My 100 Favorite Songs of the Decade
“Something happened on the day he died.”
This is already a long enough list so I won’t spend too much time hanging out in the introduction. However, I will say that I love all of these songs and I think this was an amazing decade for music.
Music also came from a number of television programs, movies, and plays. I felt like, for consistency’s sake, I shouldn’t include them. This means songs from La La Land, A Star Is Born, Moana, Frozen, Zootopia, Tangled, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Mary Poppins Returns, Hamilton, Saturday Night Live, Game of Thrones, The Greatest Showman, and The Muppets are not included. Likewise, I excluded Christmas music because otherwise, the list would be dominated by the holiday genre. Sorry, Michael Buble.
Additionally, here are some honorable mentions.
“Without Me” by Halsey, “Happier” by Marshmello and Bastille, “13 (There Is a Light)” by U2, “Norman Fucking Rockwell” by Lana Del Rey, “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele, “Pieces” by Rob Thomas, “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri, “I Believe in You” by Michael Buble, “Clarity” by Zedd and Foxes, “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars, “The Fox” by Ylvis, “Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine, and “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men.
And now, the top one hundred!
100. “Stand Up for Something” by Andra Day, featuring Common
Andra Day has a beautiful voice. She showed up in a lot of my favorite collections over the decade, but this song, which she joined up with Common for, is a distillation of what makes Day so relevant.
99. “Carry On” by Fun
Fun was a band that came and went. With each passing year, a reunion seems increasingly unlikely. But when they were together, they had their own sound and no one could match it. “Carry On” ended up becoming something of an inspirational belter in Fun’s repertoire and it might be the most emotionally relevant of their oeuvre.
98. “I Can’t Give Everything Away” by David Bowie
David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, was the most beautiful piece of art from this decade. I’ll have much more to say on the songs from it later, but this song tackled a different aspect of Bowie’s death: that he still had more to achieve.
97. “What About Us” by Pink
Pink has a very strong voice, which means her pop music is less edited and parsed over than many of her contemporaries. “What About Us” was arguably her most popular song from the past decade. But there’s a reason for that.
96. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Speaking of popular songs, “Thinking Out Loud” was one of the decade’s biggest. I like Ed Sheeran more than most and I didn’t even realize this was his when I first heard it. I just think his soulful, melodic voice really comes through in this one.
95. “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson went through quite a decade and this song came from the outset of it. It’s got a lot of the hallmarks of Clarkson’s music, but I still appreciate how it attacks a certain theme from a non-empowerment anthem angle. Those can get tiresome.
94. “Charlie Brown” by Coldplay
Many people have put “Charlie Brown” at the top of their Coldplay song list. While I don’t keep it in such a high regard, I do believe that it is one of the peaks that came from Mylo Xyloto.
93. “Legend Has It” by Run the Jewels
It was a big decade for rap and hip hop and the fusion of the two and even though I don’t go too deeply into those genres, I still found room to appreciate the wholly unique beats of “Legend Has It.”
92. “Pray 4 Love” by Travis Scott, featuring The Weeknd
“Just ask the lonely” is a refrain in this song that became so big it might be one of the defining lyrics of the decade, too. It’s emblematic of The Weeknd, who seemed like a one-hit wonder, but instead became the god of a new, trippier version of R&B, electronic, and hip hop.
91. “The Ways” by Khalid, featuring Swae Lee
The influence of Khalid on the Black Panther soundtrack is palpable. Nowhere does it come in more clearly than in the pseudo-crooning that he does on “The Ways,” which might be the simplest, catchiest song of them all.
90. “She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles
Much of the decade, for Sara Bareilles, was spent hard at work on her Broadway adaptation of Waitress. But her music entered into a more heartbreaking realm, as well. “She Used to Be Mine” is a tearjerker, but a musical masterpiece all the same.
89. “It’s a Beautiful Day” by Michael Buble
Sometimes, though, we just want to spend time with optimistic music. That is, for the most part, what Michael Buble provides to us. Try to listen to “It’s a Beautiful Day” and not be in a better mood afterwards. It’s impossible.
