Top 20 Best Pop Songs of the Last Decade
#20: “Despacito” (2017) Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee
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Redefining the term “hit,” “Despacito” is much more than a highly successful single. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s collaboration blends the best of latin pop influences into a viral sensation. Not confined to one country, a diverse audience embraced the song with help from its exciting video. It’s easy to see why, as Fonsi delivers sultry vocals throughout with a self-assured performance. Along with the vocal stylings of Daddy Yankee, the energetic track has a crowd-pleasing quality that taps into the pop sensibilities of international fans. It even spawned a remix with Justin Bieber, which further capitalized on the success of the original.
#19: “Wrecking Ball” (2013) Miley Cyrus
During a transitional period in her singing career, Miley Cyrus changed her image with tracks like the unforgettable “Wrecking Ball.” It allowed her to shed her Disney Channel roots in favor of a highly-concentrated pop song. With its controversial video, the engrossing single went viral for its bold chorus and the vocalist’s strong performance. Indeed, Cyrus pushes her voice to the limit in one of her most memorable turns behind the microphone. The dramatic number-one hit is among the artist’s most popular and endearing tunes, becoming hugely quotable in the process. It also opened the door for her to experiment more with her music, which has certainly paid off.
#18: “Diamonds” (2012) Rihanna
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This notable single from Rihanna’s seventh studio album, “Unapologetic,” shines very bright. It features an extra pop flair along with a towering vocal performance from the star. The engaging song was co-written by fellow superstar Sia, containing the rarefied energy that are frequently featured in her soaring compositions. It went several times platinum, thanks in large part to its ability to instantly excite audiences. Rihanna sings with total confidence, cementing her place as an extremely talented vocalist in the industry. The elaborate ballad’s beautiful imagery also makes it one of the more evocative works in her varied catalog.
#17: “Get Lucky” (2013) Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers
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Daft Punk’s album “Random Access Memories” includes many throwbacks to funk, electronic, and pop music of yesteryear. More than any other track, “Get Lucky” features everything that audiences love about those kinds of nostalgic sounds. Singer Pharrell Williams brings his effective vocals to the funky single in a satisfying way. Accompanying him on guitar, Nile Rodgers throws in an awesome riff to rival some of his classic performances. But the stars of the show end up being the electronic duo, Daft Punk themselves, as they offer up a climactic breakdown in their trademark style. With all of these elements working in unison, listeners receive a truly dynamic pop release.
#16: “Old Town Road (Remix)” (2019) Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
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Lil Nas X used the power of social media to take this single to the charts. Some might merely call it a TikTok trend, but we say the entertaining track has its own share of impressive ingredients. These include a sample from Nine Inch Nails which gives the entire package a distinct feel. The rapper later received some help from Billy Ray Cyrus, taking the song’s country influence to another level with a popular remix. The duo comes together for the definitive genre mashup of the decade, throwing away convention in favor of a good time. Their collective energy introduced country rap to a whole new generation, and the result was a multi-platinum success.
#15: “Dynamite” (2020) BTS
K-pop titans BTS have an endless number of fans all over the world, with songs like “Dynamite” establishing their grip on the culture. Released during the summer of 2020, the hit provides listeners with a summer anthem like no other. The South Korean group even received a Grammy nomination for the upbeat track. Supremely catchy with its disco influences, “Dynamite” follows in the footsteps of many great throwback releases, while carving out its own unique identity. During the last few years, BTS proved that the boy band era is back and better than ever with their take on modern pop music.
#14: “Hotline Bling” (2015) Drake
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Drake was arguably at his most popular and accessible as an artist throughout the past decade. His viral single "Hotline Bling" might have become a meme, but it also got people singing along. The catchy chorus is quotable to be sure, but it also has a simple electronic beat to balance it out. Simple doesn’t mean forgettable though – it’s definitely a mix that stays in your head for a long time. The track is also the perfect release for both pop and hip-hop fans to appreciate. You might not be able to dance exactly like Drake does in the video, but you’ll probably want to join him by the end.
