2010 was a dynamic year in music, marked by diverse genres and unforgettable hits. From pop anthems to indie rock gems, and from hip-hop innovations to soulful ballads, the year offered a rich tapestry of sounds. Artists pushed boundaries and delivered tracks that resonated across the globe. Let’s dive into a curated list of the 2010 Songs Top that defined the year, reflecting the diverse and exciting musical landscape.
Ke$ha, “We R Who We R”
Ke$ha performing live in 2010, showcasing her energetic stage presence and signature style, a key element of her pop appeal
Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” is an electrifying pop anthem that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 2010. Built on a powerful arena-electro beat crafted by Dr. Luke, this track elevates stupid-savvy pop to exhilarating, bombastic heights. It’s a celebration of individuality and unapologetic self-expression, themes that strongly resonated in the pop music scene of 2010.
Elizabeth Cook, “El Camino”
Elizabeth Cook playing guitar and singing in a classic country style, embodying the storytelling tradition of country music in her 2010 song
“El Camino” by Elizabeth Cook offers a hilarious and twangy narrative, a signature of her country style. This vignette tells the tale of a schoolgirl powerless against the allure of a mulleted, El Camino-driving charmer. It’s a playful and relatable story set to a classic country backdrop, showcasing Cook’s storytelling prowess that made her a standout in 2010 country music.
Das Racist, “hahahaha jk?”
Das Racist performing on stage in 2010, capturing their unique blend of humor and insightful commentary in rap music
NYC trio Das Racist transcended the label of joke-rap with “hahahaha jk?”. This track is meta-commentary at its finest, a song about rising above being categorized as just joke-rap. Set to a stoned and finely-tuned beat, it showcases their wit and musical innovation within the hip-hop landscape of 2010.
Kid Rock, “Born Free”
Kid Rock in 2010 wearing a fringed jacket and American flag bandana, projecting a rock anthem vibe
Kid Rock’s “Born Free” is a quintessential Seventies-rock anthem, tailor-made for cruising and fist-pumping. Donning a fringed jacket, Rock delivers a track perfect for the open road or simply injecting raw energy into any moment. It’s a testament to classic rock influences that remained potent in 2010’s music scene.
MGMT, “Congratulations”
MGMT performing live with psychedelic visuals, reflecting the band's psych-pop sound in 2010
MGMT’s “Congratulations” marked a moment of vulnerability for the psych-pop jokers. Letting their guard down, they channel The Band in this hazily pretty singalong about the complexities of sudden fame. It’s a departure into sincere and melodic territory, demonstrating their range within the 2010 indie music sphere.
The Rolling Stones, “Plundered My Soul”
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones playing guitar in 2010, representing the timeless rock legacy of the band
“Plundered My Soul” by The Rolling Stones is a masterfully reconstructed track from the legendary Exile on Main Street sessions. Keith Richards’ signature damaged guitar licks resonate across time in this expertly crafted piece. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of classic rock legends in the music landscape of 2010.
Neil Young, “Love and War”
Neil Young singing and playing acoustic guitar in 2010, highlighting his folk and protest song tradition
Neil Young’s “Love and War” is a profound meditation on his life’s major themes. “I’ve been in love, and I’ve seen a lot of war,” Young sings, grappling with these dualities and reflecting on his extensive career. This acoustic track is a poignant and introspective piece from one of music’s enduring voices in 2010.
B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars, “Nothing on You”
B.o.B. and Bruno Mars performing together in 2010, showcasing the collaboration that produced a pop-rap hit
“Nothing on You” by B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars is a near-perfect blend of pop and rap balladry. Atlanta MC B.o.B. delivers heartfelt lyrics to his “one and only,” praising her complete package, even down to tax responsibility. Bruno Mars adds smooth vocal hooks, making it a standout pop-rap collaboration of 2010.