88. “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
“Cruel Summer” is a certified banger, but I have to remark on one specific lyric. “He looks up, grinning like a devil.” The way she sings that line with the growl of a 1990s alternative icon is incredible. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times.
87. “Light On” by Maggie Rogers
One of the latest entries into the list undoubtedly deserves to be here. “Light On” is just a pure songwriter’s song that will remind you of how great and authentic music can still be, even if old people disparage new acts by saying, “The Beatles are rolling in their graves.” But Maggie Rogers is alive and well.
86. “Love Is Bigger Than Anything in Its Way” by U2
For this decade, I would definitely give the edge to Songs of Experience over Songs of Innocence for U2. This was their big single from the former album and it feels like a classic, long-winded anthem from the old days of U2. That’s what experience gets you.
85. “Water Under the Bridge” by Adele
As incredible and goosebumps-inducing as Adele’s voice is, she is also a master of melodies. The chorus of “Water Under the Bridge” is one that feels instantly iconic. Like you’ve heard it dozens of times before. But it’s still fresh and purely hers.
84. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
Weird bridge about burning money aside, “Counting Stars” was a great jam from OneRepublic. The sustained popularity of Maroon 5, I completely get. But OneRepublic’s enduring dominance on the pop charts always surprises me. I love it, but it is still unexpected!
83. “Play That Song” by Train
When I first heard “Play That Song,” I was utterly baffled. Wasn’t this just “Heart and Soul”? But while this became a source of annoyance for some, it became one of addiction for me. I unironically love this song.
82. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
From 2012, it seemed like Carly Rae Jepsen and Psy were both destined to be one-hit wonders. But Carly survived that belief and transcended “Call Me Maybe.” But for my money, it’s still the best song of hers.
81. “From Eden” by Hozier
Religious symbolism is a big aspect of Hozier’s music. Perhaps, “From Eden” is the biggest proponent of this hallmark of classic Hozier tunes. There is so much lyrical genius at work in this song. Just look at the chorus. “Honey you’re familiar like my mirror years ago / Idealism sits prison, chivalry fell on it’s sword Innocence died screaming, honey ask me I should know I slithered here from Eden just to sit outside your door.” Genius.
80. “FourFiveSeconds” by Rihanna, featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney
In one of the most bizarre musical collaborations of the decade, Rihanna joined forces with Kanye and a Beatle. What results is an odd song that I’m still not entirely sure what they were working through when they created it. And Paul doesn’t even sing! He just plays guitar. Weird, but fantastic.
79. “Chandelier” by Sia
One of the most artful and thought-provoking artists to burst onto the scene in a major way, Sia’s voice is evocative of so many 2010s anthems. But none of them seemed to come as perfectly formed as “Chandelier.”
78. “Hello” by Adele
When it was announced that Adele’s follow-up to her killer album in 2012 would be coming in 2015, I had severe doubts that she would be able to live up to the high bar she set for herself. From the first verse of “Hello,” all questioning was assuaged immediately.
77. “Love Someone” by Jason Mraz
Stemming from Jason Mraz’s “Yes!” album was a song that didn’t become as big a hit as “I’m Yours” or “I Won’t Give Up.” But it was a testament to the kind of music Mraz puts into the world. He’s my favorite musician of all-time, but Raining Jane is crucial for this song’s success.
76. “How You Get the Girl” by Taylor Swift
For a long time, I believed that Taylor Swift’s music was not for me. That was until I heard “How You Get the Girl.” As she continued to move away from her country stylings, I believe Swift came more and more into her own. This song provides one of the decade’s top pop melodies.
75. “Girls Like You” by Maroon 5, featuring Cardi B
I’m a Maroon 5 apologist. Between “Daylight,” “Sugar,” “Love Somebody,” and “Payphone,” they might have had their most commercially successful run so far. But “Girls Like You” felt like the closest hit to Songs about Jane, Cardi verse aside. I appreciated it for that feeling of the roots.
74. “Pompeii” by Bastille
Bastille’s musical progression has been curious. You wouldn’t think the band that made “Pompeii” would go onto make something like “Happier.” And yet, both songs feel perfectly of a piece with one another and have established Bastille as more than just an anthem group.
