This disco-pop track debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean act to achieve this feat. Produced by David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, the song’s retro production and feel-good lyrics provided escapism during the pandemic. Its success demonstrated the growing global influence of K-pop and proved that language barriers were becoming increasingly irrelevant in contemporary pop music. The track’s colorful music video and coordinated choreography became viral sensations, accumulating over 1.5 billion views on YouTube.
“7 Rings” – Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” dominated early 2019, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing her evolution as an artist. This trap-influenced pop track, which interpolated “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music,” featured Grande’s signature whistle tones over minimalist production. Co-written with Victoria Monét and produced by Tommy Brown and others, the song’s celebration of female friendship and financial independence resonated with audiences. Its bold production choices and Grande’s confident delivery demonstrated her artistic growth and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
“Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar” became a summer anthem in 2020, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning him his first Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance. This funk-pop track, produced by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, featured groovy basslines and retro production that channeled 1970s soft rock. The song’s nostalgic sound and suggestive lyrics created a feel-good summer vibe that resonated particularly strongly during pandemic lockdowns. Styles’ evolution from boy band member to sophisticated solo artist was cemented by this track’s success, proving his ability to craft distinctive, radio-friendly pop music.
“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” became an instant phenomenon upon its October 2022 release, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This synth-pop track, produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, featured deeply personal lyrics about self-doubt and anxiety that resonated with millions. The song’s confessional nature and catchy chorus created a perfect balance between commercial appeal and artistic vulnerability. Its success demonstrated Swift’s continued dominance in pop music and her ability to evolve her sound while maintaining authenticity. The track accumulated over 1 billion streams on Spotify within months, proving that Swift’s songwriting remained as relevant as ever. Aspiring musicians inspired by Swift’s journey should explore our kids instrument quiz to discover their own musical path.
“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” became 2023’s biggest hit, spending eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking her comeback to pop dominance. Produced by Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, this empowerment anthem about self-love featured disco-influenced production and Cyrus’ mature, powerful vocals. The song’s release timing and lyrics led to widespread speculation about its connection to Cyrus’ personal life, adding to its cultural impact. With over 2 billion streams on Spotify within its first year, “Flowers” demonstrated that Cyrus had successfully reinvented herself once again while creating one of the decade’s most memorable pop anthems.
“As It Was” – Harry Styles
Harry Styles continued his solo success with “As It Was” in 2022, a new wave-influenced pop track that spent 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, this melancholic yet catchy song featured 1980s synth textures and introspective lyrics about change and loss. The track’s distinctive opening with a child’s voice saying “Come on Harry, we wanna say goodnight to you” became instantly recognizable on radio and streaming platforms. Its massive success, accumulating over 3 billion streams on Spotify, proved that Styles had established himself as one of pop’s most reliable hitmakers.
“Drivers License” – Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo exploded onto the pop scene with “drivers license” in January 2021, a heart-wrenching ballad that debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Dan Nigro, this piano-driven track showcased Rodrigo’s mature songwriting and emotional vocal delivery at just 17 years old. The song broke multiple streaming records, including the Spotify record for most streams in a single week. Its viral success on TikTok and the widespread speculation about its subject matter created a cultural moment that transcended music. “Drivers license” established Rodrigo as a major force in pop music and influenced a wave of emotionally vulnerable teen pop.
“Say So” – Doja Cat
Doja Cat’s “Say So” became one of 2020’s defining pop moments, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 after going viral on TikTok. This disco-funk influenced track, produced by Dr. Luke, showcased Doja Cat’s versatility as both a rapper and singer. The song’s success was largely driven by a viral TikTok dance challenge, demonstrating the platform’s power in launching hits. Its retro production, catchy chorus, and Doja Cat’s charismatic delivery created a perfect storm of commercial and cultural success. The track’s journey from TikTok trend to chart-topper represented a new paradigm in how pop hits are created and consumed. To fully appreciate the production nuances in tracks like this, music enthusiasts should consider checking out our compare earbuds guide for the best portable listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a great pop song in the last decade?
