The hits of the 2010s weren't just songs; they were cultural snapshots, defining moments in pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. From the rise of streaming to the explosion of EDM, this decade reshaped how we listen and what we consider popular.
At a glance:
- Explore the dominant genres and artists that defined the decade's sound.
- Understand the key trends that shaped the Billboard charts from 2010-2019.
- Identify the lasting impact of specific songs and artists on today's music scene.
- Discover how to curate a playlist that captures the diverse spirit of the 2010s.
- Debunk common misconceptions about the musical landscape of the decade.
Electro-Pop's Electrifying Start to the Decade
2010 kicked off with a surge of electro-pop, characterized by infectious beats, catchy hooks, and a larger-than-life aesthetic. Artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Ke$ha spearheaded this movement, pushing boundaries with their music and visuals.
Lady Gaga: The Theatrical Queen of Synth
Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" was more than just a song; it was an experience. Its driving synth beat, dramatic lyrics, and avant-garde music video cemented Gaga's status as a pop icon. This hit highlighted the growing acceptance of experimental sounds in mainstream music. Her influence extended beyond music, impacting fashion and visual arts.
Katy Perry: California Dreaming with a Pop Twist
"California Gurls," featuring Snoop Dogg, perfectly captured the summer vibe of 2010. The combination of Perry's pop sensibilities and Snoop Dogg's West Coast swagger created an irresistible anthem. This collaboration also signaled a growing trend of pop artists embracing hip-hop influences.
Ke$ha: Embracing the Party Anthem
Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" was the ultimate party anthem, encapsulating a carefree, rebellious spirit. Its blend of pop, dance, and auto-tuned vocals proved incredibly popular, topping the Billboard charts for weeks. "Tik Tok" ushered in a new era of unapologetically fun and catchy music.
Hip-Hop's Continued Evolution and Dominance
Hip-hop maintained its position as a dominant force throughout the 2010s. Artists like Eminem, Drake, and Kanye West explored new sonic territories, blending rap with pop, R&B, and electronic elements. Also, remember 2010's Top Songs?
Eminem: Blurring Lines with Emotional Rap
Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie," featuring Rihanna, was a raw and emotionally charged track that resonated with audiences worldwide. The song tackled themes of domestic violence with unflinching honesty, showcasing Eminem's evolution as a storyteller. Rihanna's powerful vocals added another layer of depth to the track.
Drake: Melodic Hooks and Evolving Production
Drake's "Find Your Love" showcased his ability to blend rapping with melodic hooks, creating a signature sound that would define his career. The song's production pushed the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop, incorporating elements of R&B and Caribbean music. This demonstrated the genre's increasing willingness to experiment and evolve.
Kanye West: Cinematic Instrumentation in Modern Rap
Kanye West's "Power" was a bold and ambitious track that incorporated cinematic instrumentation and a sample-heavy production style. The song's grandiose sound and thought-provoking lyrics solidified Kanye's reputation as a visionary artist. "Power" highlighted the growing sophistication of hip-hop production.
Introspective Ballads and the Rise of Dance Music
Beyond the upbeat anthems, 2010 also saw success for more introspective ballads and the further popularization of dance music.
Alicia Keys: A Tribute to New York's Energy
Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" offered a stripped-down and heartfelt tribute to the energy of New York City. The song's raw emotion and powerful vocals resonated with listeners, showcasing Keys' undeniable talent.
Bruno Mars: Bringing Soulful Sounds to the Charts
Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" brought a fresh, soulful sound to the charts. The song's simple yet heartfelt lyrics and Mars' charismatic performance made it an instant classic. This single paved the way for Mars' continued success throughout the decade.
Rihanna: Dancefloor Production with Powerful Vocals
Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)" blended dancefloor production with her signature powerful vocals, creating an irresistible hit. This marked a shift towards more electronic-infused sounds for Rihanna, solidifying her position as a pop chameleon.
