Top 5 Songs of the 2010s: Defining a Decade
The 2010s were a watershed moment for the music industry, with the rise of streaming, viral hits, and a diverse range of genres dominating the charts. Certain songs stood out not only for their infectious melodies and beats but also for their cultural significance and staying power. Here’s a look at five of the most iconic tracks of the decade, delving into their background, chart success, and the current status of the artists behind them.
1. "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)
Album: Uptown Special
"Uptown Funk" was an explosive collaboration between British producer Mark Ronson and pop-funk superstar Bruno Mars. The track, a nod to the 1980s funk and soul era, was a major departure from the electronic and pop-heavy hits of the early 2010s. Released as the lead single from Ronson's Uptown Special, the song quickly became a global sensation. Its upbeat tempo, groovy bass line, and irresistible brass hooks made it an instant party anthem.
Artist Background:
Mark Ronson, known for his production work with artists like Amy Winehouse (on Back to Black), had long been a behind-the-scenes force in the music industry. However, "Uptown Funk" thrust him into the spotlight as an artist in his own right. Bruno Mars, already an established pop star, was riding high on the success of his albums Unorthodox Jukeboxand Doo-Wops & Hooligans, both of which had cemented his place as one of the most versatile and energetic performers of the decade.
Chart Performance:
"Uptown Funk" dominated the charts worldwide, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an astounding 14 consecutive weeks. It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. The song became the second-longest-running number one single of the 2010s and earned several certifications, including 11× Platinum in the United States, marking over 11 million units sold.
Where Are They Now?:
Bruno Mars continues to be a dominant force in music, having won multiple Grammy Awards for his 2016 album 24K Magic. In 2021, he formed a supergroup, Silk Sonic, with Anderson .Paak, releasing the hit album An Evening with Silk Sonic. Mark Ronson has continued his work as a producer and songwriter, contributing to hit records like Lady Gaga’s Shallow from A Star Is Born (2018).
2. "Rolling in the Deep" – Adele (2010)
Album: 21
Adele’s "Rolling in the Deep" marked the arrival of a new kind of pop star—one whose powerhouse vocals and deeply emotional songs would cut through the overproduced, auto-tuned hits of the era. The song, the lead single from her sophomore album 21, was a roaring success that solidified her status as one of the most compelling voices of her generation. With its fusion of blues, pop, and soul, "Rolling in the Deep" became a massive crossover hit.
Artist Background:
Adele, a British singer-songwriter, first gained attention with her debut album 19, but it was 21 that skyrocketed her to international stardom. Known for her heart-wrenching ballads and rich contralto voice, Adele drew from her personal experiences of heartbreak, which resonated deeply with audiences.
Chart Performance:
"Rolling in the Deep" was a commercial triumph, reaching number one in 11 countries, including the US, where it stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks. It went on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. The song earned Adele three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Where Is She Now?:
Adele took a hiatus after the release of her third album, 25 (2015), but returned in 2021 with the critically acclaimed album 30. She remains one of the music industry's biggest stars, known for her ability to blend commercial success with deep artistic integrity.
3. "Shape of You" – Ed Sheeran (2017)
Album: ÷ (Divide)
"Shape of You" was the quintessential pop hit of the late 2010s, blending tropical house rhythms with Ed Sheeran’s signature acoustic sound. Originally written for Rihanna, the song instead became the lead single for Sheeran’s third studio album, Divide (÷), and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its catchy, minimalistic beat and Sheeran's smooth vocals made it a dancefloor favorite.
Artist Background:
Ed Sheeran, a British singer-songwriter, rose to fame in the early 2010s with hits like "The A Team" and "Lego House." Known for his heartfelt lyrics, acoustic guitar skills, and loop pedal mastery, Sheeran quickly became a global phenomenon. With Divide, he leaned more into pop production while maintaining his folk roots.
Chart Performance:
"Shape of You" broke numerous records, spending 12 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the charts in 34 countries and was certified Diamond in the US for sales of over 10 million units. The song’s global appeal and streaming dominance made it one of the most successful tracks of the decade.
Where Is He Now?:
Ed Sheeran has continued to release chart-topping albums, including = (Equals) in 2021. He remains one of the most streamed artists in the world and has also ventured into collaborations with other big names, such as Justin Bieber and Camila Cabello.
4. "Blinding Lights" – The Weeknd (2019)
Album: After Hours
"Blinding Lights" was a late-decade smash hit that defined the 2019-2020 transition. Its retro, synthwave production drew heavily from 1980s music, while The Weeknd’s emotive delivery and dark lyrics kept it grounded in modern pop. The song’s pulsating beat and irresistible melody captured the zeitgeist of the late 2010s, making it a crossover hit on both pop and R&B charts.
Artist Background:
The Weeknd (real name: Abel Tesfaye) emerged in the early 2010s with a dark, brooding brand of R&B that set him apart from mainstream pop. His early mixtapes and albums like House of Balloons and Beauty Behind the Madness earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, it was After Hours that brought him mainstream, global success.
Chart Performance:
"Blinding Lights" became The Weeknd’s biggest hit, spending 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, including four weeks at number one. It became one of the longest-charting songs in Billboard history and was certified 11× Platinum in the US. It was also named the top song on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of All Time chart.
Where Is He Now?:
The Weeknd continues to evolve as an artist. After After Hours, he released Dawn FM (2022), further exploring his love for synth-pop and retro influences. He has also ventured into acting, starring in HBO’s series The Idol.
5. "Despacito" – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee (2017)
Album: Vida (Luis Fonsi)
"Despacito" was a cultural phenomenon that brought Latin music to the forefront of global pop culture. The reggaeton-pop track, featuring Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, was already a hit in Latin America before the remix with Justin Bieber propelled it to worldwide fame. The song's infectious melody and danceable rhythm made it a summer anthem.
Artist Background:
Luis Fonsi, a Puerto Rican singer, had been a well-known figure in the Latin music scene for years, but "Despacito" catapulted him to international fame. Daddy Yankee, known as one of the pioneers of reggaeton, had enjoyed previous global success with songs like "Gasolina."
Chart Performance:
"Despacito" became the first Spanish-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100 since "Macarena" in 1996. It spent a record-tying 16 weeks at number one and became one of the most-streamed songs of all time. The song was certified Diamond in the US, selling over 13 million units.
Where Are They Now?:
Luis Fonsi has continued to release music, but "Despacito" remains his biggest hit. Daddy Yankee, after decades in the music industry, announced his retirement in 2022 but continues to perform and produce music. The song's global success also helped pave the way for the Latin music boom of the late 2010s and early 2020s.