73. “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” will likely be remembered as one of the songs of the decade, forget abut one of Taylor’s best. But I preferred her other big hit from 1989, “Blank Space,” which saw her experimenting in spaces she’d not yet become privy to.
72. “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran
This is not the classic Irish folk song, “Galway Girl,” but rather a more modern take on the conceit. What results is one of my favorite music videos ever (starring Saoirse Ronan!).
71. “Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier
Hozier’s take on R&B is a delightful one. With some of the most satisfying melodic interludes that you’ll ever hear, you might also consider naming your Jackie and Wilson (and raise them on rhythm and blues).
70. “Goodbye Angels” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Goodbye Angels” was a stealth hit for RHCP this decade as it became a single they never intended to release. But the Josh Klinghoffer bass guitar solo as the song reaches its climax is positively, stunningly kickass.
69. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers
I first became familiar with “Ho Hey” when it was used to underscore the final season romance between Jim and Pam on The Office. Quickly, it became a popular tune that was a very cute entry into the hipstery, indie sort of genres.
68. “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding
This song was known by many from the Fifty Shades movies. It was practically the best part of them (I only saw the first one)! I don’t really know if I need to defend the pick, but Ellie Goulding just has a really cool, distinctive voice.
67. “Shotgun” by George Ezra
“Shotgun” is the perfect song to listen to when riding shotgun down a back road in Australia (“the yellow and green”). I know because that’s exactly how I was first exposed to George Ezra’s deceptively deep voice.
66. “Lover” by Taylor Swift
“We can leave the Christmas lights up until January.” What a beautiful lyric. And while “Lover” is not my favorite song from 2019’s Lover, it still makes for a pleasant song that will get stuck in your head. I’m glad Taylor Swift is happy now.
65. “Work Song” by Hozier
“Work Song” is another one of those tunes that you feel like you’ve heard before. But that’s exactly what makes it so impactful. It’s as timeless as it is pressing and Hozier is a master of crafting perfect songs.
64. “Homemade Dynamite (Remix)” by Lorde, featuring Khalid, SZA, and Post Malone
“Homemade Dynamite” is one of the best Lorde songs from her album, Melodrama. But when the remix features the dulcet tones of Khalid, the powerful calling of SZA, and a surprisingly gravitational turn from Post Malone, it becomes one of her best bits of output.
63. “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart
Known primarily as the song that helped bring Chuck to an end, “Rivers and Roads” is also an aching-sounding ballad that is full of heart. If you feel like being heartened at the possibility of being in love, this is the song for you.
62. “Perfect Places” by Lorde
What the fuck are perfect places? It seems like that’s a question that Lorde is still navigating. It’s a driving part of the essay I wrote about her. And the lofty ideas and questions are imbued wholly throughout this note perfect song.
61. “Hesitate” by Jonas Brothers
It says a lot about the quality of music during the decade when “Hesitate” is beautiful and perfect and not even in the top sixty. Whenever someone says that “music isn’t good anymore,” just roll your eyes and make your own list. And hopefully, “Hesitate” will be on there. As a love song by Joe Jonas for Sophie Turner, it makes me believe in love. “I thank the oceans for giving me you.” Wow!
60. “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
“New Year’s Day” is a great song on its own. But I’ll never forget when Taylor performed it for Jimmy Fallon after his mother died, singing the lyric, “Squeeze my hand three times in the back of the taxi” after Jimmy told the story about his mother squeezing his hand three times growing up to say “I love you.” Guttingly sad and it’s why music matters so much. So, so much.
59. “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves
I’ve never been a big country guy, but I absolutely adore Kacey Musgraves. Her sound is just so original and not even distinctly country. “Rainbow” is a beautiful, lyrical ballad that has vaulted her into the upper echelon of modern stars. Listen to her to become more infatuated with being alive.
58. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
Much was made about “Girl on Fire” before it even hit the airwaves. But once it did, the powerful ballad underscored by Alicia Keys and her beautiful voice were a runaway freight train in music. No one could get enough of those high notes.