Rock and Alternative's Mainstream Appeal
While pop and hip-hop dominated the charts, rock and alternative music maintained a strong mainstream presence with songs like "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train and "Animal" by Neon Trees finding widespread success.
Train: Catchy Folk-Pop
Train's "Hey, Soul Sister" introduced a catchy folk-pop style to a wide audience. The song's infectious melody and upbeat lyrics made it a radio staple.
Neon Trees: Indie Energy in the Spotlight
Neon Trees' "Animal" brought indie rock energy to the forefront. Its driving rhythm and raw vocals resonated with listeners seeking something different from the pop mainstream.
Billboard's Top 10: A Snapshot of 2010
Billboard's year-end chart offers a concise summary of the biggest hits of 2010:
- Ke$ha - "TiK ToK"
- Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"
- Train - "Hey, Soul Sister"
- Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls"
- Usher feat. will.i.am - "OMG"
- B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams - "Airplanes"
- Eminem feat. Rihanna - "Love The Way You Lie"
- Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance"
- Taio Cruz - "Dynamite"
- Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris - "Break Your Heart"
This list reflects the trends discussed above, showcasing the dominance of electro-pop, the continued strength of hip-hop, and the presence of rock and alternative music.
Building Your 2010s Music Time Capsule: A Practical Playbook
Ready to curate your own playlist of hits of the 2010s? Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Genre Selection: Decide which genres you want to focus on. Are you primarily interested in pop, hip-hop, electronic, or a mix?
- Artist Deep Dive: Explore the discographies of the artists mentioned above, as well as other popular artists from the decade like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Adele.
- Chart Research: Consult Billboard's year-end charts for each year of the decade to identify consistently popular songs.
- Streaming Platform Exploration: Use streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to discover curated playlists and related artists.
- Personal Preferences: Don't be afraid to include songs that you personally enjoyed, even if they weren't massive hits.
- Refine and Iterate: Listen to your playlist and make adjustments as needed. Remove songs that don't fit and add new discoveries.
Playlist Theme Ideas:
- Party Anthems: Focus on upbeat and danceable tracks.
- Love Songs: Collect the most romantic and heartfelt ballads.
- Throwback Jams: Include songs that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.
- Genre-Specific: Create playlists dedicated to pop, hip-hop, electronic, or rock.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About 2010's Music
Q: Was autotune overused in the hits of the 2010s?
A: Autotune was definitely a prominent feature in many popular songs, particularly in the early part of the decade. While some criticized its overuse, it became a defining characteristic of the electro-pop sound and contributed to the unique vocal styles of artists like Ke$ha and T-Pain. Whether it was "overused" is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
Q: Which genre was most influential in shaping the decade's sound?
A: It's difficult to pinpoint one single genre, but hip-hop undoubtedly had a massive impact. Its influence permeated pop, R&B, and electronic music, leading to collaborations and hybrid sounds that defined much of the decade. Electro-pop was also incredibly formative in the early 2010s, setting the stage for the EDM boom that followed.
Q: Were there any "one-hit wonders" that stand out from this era?
A: Absolutely! Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe," and PSY's "Gangnam Style" are prime examples of songs that achieved massive popularity but didn't necessarily translate into long-term success for the artists. These songs remain iconic snapshots of the decade.
Q: How did streaming impact the music of the 2010s?
A: Streaming revolutionized the music industry, making music more accessible than ever before. This led to the rise of new artists, the democratization of music consumption, and the decline of physical sales. Streaming also influenced how songs were written and produced, with artists focusing on creating catchy hooks and shorter tracks to maximize streams.
Your Musical Time Machine is Ready
The hits of the 2010s represent a diverse and dynamic period in music history. By understanding the key trends, artists, and songs of this decade, you can curate a playlist that captures its unique spirit and relive the moments that defined it. Dive into the details, explore the sounds, and create your personalized soundtrack to the 2010s.