Surfer Blood, “Floating Vibes”
Surfer Blood performing live with energetic surf-rock style in 2010
Surfer Blood’s “Floating Vibes” is a novel combination of Beach Boys-esque surf tunes with Nineties alt-rock guitar riffs. This Florida band crafted a sound that felt both nostalgic and fresh, leaving listeners wondering why this fusion hadn’t been explored sooner in the 2010 indie scene.
Junip, “In Every Direction”
José González of Junip performing with a band, bringing a fuller sound to his folk-inspired music in 2010
Junip’s “In Every Direction” showcases José González, known for his gentle voice, turning up the volume for a beautifully expansive folk swirl. The Swedish artist creates a richly textured soundscape, proving his versatility and solidifying his place in the 2010 folk and indie landscape.
Kanye West, “Power”
Kanye West performing powerfully on stage in 2010, embodying the intensity of his "Power" persona
“Power” by Kanye West was the initial glimpse into the boundary-pushing album Twisted Fantasy. Sampling King Crimson, ‘Ye delivers a schizoid and intense track that signaled the experimental and ambitious direction of his 2010 music. It’s a bold statement piece that shook the hip-hop world.
The Gaslight Anthem, “The Diamond Church Street Choir”
Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem singing passionately with a microphone, representing the band's emo and heartland rock fusion in 2010
The Gaslight Anthem’s “The Diamond Church Street Choir” is Brian Fallon’s masterful blend of doo-wop, Bruce Springsteen, and New Jersey emo. The result is a finger-snapping tribute to basement shows and lost love, a sound deeply rooted in heartland rock with a modern emo twist that resonated in 2010.
Spoon, “The Mystery Zone”
Britt Daniel of Spoon playing guitar intensely, highlighting the band's signature guitar-driven indie rock sound in 2010
Spoon’s “The Mystery Zone” boasts 2010’s most mesmerizing guitar groove. This dark, dubby burner features lyrics about basement gigs and lost love, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and cool sophistication that defined Spoon’s indie rock appeal in 2010.
Lloyd Banks feat. Juelz Santana, “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley”
Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana performing together, embodying the New York hip-hop energy of their 2010 collaboration
“Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” by Lloyd Banks featuring Juelz Santana is a New York hip-hop collaboration over one of the year’s rawest beats. These two badasses celebrate luxury cars and excessive insurance costs, delivering a hard-hitting and unapologetically lavish track in 2010.
Drake feat. Nicki Minaj, “Up All Night”
Drake and Nicki Minaj performing on stage, representing their dynamic hip-hop collaboration in 2010
Drake’s “Up All Night” featuring Nicki Minaj is a quintessential driving anthem of 2010. Nicki Minaj’s memorable line about “doing doughnuts in a six-speed” perfectly captures the song’s high-energy and rebellious spirit, making it a standout hip-hop track of the year.
Massive Attack feat. Hope Sandoval, “Paradise Circus”
Hope Sandoval singing with Massive Attack in the background, capturing the haunting and ethereal mood of their 2010 track
“Paradise Circus” by Massive Attack featuring Hope Sandoval is a narcotic ballad from the UK trip-hop pioneers. Sandoval’s signature dreamy vocals add to the surreal and unnervingly erotic atmosphere, creating a haunting and beautiful track that exemplifies the trip-hop genre in 2010.
Gorillaz feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack, “Stylo”
Gorillaz animated characters performing with human collaborators, blending virtual and real-world music elements in 2010
Gorillaz’s “Stylo” featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack is a disco-infused jam from everyone’s favorite cartoon band. Sexy enough to evoke Donna Summer, the track is driven by an unstoppable synth-bass line, showcasing Gorillaz’s eclectic and genre-bending approach to 2010 music.
Wavves, “Post Acid”
Nathan Williams of Wavves performing with guitar, representing the band's lo-fi punk and surf rock blend in 2010
Wavves’ “Post Acid” is a sweet and psychedelic punk nugget from the San Diego trio. Drawing from Buzzcocks and acid-damaged beach rock, it’s a lo-fi, catchy track that captured the slacker-rock vibe of 2010’s indie scene.