57. “Have It All” by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz, the obvious king of optimistic music. “Have It All” might be the peak of that. Not only is it a great song for loving one another, but it also led into an awesome Mraz documentary of the same name!
56. “We Are Young” by Fun, featuring Janelle Monae
In 2012, “We Are Young” became something of a calling to fans of pop music. As an entire generation moved into the next phase of their lives, it was a rallying cry to make the most of the nights of our youth while we could.
55. “Pray for Me” by The Weeknd, featuring Kendrick Lamar
Another song from the Black Panther soundtrack, “Pray for Me” took on a long life outside of the movie. It’s my favorite The Weeknd song from the decade because I think it best encapsulates his talents. (Apologies to the song about numb faces.)
54. “Meet Me in the City” by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen hasn’t really released a hit in a while. His Netflix show from Broadway might be the closest thing to a big foray. But “Meet Me in the City” has the driving urgentness of a great rock and roll song. It’s atmospheric and perfect for darker listening.
53. “Let’s See What the Night Can Do” by Jason Mraz
On Jason Mraz’s new album, Know, this song felt the closest to his classic output. It just has its own sound that you can’t believe hasn’t been put to music by now. But leave it to Mraz to connect perfect melodies together.
52. “Strangers” by Jonas Brothers
“Strangers” is one of the lower-key songs on the new Jonas Brothers album and it feels like it belongs right up there with some great Killers-esque anthems. Can’t you just see yourself partying to it on New Year’s Eve? It makes me feel alive!
51. “Diamonds” by Rihanna
When will new Rihanna music come? The world may never know. For now, we can enjoy the fact that “Diamonds” keeps playing on the radio ceaselessly. Of all the songs to continue cycling through, at least “Diamonds” is an excellent one to listen to.
50. “Saturday” by Childish Gambino
“Saturday” is a completely different sort of song from Gambino. It is just so funky and emblematic of an era he never really dipped a toe into. I love the way he sings his chorus, for whatever reason, too. I hope an official recording comes out soon, aside from the SNL and Guava Island renditions.
49. “Itchin’ on a Photograph” by Grouplove
Grouplove is an incredible band. When they’re not creating an art pop ballad for the end credits of BoJack Horseman, they’re releasing a number of hit songs. “Itchin’ on a Photograph” is the shining example of what they can do. Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi sound unbelievably good on this song.
48. “Go Robot” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Go Robot.” What do you even make of it? A funky, 1970s-esque riff from RHCP is not what I imagined when I saw it on the initial track listing for the album, The Getaway. But now, I can’t imagine it any other way.
47. “Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron
There are many songs on this list that come from the series finales of television shows. “Ends of the Earth” comes from Community. But it’s way more than just that. It’s also a beautiful song all its own. Great use of nature imagery, too.
46. “Supercut” by Lorde
“In my head, I make a supercut of us.” You can’t tell the story of music in the 2010s without including Lorde in the supercut. Her reflections on the fame she’s experienced through whirlwind relationships are written and performed with a level of honesty not typically ascribed to modern pop stars.
45. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, featuring Kimbra
Gotye, a musician who came onto the scene, released a song that was bigger than anything in the world, was offered a number of objects of fame and success and wealth, denied them all, and retreated into obscurity. Good for him, I guess.
44. “Suit and Tie” by Justin Timberlake, featuring Jay-Z
The 20/20 Experience was a big deal. Much bigger than Justin Timberlake’s foray into country music. And while “Mirrors” was the certified hit from the album, “Suit and Tie” was far more in line with his talents and, I think, was the better song.
43. “Sucker” by Jonas Brothers
“Sucker” had immediately high expectations when the Jonas Brothers shockingly announced a reunion with a new song that same night. They said they were worried that they wouldn’t be relevant anymore. They were wrong. The song cleared every expectation and kicked off the year of Jonas.
42. “Invisible” by U2
Few music moments were as chills-inducing (presumably for the band, as well, considering it was in February) as when U2 took to the top of Rockefeller Center to perform an instant classic rock anthem, “Invisible.” Bono has an all-time voice, but this is not new information.
41. “Someone Like You” by Adele
There was much to love about the first big Adele album. But “Someone Like You” immediately entered the canon as the go-to break-up song for all people who were suffering from broken hearts. The kind of song that takes you right back to a moment.
