2010 was a year of diverse musical innovation and unforgettable hits. From pop anthems to indie rock gems and hip-hop bangers, the year offered a soundtrack for every mood. Relive the best of 2010 with this curated list of songs that topped charts and defined the year in music.
Ke$ha We R Who We R album cover
Ke$ha – “We R Who We R”
Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” is an electrifying pop anthem that perfectly encapsulates the bold and unapologetic spirit of 2010. Built on a powerful arena-electro beat crafted by Dr. Luke, Ke$ha elevates her signature stupid-savvy pop to new, bombastic heights. This track became an instant party staple, celebrating individuality and carefree self-expression that resonated across dance floors worldwide.
Elizabeth Cook El Camino single cover
Elizabeth Cook – “El Camino”
Switching gears to country twang, Elizabeth Cook’s “El Camino” delivers a hilarious and sharply observed vignette. This song tells the tale of a schoolgirl captivated by the irresistible charm of a mulleted, El Camino-driving “skeezeball.” Cook’s witty lyrics and classic country sound made this track a standout, showcasing a unique storytelling ability within the 2010 music landscape.
Das Racist hahaha jk album cover
Das Racist – “hahahaha jk?”
Hailing from NYC, Das Racist pushed boundaries with “hahahaha jk?”, a track that transcends the label of joke-rap. This trio cleverly crafted a song about breaking free from comedic rap stereotypes, all set against a masterfully stoned and laid-back beat. Their intellectual and humorous approach earned them critical acclaim and solidified their place in the 2010 indie music scene.
Kid Rock Born Free album cover
Kid Rock – “Born Free”
Kid Rock channeled classic rock vibes with “Born Free,” a Seventies-rock anthem tailor-made for open roads and fist-pumping energy. Donning a fringed jacket, Rock created a track perfect for cruising in a vintage Chevy or simply cranking up the volume. This song became a staple for rock radio in 2010, appealing to fans of heartland rock and freedom anthems.
MGMT Congratulations album cover
MGMT – “Congratulations”
MGMT, known for their psych-pop explorations, surprised listeners with “Congratulations.” In this track, the band dropped their usual ironic guard and openly drew inspiration from The Band, crafting a hazily beautiful singalong about the disorienting experience of sudden fame. Its mellow sound and introspective lyrics provided a contrast to their earlier, more synth-heavy hits, showcasing their artistic evolution in 2010.
The Rolling Stones Plundered My Soul single cover
The Rolling Stones – “Plundered My Soul”
From the vaults of rock history came The Rolling Stones’ “Plundered My Soul.” Expertly reconstructed from the legendary Exile on Main Street sessions, this track features Keith Richards’ signature damaged guitar licks crying out across the decades. It offered a fresh glimpse into the Stones’ iconic era, proving their timeless appeal and adding a vintage rock flavor to the 2010 music scene.
Neil Young Love and War album cover
Neil Young – “Love and War”
Neil Young, a songwriting legend, delivered a deeply personal track with “Love and War.” In this song, Young grapples with his two most profound life themes – love and war – while meditating on his extensive and impactful career. His introspective lyrics and raw acoustic sound resonated with listeners, highlighting his enduring relevance in 2010.
B.o.B Nothing on You single cover
B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars – “Nothing on You”
B.o.B. and Bruno Mars created a near-perfect pop-rap ballad with “Nothing on You.” Atlanta MC B.o.B.’s smooth verses combined with Bruno Mars’s soulful vocals resulted in a chart-topping hit. The lyrics, praising a woman as “the whole package, plus you pay your taxes,” became instantly quotable, making this one of the most beloved 2010 Songs.
Surfer Blood Floating Vibes album cover
Surfer Blood – “Floating Vibes”
Surfer Blood brought a fresh sound to the indie scene with “Floating Vibes.” These Florida natives ingeniously blended Beach Boys-style surf melodies with Nineties alt-rock guitar riffs. This unexpected combination proved to be a hit, showcasing a novel approach to indie rock in 2010 and earning them widespread attention.