Die Antwoord, “Enter the Ninja”
Die Antwoord in their signature zef style, representing their provocative and unique rap image in 2010
“Enter the Ninja” by Die Antwoord is arguably the freakiest rap song of 2010. This South African trio blends machine-gun flows with warped hooks, creating a sound that’s been described as Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” on mescaline. It’s a bizarre and unforgettable entry in 2010 rap.
Gil Scott-Heron, “I’m New Here”
Gil Scott-Heron performing with spoken word style, representing his legacy as a poet and musician in 2010
Gil Scott-Heron’s “I’m New Here” marked a return for the long-lost Seventies rap pioneer. Raspy vocals deliver an acoustic rendition of a Smog ballad, transforming indie-rock melancholy into deep, dark country blues. It’s a powerful and unexpected sound from a legend in 2010.
Jakob Dylan, “Nothing but the Whole Wide World”
Jakob Dylan singing and playing guitar in a folk style, carrying on a musical legacy in 2010
Jakob Dylan’s “Nothing but the Whole Wide World” is a roots-folk lullaby with a melody reminiscent of James Taylor. Dylan delivers a hushed and tender track, showcasing his songwriting talent within the folk-rock genre of 2010.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “The Trip to Pirate’s Cove”
Tom Petty performing with The Heartbreakers, representing his classic rock and storytelling style in 2010
“The Trip to Pirate’s Cove” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is classic Petty road story. Equipped with black-ice organ and sneering guitar, it’s a quintessential example of Petty’s storytelling and heartland rock sound that remained relevant in 2010.
Band of Horses, “Laredo”
Band of Horses performing with layered guitars, representing their atmospheric and emotional rock sound in 2010
Band of Horses’ “Laredo” is a country-rock ballad about escape and wanderlust. Built around shimmering, expansive guitars, it’s a track that evokes wide-open spaces and a longing for something more, characteristic of their 2010 atmospheric rock.
The National, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
Matt Berninger of The National singing with emotion, representing the band's introspective and dramatic rock style in 2010
The National’s “Bloodbuzz Ohio” features Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone voice lamenting financial woes: “I still owe money to the money to the money I owe.” His seductive croon, combined with the band’s melancholic rock, makes even debt sound captivating in this 2010 track.
Robyn, “Dancing on My Own”
Robyn performing dynamically on stage, embodying the emotional depth and danceable energy of her pop music in 2010
Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” is a poignant yet sparkling pop masterpiece. Spotting a beloved with someone else, Robyn transforms sadness into an empowering anthem perfect for solo dance freakouts, showcasing her unique blend of emotional depth and dance-pop brilliance in 2010.
Nicki Minaj, “Did It On’em”
Nicki Minaj in a bold and colorful outfit, representing her flamboyant and groundbreaking style in 2010 rap
“Did It On’em” by Nicki Minaj is a hazy, synapse-butchering throwdown. With fiercely delivered lines like, “If I had a dick, I would pull it out and piss on ’em,” Nicki asserts her dominance and boundary-pushing persona in 2010 hip-hop.
Eminem, “Not Afraid”
Eminem rapping intensely on stage, representing his raw emotion and lyrical skill in 2010
Eminem’s “Not Afraid” is a deeply personal and inspiring track where he opens up about sobriety, critiques his past work, and pledges to be a better father. It’s arguably his most motivational song, marking a significant moment of vulnerability and growth in his 2010 career.
Jamey Johnson, “Macon”
Jamey Johnson performing with a guitar, embodying the outlaw country and Southern rock sound of his music in 2010
Jamey Johnson’s “Macon” is a rough diamond of Seventies Southern rock, rolled out slow and steady. Johnson channels the spirit of outlaw country and classic rock, delivering a track that feels both timeless and authentically rooted in 2010’s country scene.
Rick Ross feat. Styles P, “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)”
Rick Ross in a luxurious setting, representing the opulent and gangster lifestyle in his 2010 rap music
“B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” by Rick Ross featuring Styles P is a lush drug-lord fantasy. Ross’s flow is smooth and commanding, like the Barry White of white powder, creating an opulent and larger-than-life hip-hop experience in 2010.
