With the rapidly changing landscape of the music industry, it can seem impossible to keep up with all the latest hits and trends. However, when looking back over the past decade, it becomes clear that certain songs have stood the test of time and have solidified their place in the hearts and playlists of music lovers worldwide. Here, we take a closer look at the top pop hits of the decade and explore what makes them so special and successful.
1. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)
Released in 2014, “Uptown Funk” took the world by storm and quickly became one of the most iconic songs of the decade. With its catchy beat, infectious chorus, and Bruno Mars’ soulful vocals, it was impossible not to dance along to this modern-day disco anthem. This song also marked the beginning of Bruno Mars’ reign as one of the top pop artists of the decade, with audiences eagerly anticipating his every release since.
2. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran (2017)
Ed Sheeran proved his staying power with the release of “Shape of You” in 2017. This song dominated airwaves and music charts for months, launching Sheeran into global superstardom. Its witty and relatable lyrics, coupled with a captivating beat, made it an instant hit with listeners of all ages. It also showcased Sheeran’s versatility as an artist, proving that he could create music that appealed to a wide audience.
3. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele (2011)
Adele’s powerful vocals and emotional lyrics have made her one of the most successful artists of the decade, and “Rolling in the Deep” sums up everything that makes her stand out. With its simple yet impactful instrumentals and Adele’s raw and soulful voice, this song struck a chord with listeners around the world. It’s also a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted ballad.
4. “Shallow” – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (2018)
Released as part of the soundtrack for the hit movie “A Star is Born,” “Shallow” quickly became one of the most beloved songs of the decade. Lady Gaga’s powerhouse vocals, combined with Bradley Cooper’s surprisingly impressive singing talent and the song’s heartfelt lyrics, created a ballad that resonated with audiences and became an instant classic.
5. “Sorry” – Justin Bieber (2015)
After a bit of a hiatus, Justin Bieber made a comeback in 2015 with his hit song “Sorry.” With its catchy beat and relatable lyrics, this song showed a more mature and vulnerable side to Bieber, connecting with listeners in a way that his previous bubblegum pop hits hadn’t. It also marked a turning point in his music career, firmly establishing him as a top pop artist of the decade.
6. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake (2016)
When it comes to infectious pop songs, it’s hard to beat “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. Released in 2016, this song brought a wave of joy and happiness to music lovers with its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics. It quickly became the go-to song for parties, weddings, and any other celebration. Its popularity also helped solidify Timberlake’s already impressive reputation as a top artist in the music industry.
7. “Hello” – Adele (2015)
Adele makes our list for a second time with the heart-wrenching ballad “Hello.” With its haunting melody and Adele’s powerful vocals, this song struck a chord with listeners, making it one of the biggest hits of the decade. It also marked Adele’s comeback after a three-year hiatus, further solidifying her status as one of the top pop artists of the decade.
8. “Havana” – Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug (2017)
After leaving the all-girl group Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello made a name for herself with her solo career, and “Havana” was the song that put her on the map. Its Latin-inspired beats and sultry vocals captured listeners’ attention, earning Cabello praise for her unique sound and talent.
9. “Shape of You” – Meghan Trainor (2014)
Meghan Trainor’s debut single “All About That Bass” may have been the hit of 2014, but it was her follow-up single “Lips Are Movin” that solidified her place as a top pop artist. With its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, this song showed off Trainor’s fun and quirky personality, making her stand out in the crowded music industry.
10. “We Found Love” – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris (2011)
No list of the top pop hits of the decade would be complete without including Rihanna. With an endless stream of chart-topping hits, it was hard to choose just one song, but “We Found Love” stands out as a song that truly defined the decade. Its high-energy beats and Rihanna’s powerful vocals had listeners singing and dancing along, firmly establishing Rihanna as one of the top artists of the decade.
In conclusion, the top pop hits of the decade not only dominated the airwaves, but they also held special meaning to listeners, proving that music can evoke powerful emotions and connect people from all walks of life. These songs will continue to be remembered and enjoyed for years to come, cementing their place in music history.