Junip In Every Direction album cover
Junip – “In Every Direction”
José González, known for his hushed vocals, amplified his sound with Junip’s “In Every Direction.” The pale-voiced Swedish singer-songwriter created a supremely beautiful folk swirl, adding layers of instrumentation and volume to his signature style. This track highlighted his versatility and contributed to the rich tapestry of folk-inspired music in 2010.
Kanye West Power single cover
Kanye West – “Power”
“Power” by Kanye West served as the explosive first taste of his groundbreaking album Twisted Fantasy. Going “all schizoid” while sampling King Crimson, Kanye delivered a track that was both audacious and innovative. This song immediately signaled the experimental and genre-bending direction of his 2010 work, cementing his status as a musical visionary.
The Gaslight Anthem The Diamond Church Street Choir album cover
The Gaslight Anthem – “The Diamond Church Street Choir”
The Gaslight Anthem, led by Brian Fallon, masterfully blended doo-wop, Bruce Springsteen, and New Jersey emo in “The Diamond Church Street Choir.” The result was a finger-snapping tribute to basement gigs and lost love, filled with heartfelt lyrics and a nostalgic sound. This track became an anthem for fans of emotionally charged rock music in 2010.
Spoon – “The Mystery Zone”
Spoon delivered “The Mystery Zone,” featuring what many consider the most mesmerizing guitar groove of 2010. This dark and dubby burner, with lyrics echoing themes of basement gigs and lost love similar to The Gaslight Anthem, showcased Spoon’s signature minimalist yet captivating style. Its hypnotic rhythm solidified its place as a standout indie track of the year.
Lloyd Banks Beamer, Benz, or Bentley single cover
Lloyd Banks feat. Juelz Santana – “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley”
Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana teamed up for “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,” a raw and unapologetically braggadocious track. These two New York badasses celebrated overspending on car insurance over what was arguably the year’s grittiest beat. This song became a street anthem, reflecting the lavish lifestyles and hard-edged sounds prevalent in 2010 hip-hop.
Drake Up All Night single cover
Drake feat. Nicki Minaj – “Up All Night”
Drake and Nicki Minaj joined forces on “Up All Night,” creating one of the quintessential driving songs of 2010. Minaj’s memorable line about “doing doughnuts in a six-speed” perfectly captured the song’s high-energy and carefree vibe. This collaboration showcased the rising stars of hip-hop and their ability to create infectious, crossover hits.
Massive Attack Paradise Circus single cover
Massive Attack feat. Hope Sandoval – “Paradise Circus”
Massive Attack, pioneers of trip-hop, enlisted Hope Sandoval for “Paradise Circus.” Sandoval’s signature ethereal vocals lent themselves perfectly to this narcotic ballad, which is both surreal and unsettlingly erotic. The track highlighted Massive Attack’s enduring ability to craft atmospheric and emotionally charged music, solidifying their influence in 2010 and beyond.
Gorillaz Stylo single cover
Gorillaz feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack – “Stylo”
Gorillaz, the animated music collective, teamed up with Mos Def and Bobby Womack for “Stylo.” These cartoon primates cooked up a disco jam so irresistibly sexy it could make Donna Summer herself swoon. The song’s unstoppable synth-bass line and infectious groove made it a global hit, showcasing Gorillaz’s unique blend of animation and cutting-edge music in 2010.
Wavves Post Acid album cover
Wavves – “Post Acid”
Wavves, the San Diego trio, delivered a sweetly psychedelic punk nugget with “Post Acid.” Drawing inspiration from Buzzcocks and acid-damaged beach rock, they created a track that was both catchy and edgy. This song became a favorite in the indie and garage rock scenes of 2010, showcasing their lo-fi charm and melodic sensibilities.
Die Antwoord Enter the Ninja single cover
Die Antwoord – “Enter the Ninja”
Die Antwoord burst onto the international scene with “Enter the Ninja,” arguably the freakiest rap song of 2010. This South African trio mixed machine-gun flows with warped hooks, creating a sound that felt like Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” on mescaline. Their unique Zef style and provocative music video made them a viral sensation and a controversial yet unforgettable act of the year.