40. “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz
It’s always tough to think about what Jason Mraz must be like to an outside audience. I’m so deep in the weeds with him that I don’t always know how he resonates with the mainstream. “I’m Yours” is his biggest hit. But this one might be right there in second place. I still remember listening to a back-alley recording of the song when he was still workshopping it. I couldn’t wait for the new album because this was a great indication of his sound on it.
39. “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran
I have always been a sucker for songs about nostalgia and going back to the places where you spend your youth and adolescence. “Castle on the Hill” might be a requisite example of such a song, but you can really feel the heart that Ed Sheeran gives to it.
38. “Breathin’” by Ariana Grande
If there’s one major regret on this list, it’s that there isn’t enough Ariana Grande. It’s just hard to find enough spots for everyone. “Breathin’,” though, is my personal favorite as I feel it is the most authentic and least petty of her songs. (Don’t get me wrong, however. She has all the reason in the world to be petty.)
37. “Ex’s and Oh’s” by Elle King
Aside from the excellent wordplay at work in Elle King’s biggest song, there is an excellent fire of aggression that drives this modern take on a rock song. It’s lighter and more palatable and easier on the ears, as a result.
36. “I Lived” by OneRepublic
Sometimes, you just want to hear a song that feels life-affirming. This is OneRepublic’s version of the “My Way” model and it works perfectly. I’m surprised we didn’t hear it at more graduations, but it might be because the band was nowhere near prepared for it to become the hit that it did.
35. “Harsh Lights” by Fun
Is it a Fun song? Is it a Nate Ruess song? I’m still not entirely sure. Regardless, when they first performed it live at Universal Orlando on The Tonight Show, I was smitten. I could barely hear the lyrics and the instruments were faint, but I knew in my gut that this was a song of power and a song of feeling. The intuition proved all else to be irrelevant. (It does help that these aspects also get high marks, though.)
34. “Childs Play” by SZA, featuring Chance the Rapper
There is a lot of humor from Chance coming through in this song, that almost seems like a betrayal of the moody atmosphere SZA develops. Fortunately, she’s a musical savant and knows how to strike a perfect balance throughout.
33. “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” by Taylor Swift
It’s often complicated whenever people challenge a musician for not writing about something. But Taylor Swift got a lot of flak for her ambivalence back in 2016, though her reasons are her own and are more than fair. With this song, though, Swift finally wades into the political commentary writers. What shines through is her impeccable songwriting ability and a take that no one has had yet. Great art in this age.
32. “Secret Love” by Colin Hay
Colin Hay’s blended brogue of Scottish and Australian sounds has always been a personal favorite of mine. As such, I follow his solo career. His biggest foray this decade was “Secret Love,” which is a song that builds and builds and builds into an absolutely stunning crescendo. Couldn’t recommend it higher.
31. “Sunflower” by Swae Lee, featuring Post Malone
“Sunflower” was just named as one of the top Billboard hits of the year, which is entirely clear. It debuted around this time last year and still has a major radio presence. It’s the first song to make me turn and think, Huh. Maybe I should take Post Malone seriously.
30. “All of Me” by John Legend
John Legend has one of the greatest voices in the history of R&B. But for whatever reason, a new song from his was never a major event. But with “All of Me,” that all changed. One of the best karaoke songs.
29. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
In The Night Before, Mindy Kaling describes this song perfectly. “You can sing to it. You can cry to it. You can run to it.” “We Can’t Stop” is a bit more low-brow. But “Wrecking Ball” is all things.
28. “Green Light” by Lorde
On the surface, “Green Light” seems a little mushier than Lorde’s first lead single, “Royals.” But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find the same probing questions about being young and what the place in the world is for a youth. It’s a testament to Lorde’s brilliance that it’s catchy as all hell, too.
27. “The Gambler” by Fun
We arrive now at my favorite Fun song of the decade. It wasn’t their biggest hit and it didn’t have their best hook. Instead, it boasted a melancholic story that bled into their lyrical, almost-literary sense of songwriting. For anyone who dug deeper into their discography after their string of hits, this was an undeniable reward.