Great pop songs from the last decade typically combine memorable melodies with contemporary production techniques while maintaining emotional authenticity. These tracks demonstrate innovation in either production, songwriting, or vocal delivery while remaining accessible to mainstream audiences. The most successful pop songs balance commercial appeal with artistic merit, often featuring hooks that stay with listeners long after the song ends. Additionally, great pop songs reflect their cultural moment, addressing themes and emotions that resonate with contemporary audiences while utilizing modern production tools and streaming-era marketing strategies to reach global audiences.
How has streaming changed pop music in the last decade?
Streaming has fundamentally transformed pop music by changing how artists release music, with many now prioritizing singles over albums and releasing music more frequently to maintain algorithmic visibility. The data-driven nature of streaming platforms has influenced production choices, with many artists and producers analyzing what performs well on playlists and adjusting their sound accordingly. Streaming has also democratized music discovery, allowing independent artists to compete with major label releases and enabling global hits from non-English speaking artists. The platform’s playlist culture has influenced song structures, with many producers front-loading hooks to prevent skips and keeping intros short to capture attention quickly within the first few seconds.
Why do so many pop songs from the last decade feature 1980s influences?
The 1980s revival in pop music stems from nostalgia among millennial artists and producers who grew up during that era, combined with Gen Z audiences discovering these sounds fresh. The decade’s distinctive synthesizer sounds, drum machine patterns, and production techniques offer a sonic palette that feels both retro and futuristic when updated with modern production tools. Artists like The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles have successfully channeled 1980s aesthetics while maintaining contemporary relevance through updated production and modern songwriting approaches. This trend also reflects broader cultural nostalgia cycles, where fashion, film, and music from previous decades periodically return to mainstream popularity, typically on a 30-40 year cycle that makes the 1980s perfectly positioned for revival.
How important are TikTok and social media to pop song success?
TikTok and social media platforms have become crucial to pop song success, often determining whether a track breaks through to mainstream consciousness or remains obscure. Viral moments on TikTok can transform older catalog tracks into hits years after their release, as seen with songs like “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac gaining renewed popularity decades later. Artists and labels now strategically design campaigns around potential TikTok virality, creating challenges, dances, and memes to encourage user-generated content. However, social media success must translate to sustained streaming and radio play for long-term commercial viability, and the most successful songs combine viral moments with genuine quality that keeps listeners returning beyond the initial trend.
What role do collaborations play in pop music success?
Collaborations have become increasingly important in pop music, allowing artists to cross-pollinate fan bases and create buzz through unexpected pairings. Strategic collaborations can introduce artists to new audiences, refresh established artists’ images, and create cultural moments that generate media attention beyond the music itself. The streaming era has made collaborations more valuable as they increase playlist placement opportunities and algorithmic recommendations across multiple artist profiles. Successful collaborations typically feature genuine chemistry between artists rather than forced pairings, with the best examples creating something neither artist could achieve independently while respecting each collaborator’s individual artistic identity.
How has pop music production evolved over the last decade?
Pop music production has evolved dramatically over the last decade, with bedroom producers now able to create radio-quality tracks using relatively affordable equipment and software. The rise of producers like Finneas, who created Grammy-winning recordings in home studios, has democratized music production and changed industry standards. Production trends have shifted toward more minimalist approaches in some cases, with artists like Billie Eilish embracing sparse arrangements, while others have pushed toward maximalist, densely layered productions. The integration of hip-hop production techniques into pop, including trap-influenced drums and 808 bass, has become standard, while vintage synthesizers and analog equipment have seen a resurgence as artists seek distinctive sonic signatures in an increasingly digital landscape.
What makes certain pop songs become cultural phenomena rather than just hits?
Pop songs become cultural phenomena when they transcend music to become part of broader cultural conversations, often through viral moments, social movements, or perfect timing with cultural moods. These songs typically feature elements that encourage audience participation, whether through dance challenges, sing-along moments, or lyrics that become memes and catchphrases. Cultural phenomenon songs often arrive at perfect moments to capture or define cultural feelings, like “Happy” providing optimism during economic uncertainty or “drivers license” capturing teenage heartbreak during pandemic isolation. The combination of musical quality, cultural timing, strategic marketing, and genuine emotional resonance creates these rare moments where songs become more than entertainment and instead become cultural touchstones that define specific periods.