#13: “Formation” (2016) Beyoncé
Included in the revolutionary visual album “Lemonade,” Beyoncé’s single “Formation” is among her most impressive releases ever. It tackles a wide array of important subjects, and she shuffles effortlessly between them without missing a beat. As powerful as any track the singer has ever created, this one in particular feels especially inspirational with its every word choice. She makes herself known as a consummate artist, delivering not just a song, but an endlessly inventive multimedia experience. Few people can bend genres at their will, but Beyoncé has proven before that she isn’t just anybody. She does this all while reminding everyone of her immense talents in the pop space.
#12: “Watermelon Sugar” (2020) Harry Styles
Having left behind One Direction, Harry Styles continues to explore every corner of the pop landscape. His hit single “Watermelon Sugar” lands firmly in the bright and summery category of the genre. You can buy into the innuendo of the lyrics or just enjoy a ride with all of their fruit-flavored details. Memorably sprinkled in are some rock influences, including a guitar element that grounds the pop number for the better. It’s the kind of tune that puts a smile on your face, never ashamed of what it is and secretly expanding the form at the same time. “Watermelon Sugar” just edges out Styles’ other enjoyable and positive singles from the period, such as the illuminating “Adore You”.
#11: “Don’t Start Now” (2019) Dua Lipa
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In "Don't Start Now," Dua Lipa brings a strong disco influence to the fore. The endlessly catchy single feels like it could have been as big of a hit in the ‘70s and ‘80s as it is in modern times. The artist fills the song with lyrics telling off her ex-partner, creating a universal tale about finding yourself after a relationship ends. Beyond its story, the production also functions as a creative assembly of clever songwriting and reliable instrumentation. The clean sound has a crisp quality that captures each listener's attention. It also makes you want to find the nearest dance floor and stay there for the remainder of the tune.
#10: “Happy” (2013) Pharrell Williams
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Pharrell Williams recorded this single for the "Despicable Me 2" soundtrack, but it was embraced by much more than just fans of the animated film. The joyful production fits perfectly with the movie, but it also acts as a celebration of everyday life. It’s fit for every occasion, giving people a reason to feel good about themselves with its pop greatness. Williams once again reveals himself as a certifiable hitmaker, creating a track with a bouncy rhythm for all ages. It's also one of the most positive and forward-thinking songs in recent memory. Aptly-titled and full of fun, "Happy" houses a simple message that inspires people to clap and dance along.
#9: "Mi Gente" (2017) J Balvin & Willy William
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J Balvin and Willy William teamed up for this reinterpretation of the latter's original song. Mixing moombahton and reggaeton rhythms, the single took 2017 by storm. It even inspired several remixes featuring the likes of Steve Aoki and the one and only Beyoncé. It was also a top-ten hit in several countries in the Latin world as well as in the United States. The track clearly has a universal appeal, with its infectious beats and bold exploration of pop music. If you ask us, it’s no coincidence that it went platinum in a slew of countries all over the world.
#8: “Thank U, Next” (2018) Ariana Grande
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With “thank u, next” Ariana Grande subverts the typical song about ex-boyfriends by building them up instead of taking them down. In references to the likes of Pete Davidson, Grande chooses to be thankful about her past experiences and to keep an eye on the future. It’s an entirely commendable work from a popstar who could’ve easily gone viral for any other take, especially if it was negative. Beyond that, the singer’s dynamic range keeps audiences on their toes as they stay engaged and mesmerized by her powerful voice. Ultimately, “thank u, next” is a pop anthem with nuance and fun energy that invites people to take the same positive approach in their own lives.
#7: “Bad Guy” (2019) Billie Eilish
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Call her pop or something entirely new, but Billie Eilish is paving her own path with a bunch of eclectic releases. “Bad Guy” is one of her signature tunes, showing that she isn’t afraid to think outside the box. The release takes two distinct musical sections and combines them into something epic. For the first part, Eilish sings over a jumpy beat that skips like a stone on a moody night. The other portion of the composition slows things down and breaks down the barriers of traditional melody. The singer and her producer brother Finneas O'Connell craft a wholly original piece of music that’s structurally unique and always surprising, demanding many repeat listens.