Gil Scott-Heron I’m New Here album cover
Gil Scott-Heron – “I’m New Here”
Gil Scott-Heron, a long-lost pioneer of Seventies rap, made a powerful return with “I’m New Here.” He rasped his way through an acoustic rendition of a Smog ballad, transforming indie-rock melancholy into the deepest, darkest country blues. This track showcased his enduring artistry and relevance, bridging genres and generations in 2010.
Jakob Dylan Nothing but the Whole Wide World album cover
Jakob Dylan – “Nothing but the Whole Wide World”
Jakob Dylan delivered a tender roots-folk lullaby with “Nothing but the Whole Wide World.” His hushed melody and heartfelt lyrics evoked a classic singer-songwriter feel, reminiscent of something James Taylor would aspire to write. This song highlighted Dylan’s solo artistry and his contribution to the Americana soundscape of 2010.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers The Trip to Pirate’s Cove album cover
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “The Trip to Pirate’s Cove”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers offered a classic road story with “The Trip to Pirate’s Cove.” Outfitted with black-ice organ and sneering guitar, this track is quintessential Petty, blending narrative storytelling with his signature rock sound. It served as a reminder of Petty’s enduring songwriting prowess and his band’s timeless appeal in 2010.
Band of Horses Laredo album cover
Band of Horses – “Laredo”
Band of Horses crafted a sweeping country-rock ballad with “Laredo.” This song about the need to escape is built around shimmering guitars that stretch for miles, creating a vast and emotive soundscape. “Laredo” became a standout track for its atmospheric beauty and heartfelt delivery, resonating with listeners seeking musical escapism in 2010.
The National Bloodbuzz Ohio album cover
The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
The National, known for their brooding intensity, delivered “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” Matt Berninger’s baritone croon, lamenting “I still owe money to the money to the money I owe,” is both seductive and melancholic. This track perfectly encapsulates The National’s signature blend of lyrical depth and atmospheric rock, solidifying their critical acclaim in 2010.
Robyn Dancing on My Own single cover
Robyn – “Dancing on My Own”
Robyn turned heartbreak into sparkling pop brilliance with “Dancing on My Own.” Spotting her beloved with another girl, the Swedish diva transformed her sadness into an empowering anthem perfect for solo dance-floor catharsis. This song became an instant classic, celebrated for its emotional honesty and infectious synth-pop melody, defining a key sound of 2010.
Nicki Minaj Did It On’em single cover
Nicki Minaj – “Did It On’em”
Nicki Minaj showcased her raw lyrical power with “Did It On’em,” a hazy and synapse-butchering throwdown. Her audacious and unforgettable line, “If I had a dick, I would pull it out and piss on ’em,” perfectly captured the song’s confrontational and boundary-pushing nature. This track cemented Minaj’s status as a force to be reckoned with in 2010 hip-hop.
Eminem Not Afraid single cover
Eminem – “Not Afraid”
Eminem delivered a deeply personal and inspiring track with “Not Afraid.” Opening up about his sobriety, addressing criticism of his previous album, and pledging to be a better father, Eminem created his most motivational song to date. This track resonated deeply with listeners, showcasing his vulnerability and growth in 2010.
Jamey Johnson Macon album cover
Jamey Johnson – “Macon”
Jamey Johnson channeled the spirit of Seventies Southern rock with “Macon.” Rolling slow and steady, Johnson crafted a rough diamond of a track, reminiscent of classic sounds from Macon, Georgia. This song highlighted his traditional country sensibilities and his ability to evoke a timeless Southern rock vibe in 2010.
Rick Ross B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast) single cover
Rick Ross feat. Styles P – “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)”
Rick Ross, with Styles P, created a lush drug-lord fantasy with “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast).” Ross flowed with a Barry White-esque smoothness over a decadent beat, celebrating opulence and excess. This track became a defining anthem of 2010 hip-hop, showcasing Ross’s larger-than-life persona and cinematic storytelling.
Sleigh Bells Infinity Guitars album cover
Sleigh Bells – “Infinity Guitars”
Sleigh Bells burst onto the scene with “Infinity Guitars,” a track that juxtaposed a classic girl-group melody with skull-rattling guitar fuzz. This innovative combination created a sound that was both sweet and abrasive, leaving a lasting impact. “Infinity Guitars” became an indie sensation in 2010, praised for its unique sonic palette.
