The 2010s were a transformative decade in music, where cultural shifts and technological advances shaped how we listened, shared, and connected with songs. Some tracks didn’t just top the charts—they became moments in time, reshaping the soundscape of an era. At the top of the list?

1. “Royals” – Lorde (2013)

Lorde’s “Royals” wasn’t just a song—it was a statement. At just 16 years old, the New Zealand-born artist penned an anti-materialistic anthem that turned pop music on its head. Its sparse production and haunting vocals felt revolutionary in a decade dominated by maximalist pop. More than that, it resonated with an audience craving authenticity, capturing the ethos of a generation rejecting ostentatious excess in favor of relatability. A Grammy-winning masterpiece, “Royals” cemented Lorde as a new voice for the modern age.

2. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele (2010)

Adele’s soulful juggernaut “Rolling in the Deep” redefined heartbreak anthems. With its impassioned vocals and blues-infused pop arrangement, the song became a global sensation, earning numerous awards and shattering sales records. It was a powerful introduction to the enduring force Adele would become throughout the decade.

3. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd (2019)

The Weeknd closed out the decade with “Blinding Lights,” a neon-drenched throwback to 80s synth-pop that felt simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic. The track became an instant classic, breaking chart records and becoming one of the most streamed songs of all time. Its pulsating beat defined the new wave of retro-inspired pop.

4. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran (2017)

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” dominated charts worldwide with its infectious rhythm and tropical house elements. The track epitomized the stripped-down yet hook-driven production that defined much of the decade’s pop music. It’s a song that played everywhere—from weddings to gyms—cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.

5. “Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)

Lil Nas X broke all the rules with “Old Town Road.” The viral, genre-bending hit blended country and hip-hop in a way no one had dared before, smashing records as the longest-running No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Emerging from TikTok culture, the track redefined how hits are born in the streaming era.

6. “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar (2017)

Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” was more than a song; it was a cultural shift. With its gritty, minimalist production and incisive lyrics, the track challenged listeners to confront their egos while delivering one of the most memorable hooks in rap. Its impact cemented Lamar’s role as the poet laureate of the 2010s.

7. “Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish (2019)

Billie Eilish became the poster child for unconventional pop with “Bad Guy.” Its whispery vocals, subversive beats, and sardonic lyrics turned pop expectations on their head. As the decade’s streaming darling, Eilish’s breakout song symbolized a shift toward introspection and rebellion in mainstream music.

8. “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber (2017)

Few songs captured global attention like “Despacito.” This reggaeton megahit not only dominated charts but also shattered language barriers, introducing a wider audience to Latin music. Its infectious rhythm and sultry melody made it a cultural touchstone of the decade.

9. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars (2014)

“Uptown Funk” was a party starter like no other. With its retro-funk vibe, charismatic vocals from Bruno Mars, and intricate production by Mark Ronson, the track became a ubiquitous hit. It’s the kind of song that still fills dance floors and encapsulates the decade’s feel-good energy.

10. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift (2014)

Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” marked her bold transition from country to pop. With its bubbly production and empowering lyrics, the track became a ubiquitous anthem of self-confidence and resilience. It showcased Swift’s ability to reinvent herself while dominating the cultural zeitgeist.