26. “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
Few bands have seen their signature sound change during the 2010s as much as Coldplay has. But “A Sky Full of Stars” still feels like a Hall of Fame Coldplay song. Perhaps that’s why I love it the most.
25. “Unlonely” by Jason Mraz
Before Jason Mraz released Know, I saw him perform on the tour for it in Boston. When I first heard the chords from “Unlonely,” I remember looking at my sister with a baffled look of “whoa.” Borrowing almost directly from “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5, “Unlonely” is a pretty funky, quick-paced dance jam from Mraz. My favorite from the album.
24. “Lazarus” by David Bowie
Another one of the songs Bowie used to call his shot, “Lazarus” also provides the final music video of Bowie’s career. The song begins, “Look up here, I’m in heaven.” Fucking chills, man. God bless the artistic perfection that was this song.
23. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
When Harry Styles went solo, I was skeptical. I thought One Direction’s music was okay, but I was never crazy about it. Clearly, Styles is self-assured in what he wants to do as a solo artist, though, because “Sign of the Times” is a haunting, emotionally-charged ballad that is resonant beyond pop music.
22. “Death by a Thousand Cuts” by Taylor Swift
This might be the first break-up song that Taylor Swift wrote that is about someone else’s break-up rather than her own. She’s happy now! But this song can still drop you right down into the melancholic zone of capital-F feeling with the best of them.
21. “Sober” by Childish Gambino
Embed Donald Glover dancing on tables into my brain forever. One of the best music videos of the decade because of how damn cool he looks in it. The song is also dynamite, experimenting with new sounds that would become classic trademarks of Gambino’s sound and style.
20. “Drunk in Love” by Beyonce, featuring Jay-Z
Beyonce and Jay-Z have had an interesting decade, to say the least. I’m glad they could work through their feelings in music because it brought us great songs like this one. The raw emotion in Beyonce’s voice, though! It’s awe-inspiring!
19. “Only Human” by Jonas Brothers
The way Joe Jonas dances in the music video for this song speaks to me on a fundamental level. But yeah, this is an undeniable bop and a song that makes you want to start dancing to an ’80s groove as soon as you hear it come on.
18. “Finish Line / Drown” by Chance the Rapper
I don’t think many people would label this as their favorite song from Chance, but I’m going to do it anyway! To me, it’s everything he does great. Astonishing backing vocals, signature rap verses, a great hook, a great message. It’s a quintessential Chance song, even if it’s not his most popular.
17. “Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott
I know many people are partial to the original version of this song by Robyn, but I can’t help but gravitate to the one I first. It’s very different, too. But I just really connect with the lyrics, heartbreaking as they may be, and it reminds me of a very specific moment in my life that I won’t soon forget. The power of music.
16. “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey
When Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby raced around throwing shirts all around the room, who knew that it would eventually produce a really great song by Lana Del Rey? But that’s what “Young and Beautiful” is. The song that single-handedly saved the Baz Luhrmann soundtrack.
15. “Sandcastles” by Beyonce
It’s such a great metaphor for a song about broken love that I’m surprised it hadn’t been done before. But Beyonce croons with anguish about sandcastles in the tide being washed away and it just about makes you want to break down and cry.
14. “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift
Speaking of breaking down and crying, here is one of the pure gems that has come from Taylor Swift’s career. It’s rumored to be about Jake Gyllenhaal, but imagine being the guy who had the lyric, “You call me up again just to break me like a promise” written about you. I couldn’t live with myself. Pure, raw feeling from Swift here.
13. “Dark Necessities” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The lead single from RHCP’s The Getaway album, “Dark Necessities” immediately sent my hype for the album through the roof. A great bass line, a broad sound with specific lyrics. It was everything I loved Red Hot for and they were back in 2016, doing it all again!
12. “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves
Again, not a big country fan. But “Golden Hour” is not only one of the best country songs I’ve ever heard, it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. I just want to go to the beach and listen to this song on repeat. It’s gonna be alright, everybody.
