Best of a decade
As we count the days remaining until 2020, it seems like a fitting time to walk down memory lane and reminisce about the best songs from each year of the decade.
1. 2010 - "California Gurls" - Katy Perry
Many will remember growing up to this song, belting the lyrics out at the top of their lungs, oblivious, at the time, to the actual meaning. Even so, the song’s widely recognizable pre-chorus and chorus are enough to make anyone sing along to this almost decade-old bop.
2. 2011 - "PARTY ROCK ANTHEM" - LMFAO
With its catchy, uptempo beat and head-bobbing lyrics, this was the first of many songs to inspire a dance challenge. In this particular case, it was shuffling. Easily taking the charts by storm, LMFAO left an imprint on the world for many months.
3. 2012 - "Thrift Shop" - Macklemore
This song can easily be recognized for its poppy beat that implements a trumpet and the infamous line: “I’m gonna pop some tags.” After this song dropped, the new trend became thrift shopping and having a nice fur coat like Macklemore in the music video.
4. 2013 - "Rude" - MAGIC!
Characterized by its reggae yet upbeat tone, the song is easy to bob your head to, with a well-recognized chorus, pleading “Can I have your daughter for the rest of my life say yes, say yes, cause I need to know.”
5. 2014 - "Uptown Funk" - Bruno Mars
“Uptown Funk” really embodied how to get funky. Featuring a clapping beat along with piano and bass, the song boasts a swagger that is unmatched by many songs today. In addition to it’s contagious vibe, it’s an easy song to groove along with.
6. 2015 - "Hotline Bling" - Drake
There cannot be a Top 10 without Drake in it. “Hotline Bling” brought along with its catchy beat and mesmerizing melody a plethora of memes to laugh to, whether it was Drake playing tennis or putting pepperoni on a pizza.
7. 2016 - "Closer" - The Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers shot to the top of charts due to their dueted love song “Closer,” becoming the summer anthem of 2016. The EDM song featured head-rocking electronic instrumentals and a chorus that had listeners screaming “We ain’t ever getting older.”
8. 2017 - "Despacito" - Luis Fonsi
“Despacito” was already a popular on its own, but Justin Bieber hopping on the track as a featured artist made it the song of the year. The guitar melody paired with an uptempo beat made it easy to try and sing along, even to the Spanish parts.
9. 2018 - "Perfect" - Ed Sheeran
It is no surprise Ed Sheeran’s heart-melting voice and wonderful acoustic guitar playing got him to the top of 2018. Already at the top of the charts in past years with “Thinking Out Loud” and “Shape of You,” “Perfect” is yet another great love song.
10. 2019 - "Old Town Road" - Lil Nas X
Despite sparking much controversy over what genre of music it is, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” successfully combined two vastly different styles: rap and country. Disregarding all the controversy, the song was a smash hit for good reason: a catchy beat and an entrancing melody.
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