The 2010s were a groundbreaking decade for music, as streaming services became the dominant way people discovered and enjoyed songs worldwide. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music revolutionized how music was shared and explored, making it easier than ever for listeners to find their next favorite track. This era also saw the rise of new stars such as Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande, bringing fresh perspectives and unparalleled diversity to the music landscape.
In this article, we’ve curated a selection of the most iconic hits of the 2010s, diving into their unique appeal, backstories, and the trends that shaped the music industry during this time. Rediscover the distinctive charm of this remarkable decade in music!
Lady Gaga – Born This Way
Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" was released in February 2010. This anthem carries a powerful message of self-acceptance and celebrates diversity. It became a global hit and remains one of Gaga's most iconic songs.
Enrique Iglesias featuring Pitbull – I Like It
Enrique Iglesias's "I Like It" was released in May 2010. The song is characterized by its energetic beats and catchy melody, blending elements of Latin pop and electro seamlessly. It became a global hit upon release, lighting up dance floors worldwide.
Usher featuring will.i.am – OMG
Usher's "OMG" was released in March 2010. The song features an innovative fusion of electropop and R&B, characterized by its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus, captivating listeners worldwide. Upon release, it became a massive hit, topping charts globally.
Taio Cruz – Dynamite
Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" was released in May 2010. The song is characterized by its energetic dance beats and memorable lyrics, making it a beloved party anthem worldwide. Upon release, it topped charts in multiple countries and became one of his signature hits.
Eminem featuring Rihanna – Love the Way You Lie
"Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna is a hip-hop ballad released in June 2010. The lyrics depict a passionate relationship filled with pain and dependency, highlighted by Eminem’s emotional rap and Rihanna’s hauntingly poignant chorus.
Maroon 5 – Misery
Maroon 5’s “Misery,” released in June 2010 as the lead single from the album Hands All Over, pairs a catchy melody with a funky guitar riff to capture the frustration and pain of a faltering romance. Balancing pop polish with rock energy, the track exemplifies the signature sound that defines Maroon 5.
Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are
Bruno Mars's "Just the Way You Are" was released in July 2010 as his debut solo single and became a worldwide hit love song. The track conveys a message of loving someone exactly as they are, expressed through simple, heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody. With Bruno’s gentle and emotional vocals, the song stands out as one of his signature tracks.
Rihanna – Only Girl (In the World)
Rihanna – Only Girl (In the World) is a pop-dance track released in September 2010. It features powerful vocals and a catchy chorus, vividly expressing feelings of desire and passion in love.
Adele – Someone Like You
Adele's "Someone Like You" was released in January 2011. The song features a poignant piano melody and Adele's powerful, emotional vocals, portraying the pain of heartbreak and the hope of moving on. It resonated with listeners worldwide and became a massive hit after its release.
Katy Perry featuring Kanye West – E.T.
Katy Perry's "E.T." was released in February 2011. The song features a unique blend of electropop and hip-hop, with lyrics exploring a love that's out of this world. A version featuring Kanye West was also released and became a massive hit.
Kelly Clarkson – Mr. Know It All
Kelly Clarkson's "Mr. Know It All" was released in September 2011. This song showcases her delicate yet powerful vocals, with lyrics that deliver a sharp critique of an overconfident person. Blending elements of pop and soft rock, the track stands out for its emotive delivery and catchy melody. As the lead single from her album Stronger, it reaffirmed her artistic identity and solidified her status as a dominant force in the pop-rock genre.
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
"Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen was released in September 2011. It's a catchy pop song that became a global hit, with lyrics that directly capture the excitement of a crush and an irresistibly infectious melody.
Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" was released in January 2012. This powerful pop anthem carries the theme of overcoming adversity and becoming stronger, showcasing Clarkson's emotional and captivating vocals. It became a massive global hit after its release.
PSY – Gangnam Style
PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” released in July 2012, is a massive K-pop hit that gained worldwide attention for its humorous dance moves and satirical lyrics. Centered around Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, the song comically portrays themes of vanity and superficiality. It became a global phenomenon, making history as the first video to reach one billion views on YouTube, and left a lasting mark on pop culture.
Selena Gomez – Come & Get It
Selena Gomez's "Come & Get It" was released in April 2013 and marked a turning point in her solo career. The track blends Indian-inspired sounds with electropop elements, delivering a bold expression of desire and emotional strength. It became a hit on the U.S. charts and showcased Selena's shift toward a more mature musical style.
Pitbull featuring Kesha – Timber
"Timber" by Pitbull featuring Kesha was released in October 2013. It's a dance-pop track that blends country-style harmonica with electro beats, creating a unique sound that became a global hit.
Eminem featuring Rihanna – The Monster
"The Monster" by Eminem featuring Rihanna was released in October 2013. Blending hip-hop and pop, the song explores themes of inner struggles and the cost of fame, featuring Eminem’s sharp verses and Rihanna’s powerful chorus.
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Pharrell Williams – Happy is a pop-soul track released in November 2013. It features bright, upbeat rhythms and a catchy melody, creating an optimistic and cheerful vibe that lifts the listener’s spirits.
Katy Perry featuring Juicy J – Dark Horse
"Dark Horse" by Katy Perry featuring Juicy J was released in December 2013. The song blends electropop and hip-hop, featuring a mysterious and seductive sound, with Juicy J’s rap adding an extra edge. It became a global hit.
Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" was released in August 2014. The song features an upbeat pop sound and empowering lyrics, delivering a message about enjoying life and not letting criticism or challenges get you down. It became a massive global hit upon release, topping charts worldwide.