#6: “Shape of You” (2017) Ed Sheeran
After his early hits with more minimal instrumentation, Ed Sheeran joined the ranks of other pop idols with this fully-loaded production. That doesn’t mean that he lost his charm though, weaving in the exciting lyrical and musical ideas that made him a star in the first place. “Shape of You” feels like a deceptively entertaining song that stays in your brain for days. Sheeran’s knack for finding melodies comes in handy, while his vocals skillfully bring the fun chorus to life. His varied abilities are impressive, to say the least, with this piece that he co-wrote acting as all the proof one could ever need.
#5: “Chandelier” (2014) Sia
While her face might not be as recognizable as some of her contemporaries, Sia ranks among the best pop singers of the last decade. “Chandelier” is the track that gave her a formal introduction to a worldwide audience. Despite earlier releases and songwriting credits, this 2014 hit continues to be the most identifiable one in her pop arsenal. She manages to both hit tremendously high notes and play around with them, always staying complete control. Her preference to stay in the shadows physically further emphasizes the importance of a well-tuned voice, and indeed, she doesn’t deliver anything less than absolute perfection. Many people remember the singer’s music videos with dancer Maddie Ziegler, but “Chandelier”’s emotional complexities deserve just as much attention.
#4: “Shake It Off” (2014) Taylor Swift
Embracing the art of self-deprecation, “Shake It Off” represents a shift in Taylor Swift’s musical output. The lyrics engage with the rumors and criticism about her life in a massively popular track, something she also delves into on “Blank Space”. Showing that she’s eager to fight back against (and poke fun at) the haters, this pop empress consolidates her nonchalance into one of her best hooks. Funny and always authentic, she bares her soul in an effort fit for the dance floor, showing the world that she’s a pop force to be reckoned with. She does all that while inspiring a legion of fans to believe in themselves, too.
#3: “Royals” (2013) Lorde
Lorde shook up the pop world with her debut single "Royals" in 2013. A more alternative or artistic take on the genre, this track from the New Zealander opens the door for an entirely new way to approach its more traditional elements. It also features a satirical look at the music industry with its parody of financial excess. Considering the artist was just a teen at the time, it was especially impressive that she had such a huge impact on the industry right out of the gate. Of course, with talent like hers and a song this good, it was also almost inevitable. Long after “Royals” became an unexpected worldwide phenomenon, Lorde’s unique voice continues to wow audiences to this day.
#2: "Blinding Lights" (2019) The Weeknd
Capturing the dizzying sounds of a nighttime adventure, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” taps into all of the best elements of synth-pop both past and present. Somehow the artist knows exactly how to draw audiences in, taking full advantage of his inimitable voice and the track’s awesome production value. The single dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an extended period of time, revealing an audience that was hungry for such a show-stopping salute to the ‘80s. While a vintage tribute could have easily been drowned out by more current releases, this entry into the pop canon stands out for its dreamy atmosphere. Singing like his life depends on it, The Weeknd pulls out all the stops for his catchiest tune yet. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" (2011), Kelly Clarkson Clarkson Delivers an Electro-Pop Single with a Fiery Energy & Empowering Message "What Do You Mean?" (2015), Justin Bieber One of the Canadian Artist’s More Mature Releases Is Catchy from Start to Finish "Love Me Like You Do" (2015), Ellie Goulding A Compelling Pop Single From the “Fifty Shades of Grey” Soundtrack “Good 4 U” (2021), Olivia Rodrigo The Teenage Artist Channels Paramore for a Generation Z Anthem “Starships” (2012), Nicki Minaj One of Minaj’s Earlier Mainstream Hits with a Dance-Pop Hook You Won’t Forget
#1: “Uptown Funk” (2014) Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars team up for this throwback song with more than a couple tricks up its sleeve. Mars' trademark voice certainly doesn't disappoint, elevating the track that's practically designed to make people happy. At the same time, the guitars, horns, and numerous other instruments assemble to craft a precise but full soundscape that’s completely invigorating. Ronson, for his part, shows that he has a true golden touch when it comes to gathering talent and executing a precise vision. Full of nods to icons like Prince, “Uptown Funk” is a rich tapestry of music history. To put it simply, it stands alone as a superior example of everything the pop genre has to offer.
