The 2010s ushered in a transformative era for the music industry, fundamentally altering how music is consumed. With the rise of streaming services like Spotify, artists gained a remarkable ability to reach a vast audience, while music fans could explore an extensive collection of tracks at any moment.
Some songs did more than just top algorithm-based playlists; they influenced cultural shifts and left an indelible legacy. Artists such as Taylor Swift garnered billions of streams, seamlessly integrating into the soundtrack of the decade. This article ranks and analyzes the most streamed songs of the 2010s, shedding light on their extraordinary journeys and cultural significance (source).
10. Macklemore – “Can’t Hold Us”(2011)
2.81 Billion Streams
Released in 2011, “Can’t Hold Us” marked the second single from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s debut album, The Heist (2012). The song gained international acclaim in 2013, even reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became Spotify’s top-streamed track of 2011, winning multiple awards, including two MTV Video Music Awards for cinematography and Best Hip-Hop Video, solidifying its place in music history.
9. Vance Joy – “Riptide”(2013)
3.03 Billion Streams
Vance Joy’s “Riptide,” featured on his EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing (2013) and later his debut album Dream Your Life Away (2014), captures a blend of indie-pop and folk styles. Its unique lyrical imagery reveals tales of romance tinged with melancholy. The song’s popularity extended beyond radio, landing Joy an opening act role on Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour in 2014.
8. Ed Sheeran – “Photograph”(2014)
2.87 Billion Streams
From his second studio album x (2014), Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” is an emotive ballad that resonates deeply with listeners. Released as a single in May 2015, it envelops themes of love and nostalgia through its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. This song has become a timeless favorite, touching the hearts of those reflecting on precious memories and relationships.
7. The Weeknd – “Starboy”(2016)
3.82 Billion Streams
Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”serves as both a celebration and critique of fame. As the lead single of The Weeknd’s third album, this track delves into the duality of success while highlighting themes of emptiness that often accompany celebrity life. Its blending of addictive pop elements and haunting melodies made it one of The Weeknd’s defining tracks, further solidifying his status in the music industry.
6. Lewis Capaldi – “Someone You Loved”(2018)
3.85 Billion Streams
Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” struck a chord globally with its raw portrayal of vulnerability and heartbreak, marking his first No. 1 hit in the United States. The emotional depth combined with Capaldi’s raspy voice captured feelings of desperation and the struggle to heal from love lost. The ballad enjoyed remarkable success, spending over 70 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”(2019)
4.77 Billion Streams
4. Lord Huron – “The Night We Met”(2015)
2.89 Billion Streams
“The Night We Met” became a poignant anthem of love and loss, drawing inspiration from 1950s pop aesthetics. Originally found on their album Strange Trails (2015), its popularity surged thanks to its feature in the series 13 Reasons Why (2017). The simplicity of its lyrics evokes powerful emotions, making it relatable and timeless.
3. Bruno Mars – “Just the Way You Are”(2010)
2.67 Billion Streams
Bruno Mars’s debut single, “Just the Way You Are,” quickly became a staple in pop music upon its release. The song’s sincere appreciation for natural beauty struck a universal chord, leading to its major commercial success. It garnered accolades such as the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and helped solidify Mars’s place among the industry’s elite.
2. The Neighbourhood – “Sweater Weather”(2012)
3.68 Billion Streams
With “Sweater Weather,” The Neighbourhood broke genre barriers, blending alternative rock, R&B, and pop, showcasing the diverse fabric of the decade’s music landscape. This track not only marked their debut’s mainstream success but also captured the ethos of youthful romance and nostalgia, becoming a seasonal favorite that continues to resonate with listeners.
1. Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”(2017)
4.29 Billion Streams
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” transcended musical boundaries, achieving both critical and commercial success. Its catchy rhythm and clever lyrics earned it the top spot in numerous countries and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance. Interestingly, Sheeran originally planned to offer the song to Rihanna, but it ultimately became one of his signature pieces, propelling him further into superstardom.