Top 10 Catchiest Songs of the 2010s

Katy Perry
Katy Perry caught everyone’s attention when she released her “Teenage Dream” album in 2010. And the title track is nothing if not memorable. But it’s “Firework” that’s had the biggest impact on us. We’ve always enjoyed dazzling pyrotechnics, and Perry took our love for them to a new level. This fun, uplifting ode to self-confidence reminds us all that we shine bright, even when we don’t feel like it. How could you not be engrossed by the uptempo music and inspiring lyrics? It’s an unbeatable combination. So the next time we feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind wanting to start again, we know what song to play!

Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
Who knew Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus working together could lead to something so epic? The original version of the song was already captivating, but the remix is absolutely infectious. Their country rap creation fuses both genres seamlessly, and it’s hard not to be excited by it. Hey, it didn’t top charts and break records by accident. It earned those honors by taking fans on an entrancing journey, leaving a permanent mark on them in the process. We fully feel like we’re characters in a new, groundbreaking Western movie musical when we sing along, and we just never want it to stop. With a chorus that’s that exciting and absorbing, who would?!

Drake
It’s hard to talk about the 2010s in music without discussing Drake. Because you know when that hotline bling, it can only mean one thing – someone is blasting this insanely riveting single. He paired it with a truly special music video, giving us visuals and music that play on a loop in our minds. Once “Hotline Bling” finds its way into your life, you can rest assured it’s there to stay. As if that wasn’t enough, the rapper decided to keep releasing earworms throughout the rest of the decade. We were still recovering from this song when “In My Feelings” arrived a few years later in 2018!

Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj once said (or should we say sang?) that “Starships were meant to fly.” Well, given the commercial heights this techno-pop track soared to, we’d say she was more than right. We’d even go so far as to say the record was meant to stay stuck in our heads, and who are we to argue with destiny? The hooks are absolutely captivating, as is the beat. In fact, the whole thing has us fist pumping and bopping along from start to finish. We didn’t think Minaj would ever be able to outdo the catchiness of “Super Bass.” But she completely proved us wrong, and we’re here for it.

Beyoncé
Whenever we’re in the mood for a girl power track that we can enjoy at full volume, we look to “Run the World.” The synth production and Beyoncé’s fierce delivery practically beg listeners to let loose, sing each lyric, and have a good time. Plus, it’s wildly empowering. The electropop banger reels us in the second the first note plays, and we’re putty in Queen Bey’s hands the whole way through. More impressively still, it wasn’t the only brilliant song she released in the 2010s – far from it! Who could forget “Love On Top”? We’re also still obsessed with “Formation”! Who runs the world? Well, you could argue it’s Beyoncé!

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber
Do you remember what life was like before this song was released? We certainly don’t, which is a testament to its colossal impact. We couldn’t go anywhere in 2017 without hearing the “Despacito” remix at least once, but we definitely aren’t complaining! The rhythm is unbeatable, the content is fiery, and the percussive elements and reggaeton influences make it feel as though the music is moving through our bodies. To top it all off, Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber all add something special to the final product. A masterfully suave Latin pop creation, this track tells a passionate story that’s full of romance, and we can never resist it – nor would we want to.

Taylor Swift
There’s something in Taylor Swift’s discography for every mood — and there are a lot of catchy 2010s options to choose from. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is a prime example of what we mean. But it’s “Shake It Off” that lingers the longest. It’s bubbly, bright, and has a refrain that’s just repetitive enough to hook us. Swift herself placed its lyrics into her “Glitter Gel Pen” category of songwriting, meaning that they don't take themselves too seriously. In other words, it's the perfect song to have on repeat, especially if you’re having a rough day. We’ll shake off the haters, but we’ll hold on to this snappy pop number forever.

Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
We just need to see the names Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, and “Uptown Funk” immediately pops into our minds. That tells you everything you need to know about how captivating and hummable the soulful funk-pop masterpiece is. The minute we heard the first line in 2014, we sensed we’d be at the song’s mercy, and we were right. There’s enough energy running through it to last a lifetime! It feels like it could’ve been released in the ‘80s, while still maintaining its own unique identity, which is no small feat. Interestingly, it took months of work to get the refined tune we all know and love, but it was worth it. If you don’t believe us, just listen!

Carly Rae Jepsen
Picture this: the year is 2011, and you’ve just heard “Call Me Maybe” for the first time. Now suddenly it’s everywhere. You find yourself singing the words as if you’ve known them all your life, and dancing even when the song isn’t playing! Hey, that’s what happened to us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. To be frank, Carly Rae Jepsen gave us the stuff sensational pop music dreams are made of with this melodic bop. Each part of it feels carefree, flirty, upbeat, and just downright entertaining. Not to mention the fact that the whole girl sees boy and develops an instant crush trope feels ultra relatable. What more could you ask for?!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

"Closer" (2016), The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
A Mesmerizing Collaboration We Didn’t Know We Needed

“Rolling in the Deep” (2010), Adele
She Gave It All with This Song

“Can't Stop the Feeling!” (2016), Justin Timberlake
We Can’t Stop Listening & Grooving!

“Good as Hell” (2016), Lizzo
Talk About an Empowering, & Unforgettable Anthem

"Work" (2016), Rihanna feat. Drake
We Could Work to Get This Song Out of Our Heads, but Why Would We Want To?

Pharrell Williams
If someone had told us in 2010 that the decade’s catchiest song would come from the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack, we would’ve thought they were kidding. But that’s exactly what ended up happening in 2013. “Happy” is what we imagine joy sounds like, and it never fails to put us in a euphoric mood. There was no need to sit and try to memorize the lyrics when it was released, either. They basically instantly imprinted themselves onto our brains! The song is just that addictive. Williams also really sells the message and uses the joyous arrangement to his advantage, so that even on the 100th listen, we can’t help but smile. So don’t be shy, clap along!