11. “Rollercoaster” by Jonas Brothers
“It was fun when we were young, but now we’re older.” What a way to introduce yourself during a concert tour that is half predicated on nostalgia and half based on growing up. But it’s a perfect song for the Jonas Brothers, who needed to really work through some issues before they could come together. It wasn’t so simple. It was a rollercoaster.
10. “We Found Love” by Rihanna, featuring Calvin Harris
I’ve written a shit ton about Rihanna and this song already, but all my points still hold. I still believe it will go down as the anthem of the generation. It is a timeless pop staple that really defined the 2010s, perhaps more than any other song.
9. “When We Were Young” by Adele
I’ve also written a ton about Adele, but I had to give a nod on this list to my favorite song of hers. To me, this one might be so high just because it hasn’t been as overplayed as her other peaches, but I still love it anyway. Lyrically heartbreaking and musically gorgeous, it is exactly what you want from Adele.
8. “Runaway” by Kanye West, featuring Pusha T
Definitely my favorite song from Kanye West’s and the first one to introduce me to the fact that he might be a really gifted artist. Sadly, all things must fade, but this song hasn’t. From the haunting “Look at ya!” to the melodious piano underscore, it is a song that is a testament to Kanye, mostly, but also to everyone who is trying their best.
7. “Good Life” by OneRepublic
I have probably listened to this song more than any other on this list. When it debuted in 2011, with its life-affirming lyrics and charming quality of inspiration and reflection, I listened to it on repeat. OneRepublic even performed it at the Christmas Day parade at Walt Disney World! But I might have listened to it too much and I parted from it for years. Recently, though, it has re-entered my daily music cycles. That is the testament of a great song.
6. “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift
This is everything you want in a song and certainly everything I want in a song. A classic, perfect Swift bridge. A key change. Peppy lyrics about really cute and romantic love. I mean, it’s note perfect. As soon as I heard it, I loved it. My favorite song from Lover. Love it! Love it!
5. “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz
And now we arrive at the top five. And honestly, at the end of everything, this song might eventually rise to the top. But for now, it situates right in there at the fifth position. Many songs are about coming back home. Most songs are about leaving home, in some way. But “93 Million Miles” resonates beyond the distance, beyond the ears. It is one of the greatest works of art ever produced by Jason Mraz. It reminds us of the love we have received in our lives. All the love that got us to where we are today. It could stretch to the sun and then some.
4. “Blackstar” by David Bowie
Again, calling your shot doesn’t get better than this. It should be the goal of every artist to go out like Bowie went. Sadly, we don’t always get to pick our time. Thank god the greatest musician to ever live managed to do it. “Blackstar” brings an end to the Major Tom character, introduced forty-seven years prior. But it also brings an end to the myth of Bowie. He’s a blackstar now.
3. “Take Me to Church” by Hozier
The lyrical brilliance is back at play in this mega-hit Hozier song that probably had no busy being on the radio, but resonated for years anyways. He’s never returned to these heights, but he doesn’t have to. Politically relevant, deeply, disturbingly melancholic, and stunningly vocalized, “Take Me to Church” shows us that masterpieces still enter the airwaves from time to time.
2. “Royals” by Lorde
“Royals” might be known as the song of the decade. If “We Found Love” is the defining song, then “Royals” has a good argument for being the best. Coming from nowhere when Lorde burst onto the scene, it became a rallying cry for everyone who felt a little different. It was Bowie for the modern age. But as she said, we’ll never be royals. The best we can do is be ourselves. That’s why Lorde’s greatest hit still resonates today, at the end of the decade.
1. “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar, featuring SZA
The mark of a good song is when you can listen to it over and over again. The mark of an all-time song you will treasure forever is when you can do that and never once get sick of it. That’s what “All the Stars” was for me. So much more than the Black Panther anthem, this song was a testament to the power of love without getting bogged down in the Michael J. Fox of it all. As atmospheric, as belting, as beautiful as songs come, “All the Stars” is the most song song I can think of from this decade. And it was absolutely my favorite.
Check out my previous “Best of the Decade” lists!
My 15 Favorite New Theme Park Attractions of the Decade
My 30 Favorite Sports Moments of the Decade
My 35 Favorite Podcasts of the Decade
