Pitchfork, the influential music publication, has a long history of shaping musical taste, and their "best songs of the decade" lists often become definitive guides to the sounds that defined a generation. This isn't just a countdown of chart-toppers; it's a journey through the diverse soundscapes that captured the zeitgeist of the 2010s. From the infectious global grooves that dominated airwaves to the emotionally resonant ballads that touched millions, this list reflects the decade's incredible range and artistic innovation. We're not just celebrating the past; we aim to reintroduce you to tracks that may have slipped under your radar, or perhaps to rediscover favorites that evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia. Remember the infectious energy of certain collaborations? Or the raw emotion of powerhouse vocals that resonated deeply? This list is a testament to the power of music to connect us across cultures and emotions.
This curated selection captures the spirit of a decade brimming with musical experimentation and unforgettable moments. It’s a blend of catchy pop anthems with unexpected twists and turns, deeply personal narratives that resonated with millions, and collaborations that transcended genre boundaries. Whether you were dancing the night away or lost in thought, the songs featured here were the soundtrack to countless memories. By exploring this list, you'll uncover the sonic tapestry of the 2010s, a decade that gifted us with a wealth of music that remains relevant and captivating today. It's a celebration of the artists who redefined what's possible and an invitation to rediscover the sounds that defined a generation.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lean On |
Major Lazer DJ Snake MØ | Peace Is The Mission | 4B+ |
| 2. Rolling in the Deep | Adele | 21 | 3B+ |
| 3. Sunflower |
Post Malone Swae Lee | Solo | 2B+ |
| 4. Dance Monkey | Tones And I | 2B+ | |
| 5. Shallow |
Lady Gaga Bradley Cooper | A Star Is Born Soundtrack | 2B+ |
| 6. Old Town Road |
Billy Ray Cyrus Lil Nas X | 1B+ | |
| 7. HUMBLE | Kendrick Lamar | DAMN. | 988M+ |
1. Lean On (Peace Is The Mission)
A global phenomenon, Major Lazer, DJ Snake, and MØ's "Lean On" achieved staggering success, becoming Spotify's most-streamed song of all time and a top-selling single. While Pitchfork didn't explicitly review it, its widespread popularity and genre-bending nature align with the site's interest in boundary-pushing dance music. The track's infectious tropical house beat, infused with elements of reggae and dancehall, perfectly captured the decade's eclectic sonic landscape. Its global impact, reflected in its ubiquitous presence and globally diverse music video, epitomizes Pitchfork's focus on music's cross-cultural power and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. "Lean On's" success exemplifies the decade's shift towards globally accessible sounds, showcasing the power of collaborative international productions.
2. Rolling in the Deep
Does the raw power of catharsis resonate with you? Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" a dark blues-infused gospel-disco anthem, exemplifies this feeling. While Pitchfork didn't explicitly rate it, the song's impact was undeniable, aligning with the site's appreciation for emotionally resonant and sonically inventive pop. Its blend of soulful vocals and a driving beat challenged the prevailing pop landscape of the early 2010s, showcasing a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with listeners. The song's massive success and critical acclaim solidified its place as a defining track of the decade, a testament to its enduring power and influence on subsequent artists who embraced similar blends of soulful intensity and catchy hooks. Its cultural impact, a reflection of Pitchfork's interest in emotionally charged pop music, continues to be felt today.
3. Sunflower (Solo)
"Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee, transcends its origins as a Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack track; it's a flawlessly crafted blend of mellow hip-hop and R&B that resonated deeply with listeners. While Pitchfork didn't explicitly review the song, its widespread popularity and critical acclaim align with the publication's appreciation for genre-bending collaborations and emotionally resonant songwriting. Its success exemplifies the decade's trend toward accessible yet sophisticated pop, showcasing a masterful balance between Post Malone's signature sound and Swae Lee's melodic delivery. The song’s enduring appeal, its chart-topping success, and its association with a culturally significant film solidified its place within the decade's best, reflecting Pitchfork's broader interest in popular music's cultural impact and crossover appeal. The infectious melody and relatable themes of love and resilience ensured its enduring legacy beyond the film's release.
4. Dance Monkey (2019)
Tones and I's "Dance Monkey" released in 2019, achieved widespread success, though Pitchfork's coverage, if any, is not readily available in this context. Its infectious melody and distinctive vocal delivery propelled it to global chart dominance, resonating with listeners across diverse age groups. The song's raw energy and relatable themes of perseverance amidst adversity, reflected in its numerous awards, align with a growing trend in pop music highlighted by many publications, showcasing authentic artistry. While a direct comparison to Pitchfork's specific decade-end lists is impossible without access to their archives, "Dance Monkey's" undeniable cultural impact and widespread popularity strongly suggest its place within the decade's most significant pop achievements. Its genre could be categorized as alternative pop, blending folk influences with a distinctly modern production style.
5. Shallow (Lady Gaga ft Bradley Cooper)
Released in 2018 as part of the A Star Is Born soundtrack, "Shallow" performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. This powerful ballad, a pivotal scene in the film, showcases the raw emotional connection between the two characters. Its success transcended the silver screen, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and achieving significant chart success globally. The song's enduring popularity is evident in its continued streaming numbers and widespread critical acclaim, cementing its place as a modern classic. The song's evocative lyrics and soaring vocals capture the vulnerability and intensity of a burgeoning romance, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.
6Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X
2019
7HUMBLE
Kendrick Lamar
2017
DAMN.
8Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
9Take Me to Church
Hozier
2013
Hozier
10Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
2019
After Hours
11Get Lucky
Pharrell Williams,Daft Punk
2013
12Drunk in Love
Beyoncé,JAY-Z
2013
BEYONCÉ [Platinum Edition]
13Don't Start Now
Dua Lipa
2019
Future Nostalgia
14Redbone
Childish Gambino
2016
15Circles
Post Malone
2019
Hollywood's Bleeding
16Mood
iann dior,24kGoldn
2020
El Dorado
17Midnight City
M83
2011
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
18Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles
2019
Fine Line
19Truth Hurts
Lizzo
2017
20XO
Beyoncé
2013
21The Less I Know The Better
Tame Impala
2015
Currents
22Savage Love
Jason Derulo,Jawsh 685
2020
Get Weird (Expanded Edition)
23Alright
Kendrick Lamar
2015
To Pimp A Butterfly
24Oblivion
Grimes
2012
25Same Damn Time
Future
2012
26Cold War
Janelle Monáe
2010
27Wut
Le1f
2012
28I
Perfect Pussy
2014