Best Coast Boyfriend album cover
Best Coast – “Boyfriend”
Best Coast captured the essence of a lonely summer heartbreak with “Boyfriend.” Imagine Brian Wilson reimagined as a sensitive stoner girl, and you get the vibe of this wistful track. “Boyfriend” became an anthem for indie romantics in 2010, celebrated for its relatable lyrics and lo-fi charm.
The New Pornographers Your Hands (Together) album cover
The New Pornographers – “Your Hands (Together)”
The New Pornographers, the indie-rock collective, delivered “Your Hands (Together).” Harmonizing about silver bullets and layering classic-rock guitars, they created a bizarro pop gem that was undeniably catchy. This track highlighted their signature intricate arrangements and quirky songwriting, solidifying their place in the 2010 indie landscape.
Jenny and Johnny Scissor Runner album cover
Jenny and Johnny – “Scissor Runner”
Jenny and Johnny brought power pop wit to “Scissor Runner.” Their playful dynamic, likened to George Burns and Gracie Allen, delivered lines like “I’ll forgive you/If I outlive you,” showcasing a unique blend of humor and catchy melodies. This song offered a refreshing take on power pop in 2010, highlighting their charming and quirky appeal.
LCD Soundsystem I Can Change album cover
LCD Soundsystem – “I Can Change”
LCD Soundsystem crafted “I Can Change,” a song that cleverly blended elements of Depeche Mode and The Smiths. James Murphy’s impressive falsetto and lyrics that mixed pain with humor made this track a standout. It showcased LCD Soundsystem’s ability to synthesize diverse influences into a uniquely compelling sound, marking a highlight of 2010 indie music.
Cold War Kids Coffee Spoon album cover
Cold War Kids – “Coffee Spoon”
Cold War Kids explored themes of aspiration and disillusionment in “Coffee Spoon.” These SoCal natives hallucinated about the high life, turning the phrase “ascetics wring their hands” into a killer chorus. This track showcased their signature bluesy rock sound with a touch of lyrical irony, contributing to their continued success in 2010.
Drake Over single cover
Drake – “Over”
Drake grappled with the complexities of stardom in “Over.” Rhyming about the simultaneous terror and awesomeness of fame over a huge, clattering beat, Drake created an irresistible track. “Over” captured his introspective yet confident persona, solidifying his rise to superstardom in 2010.
Big Boi Shutterbugg single cover
Big Boi feat. Cutty – “Shutterbugg”
Big Boi, of OutKast fame, threw an electro party with “Shutterbugg.” Coaxing dancers to the floor with a nasty ghetto-tech bass line, Big Boi showcased his solo versatility and his ability to innovate within hip-hop. This track highlighted his experimental side and contributed to the diverse sounds of 2010.
The Dead Weather Hustle and Cuss album cover
The Dead Weather – “Hustle and Cuss”
The Dead Weather, featuring Jack White and Alison Mosshart, unleashed raw energy with “Hustle and Cuss.” Howling over what was described as the dirtiest riff of the year, White and Mosshart generated an ungodly amount of sexual electricity. This track became a rock highlight of 2010, showcasing their powerful chemistry and blues-infused rock sound.
Mark Ronson and the Business International Bang Bang Bang single cover
Mark Ronson and the Business International feat. Q-Tip and MNDR – “Bang Bang Bang”
Mark Ronson and the Business International, featuring Q-Tip and MNDR, delivered a synth-pop fire starter with “Bang Bang Bang.” Ronson cleverly transformed a French kiddie tune into a Technicolor hook. This track became a global dance hit, showcasing Ronson’s production skills and his knack for blending genres in 2010.
The Black Keys Everlasting Light album cover
The Black Keys – “Everlasting Light”
The Black Keys offered a steady-grooving blues-rock ballad with “Everlasting Light.” Dan Auerbach’s soaring falsetto floated over craggy funk rhythms, creating a sound both soulful and raw. This track showcased their evolution from garage rock to a more polished blues-rock sound, contributing to their mainstream success in 2010.
