Best Songs of the 2010s: Pitchforks Definitive Ranking

The 2010s were a decade defined by accessibility, diversity, and emotional honesty in music. Streaming services exploded, genres blurred, and artists from all corners of the globe found a platform. It was a time when a song could resonate with millions regardless of genre, background, or even language.
This guide isn’t just a list; it’s a journey through the decade’s soundscape, exploring the tracks that shaped our cultural conversations and continue to move us today. From Adele's powerhouse vocals to Childish Gambino's socio-political commentary and Ed Sheeran's streaming dominance, these are the songs that defined the 2010s.

What Made a Song Great in the 2010s: More Than Just a Hook

In the 2010s, "greatness" wasn't just about catchy melodies or radio play. It was also about a song's ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Boundary-pushing creativity, emotional resonance, and undeniable impact are hallmarks of songs that still hit hard today.
Pitchfork, known for its discerning ear, played a significant role in shaping the narrative of the 2010s music scene. They championed artists who dared to be different, celebrated global grooves, and elevated music that spoke to the complexities of the era. These trends help explain why a list of Tinjau kembali lagu-lagu hit tahun 2010 reads differently than decade-defining hits from the past.

Streaming Era Titans: Chart-Toppers and Record-Breakers

The rise of streaming fundamentally changed how we consume music, and certain songs became undeniable juggernauts. One song that perfectly exemplifies just how popular songs became is "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran which reigned supreme, boasting 6.29 million UK chart units.
Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved" holds the record for most-streamed song of all time in UK chart history, with a mind-boggling 698 million streams. Ed Sheeran's dominance in the streaming era is further solidified by his eight tracks in the Top 100, so when you're looking for songs you forgot about, don't forget the streaming figures. Before streaming truly took hold, "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers proved its staying power. Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" was the best-selling song of the past decade, selling 1.7 million copies and proving that even in the streaming era, sales still matter.

From Ballads to Bangers: Exploring the Decade's Diverse Sounds

The 2010s saw an explosion of genres and styles, making it nearly impossible to box the decade into a single sound. Whether you're looking for the best celebration songs or something a bit more introspective, the 2010s had something for everyone.

Pop Powerhouses: Emotional Anthems and Dancefloor Fillers

Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" captured raw emotion, while artists like Lady Gaga redefined pop spectacle. Dive deeper into the world of early-era pop music and Discover 1960s pop music Explore the influence these chart-toppers and the trends they followed.

Hip-Hop's Evolution: From Club Anthems to Conscious Rap

The 2010s saw hip-hop continue its reign, from club anthems to socially conscious tracks such as Childish Gambino’s "This is America" which sparked conversation. If you're diving into the history of rap, why not revisit 2002 rap songs which set the scene for the artists of the 2010s.

Indie's Innovation: Genre-Bending Explorations

Indie music continued to evolve, pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds. To hear the best indie bands, you should look for the album mentioned alongside a greatest hits 90s album.

Global Grooves: International Sounds Making Waves

The decade saw a surge in international collaborations and global music reaching mainstream audiences, blurring cultural lines and expanding sonic palettes. Songs like "Lean On" by Major Lazer, DJ Snake, and MØ became global anthems, proving the power of cross-cultural collaboration.

Finding Your Perfect Soundtrack: Exploring 2010s Music Through Every Lens

Ready to dive deeper into the sounds of the 2010s? We've curated guides to help you explore the decade's music through various lenses.

Road Trip Ready: Need some tunes for your next adventure? Check out this curated playlist of best car songs from the 2010s.
Throwback Thursday: Relive the best moments from the past decade with hits of 2000s playlist.
Party Anthems: Get the party started with club songs 2000 to 2010.

From 1910s to the 2010s: A Century of Musical Evolution

Music has always been a reflection of the times, and the 2010s were no exception. From the ragtime rhythms of the 1910s ("Alexander's Ragtime Band") to the jazz age of the 1920s ("Rhapsody in Blue"), each generation has its own sonic signature. The hope of the 1930s ("Over the Rainbow"), to the nostalgia of the 1940s ("White Christmas") and the birth of rock and roll in the 1950s ("Rock Around the Clock") and ("Jailhouse Rock").
The cultural upheaval of the 1960s (number one song in 1960) and the British Invasion ("I Want to Hold Your Hand"), the artistic experimentation of the 1970s ("Stairway to Heaven"), the pop spectacle of the 1980s ("Thriller"), (top songs of 1980), top 100 songs of the and the angst of the 1990s ("Smells Like Teen Spirit"), each decade built upon the last. The genre-blending of the 2000s ("Hey Ya!") paved the way for the diverse soundscape of the 2010s.
To hear iconic music, you should also check out oldies songs 60s and oldies 80s songs.

Looking Ahead: What the 2010s Tell Us About the Future of Music.

The 2010s proved that music is a constantly evolving force. The impact of streaming, the rise of global collaborations, and the emphasis on emotional storytelling have reshaped the landscape. As we move forward, these trends will continue to influence the music we create and consume, ensuring that the future of music will be as diverse and dynamic as the 2010s themselves. Keep an eye on top songs of 2024 billboard and see where the charts lead us next.