Explore the songs that defined a decade, from non-stop pop hits to trendsetting R&B and hip-hop anthems. This list includes the most influential and best-selling tracks, based on charts like Billboard and global cultural impact. Discover the artists and sounds that dominated the popularity charts, creating the soundtrack for an entire generation. It's the perfect collection to relive memories or discover modern classics.
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1
As It Was
299 Global Votes
Best-selling global single of 2022
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This song was the best-selling global single of 2022, earning 2.28 billion subscription stream equivalents worldwide. It spent 15 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-running US number one by a UK act and the fourth-longest-running number one in the chart's history.
This song has dominated Latin charts, reaching number one on Billboard's Latin Airplay for 26 weeks and in several countries like Chile, Colombia, and Spain. Its merengue rhythm and catchy lyrics have made it a cultural phenomenon, accumulating millions of streams on digital platforms and solidifying its impact on the decade's music.
Dai Dai has captured global attention as the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026, combining the talents of Shakira and Burna Boy. Its blend of Latin pop and Afrobeats, along with its message of unity, has made it a cultural phenomenon with millions of streams within weeks of its release.
This song has achieved massive success, accumulating over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify, which demonstrates its immense popularity and global reach. Its fusion of salsa with Bad Bunny's distinctive style has resonated with a wide audience, marking a significant musical trend in the decade.
No. 1 hit on Billboard's recap of the first 25 years of the 21st century
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The song broke historical records on Billboard charts and was the first to reach 5 billion streams on Spotify, demonstrating its immense popularity and global reach. Its catchy sound and the nostalgia it evokes made it a massive hit across various demographics, becoming the biggest-selling song of 2020.
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6
Training Season
0 Global Votes
Debuted at number four on the UK Singles Chart
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"Training Season" has achieved significant commercial success and a strong presence on streaming platforms since its release in 2024. Its catchy dance-pop rhythm and message of personal empowerment have resonated widely with audiences, establishing it as a pop anthem of the decade. The song has been a staple on charts and in Dua Lipa's live performances, including her acclaimed "Live From Mexico" concert film from 2026.
Tenth-most played song of the year on UK radio and television
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This Coldplay song has garnered global attention since its 2024 release, standing out for its emotional lyrics and Max Martin's production. Its impact on streaming platforms and its presence at live events establish it as an influential track of the decade.
This Billie Eilish song has captured global attention with its emotional exploration of enduring love and deep connection. Its distinctive sound and lyrical resonance have made it a massive hit, accumulating hundreds of millions of streams and solidifying its cultural impact on the decade's music.
One of the most enduring country singles of the decade
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The song has achieved unprecedented success, logging a record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest run in the chart's 66-year history. It has also held atop the Radio Songs chart for 27 weeks, demonstrating its immense popularity and global reach by topping charts in multiple countries outside the United States.
The song set a record by being the only single to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive months. Furthermore, it was the first song to accrue one billion on-demand streams in the United States in a single year, demonstrating its immense popularity and dominance in the decade.
First all-Spanish song to reach No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
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"DtMF" has tied a historic record on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, holding the No. 1 position for the most weeks in the chart's nearly 40-year history. Its inclusion in Bad Bunny's 2025-2026 world tour setlist and his 2026 Super Bowl LX Halftime Show performance demonstrate its cultural impact and enduring popularity.
Ariana Grande's song "positions" was released in 2020 and quickly became a global hit, notable for its fusion of pop and R&B with trap elements. Its catchy melody and exploration of romantic themes resonated widely with audiences, significantly contributing to the decade's pop culture. The single's success propelled its eponymous album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200.
This ranking evaluates the most popular and defining songs of the last decade, based on their cultural impact, chart success, and overall relevance.
Popularity is determined by considering factors such as music chart success (e.g., Billboard Decade-End), presence in popular playlists, and general community recognition.
While this ranking is based on data and trends from the past decade, we always value community feedback. Future iterations may incorporate user participation.
A 'defining' song is one that captured the spirit of the decade, influenced music culture, or became a viral phenomenon, as observed in various charts and comments.
How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing
Our methodology for ranking the most popular songs of the decade focuses on a combination of commercial success, cultural impact, and community recognition. We analyze various sources to provide a comprehensive view.
We consider performance on decade-end charts, such as the Billboard Decade-End series, which reflect the most popular artists, albums, and songs in the United States throughout a decade.
Inclusion in popular playlists and compilations that aim to encapsulate the 'best' or 'greatest' hits of the decade, such as 'Top Songs of the Decade Playlist (2010-2019)', is evaluated.
Viral impact and cultural influence are considered, noting songs that became phenomena or defined specific music genres during the decade.
Community mentions and preferences expressed in discussions and comments about favorite songs of the decade are also taken into account.
The song must have been released and achieved its peak popularity within the decade in question (e.g., 2010-2019 for the last decade).
It must demonstrate significant success on music charts nationally or globally, as reflected in official and industry rankings.
The song must have had a notable cultural impact, being widely recognized and remembered as a key piece of the decade's soundtrack.
Presence in editorial compilations and 'best of the decade' lists from reputable sources is valued, indicating its enduring relevance.