Kanye West Monster single cover
Kanye West feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver – “Monster”
Kanye West’s “Monster” was an epic collaboration featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver. On this rumbling id-fest, Minaj delivered what many consider the cameo of the year, switching personas and voices with Meryl Streep-like versatility. This track became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the collaborative spirit and star power of 2010 hip-hop.
Broken Bells The Ghost Inside album cover
Broken Bells – “The Ghost Inside”
Broken Bells, the duo of Danger Mouse and James Mercer, crafted “The Ghost Inside.” This noirish jam mixed Danger Mouse’s steely funk with a creepily addictive chorus from The Shins’ James Mercer. The track’s sophisticated sound and catchy melody made it a standout indie hit of 2010.
Janelle Monáe Tightrope single cover
Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi – “Tightrope”
Janelle Monáe, with Big Boi, delivered a ferocious and genre-bending track with “Tightrope.” This horn-splashed burner mashed up Cab Calloway, hip-hop, James Brown, and art-pop eccentricity. “Tightrope” showcased Monáe’s unique artistry and her ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles, marking her as a rising star in 2010.
Vampire Weekend White Sky album cover
Vampire Weekend – “White Sky”
Vampire Weekend explored new sonic territories with “White Sky.” Synth foam, perky digital rhythms, joyful whoops, and African-flavored guitars defined the sound of this track. It captured the energy of a young band discovering their full potential, showcasing their evolving sound in 2010.
Mavis Staples You Are Not Alone album cover
Mavis Staples – “You Are Not Alone”
Mavis Staples delivered a modern hymn with “You Are Not Alone.” Written by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and sung with maternal assurance by the voice that once told you to “Respect Yourself,” this song offered comfort and hope. It highlighted Staples’ enduring vocal power and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level in 2010.
Arcade Fire We Used to Wait album cover
Arcade Fire – “We Used to Wait”
Arcade Fire captured a sense of unease and rapid change in “We Used to Wait.” Win Butler’s empathetic croon and the band’s orchestral-rock wallop made high anxiety sound almost sublime. This track showcased Arcade Fire’s signature epic sound and their ability to capture the zeitgeist of 2010.
Katy Perry Teenage Dream single cover
Katy Perry – “Teenage Dream”
Katy Perry delivered the quintessential pop anthem of the year with “Teenage Dream.” Co-written by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, this buoyant electro-pop singalong was undeniably catchy. Perry’s direct lyrics about teenage dreams and desires resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the most popular 2010 songs.
Sade Soldier of Love album cover
Sade – “Soldier of Love”
Sade made a triumphant return with “Soldier of Love.” Singing about emotional devastation over a beat that blended quiet-storm synths with acid-damaged riffs, Sade proved her enduring ability to create sophisticated and emotionally resonant music. This track marked a powerful re-entrance and showcased her timeless appeal in 2010.
Cee Lo Green F**k You single cover
Cee Lo Green – “F**k You”
Cee Lo Green delivered a song that was both controversial and irresistible with “F**k You.” Despite the bummed-out lyrics, the Motown-style beat was DayGlo-bright, and Cee Lo’s performance was full of humor and panache. This track became a global phenomenon, praised for its catchy melody and clever lyrical twist, defining a moment in 2010 popular music.
Kanye West Runaway single cover
Kanye West feat. Pusha T – “Runaway”
Kanye West concluded our list with the epic “Runaway,” featuring Pusha T. A nine-minute meditation on romantic failure and public infamy, “Runaway” was a musical response to personal turmoil, yet transcended those origins to become a profound artistic statement. With its thunderous drums, plinking piano, and unforgettable “douchebags” toast, “Runaway” was arguably the most crazily epic and jaw-droppingly gorgeous song of 2010, solidifying Kanye’s genius and ending the year on a high note of musical innovation and emotional depth.
This playlist represents just a glimpse into the rich and diverse music landscape of 2010. These songs, spanning genres and styles, collectively defined a year of significant musical creativity and innovation. Revisit these hits and rediscover the soundtrack of 2010.