Sleigh Bells, “Infinity Guitars”
Sleigh Bells performing with high energy, representing their noise-pop and guitar-heavy sound in 2010
Sleigh Bells’ “Infinity Guitars” is a classic girl-group tune juxtaposed with skull-rattling guitar fuzz. The contrast creates a thrilling and addictive sound, a noise-pop gem that hurt so good and defined their unique style in 2010.
Best Coast, “Boyfriend”
Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast performing with a guitar, embodying the band's lo-fi and summery indie rock style in 2010
Best Coast’s “Boyfriend” is a heartbreaker about a lonely summer. Imagine Brian Wilson reimagined as a sensitive stoner girl, and you get the vibe of this lo-fi, summery indie rock track that captured a specific mood in 2010.
The New Pornographers, “Your Hands (Together)”
The New Pornographers performing as a collective, representing their layered and harmonic indie pop sound in 2010
“Your Hands (Together)” by The New Pornographers is bizarro pop that’s hard to shake. This indie-rock collective harmonizes about silver bullets and layers classic-rock guitars, creating a uniquely catchy and complex sound in 2010.
Jenny and Johnny, “Scissor Runner”
Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice of Jenny and Johnny performing together, representing their power-pop and duo dynamic in 2010
Jenny and Johnny’s “Scissor Runner” is power pop finding its George Burns and Gracie Allen. With playful banter and witty lyrics like, “I’ll forgive you/If I outlive you,” it’s a charming and clever track from the 2010 indie pop scene.
LCD Soundsystem, “I Can Change”
James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem performing with synthesizers, representing the band's electronic and dance-punk fusion in 2010
LCD Soundsystem’s “I Can Change” is the best Depeche Mode song of 2010 that’s also its best Smiths song. James Murphy showcases his falsetto while expressing pain with dark humor, creating a unique blend of electronic and indie influences.
Cold War Kids, “Coffee Spoon”
Nathan Willett of Cold War Kids singing with intensity, representing the band's soulful and narrative indie rock in 2010
Cold War Kids’ “Coffee Spoon” sees SoCal kids hallucinating about the high life. Turning “ascetics wring their hands” into a killer chorus, they deliver a narrative-driven indie rock track that stood out in 2010.
Drake, “Over”
Drake performing with spotlight, representing his stardom and introspective rap themes in 2010
Drake’s “Over” explores the duality of stardom – both terrifying and awesome. With a huge, clattering beat, it’s an irresistible track where Drake rhymes about the complexities of fame and success in 2010.
Big Boi feat. Cutty, “Shutterbugg”
Big Boi performing dynamically on stage, representing his electro-funk and Outkast legacy in 2010
“Shutterbugg” by Big Boi featuring Cutty is an electro party thrown by one half of Outkast. Coaxing dancers to the floor with a nasty ghetto-tech bass line, it’s a high-energy track showcasing Big Boi’s solo prowess in 2010.
The Dead Weather, “Hustle and Cuss”
Alison Mosshart and Jack White of The Dead Weather performing intensely, representing their raw and bluesy rock sound in 2010
The Dead Weather’s “Hustle and Cuss” features Jack White and Alison Mosshart howling over the year’s dirtiest riff. Generating ungodly amounts of sexual electricity, it’s a raw and bluesy rock track that exemplified their intense sound in 2010.
Mark Ronson and the Business International feat. Q-Tip and MNDR, “Bang Bang Bang”
Mark Ronson performing with a band, representing his retro-funk and collaborative musical style in 2010
“Bang Bang Bang” by Mark Ronson and the Business International featuring Q-Tip and MNDR transforms a French kiddie tune into a Technicolor hook. This synth-pop fire starter is catchy and vibrant, showcasing Ronson’s knack for retro-funk and collaboration in 2010.
The Black Keys, “Everlasting Light”
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys singing and playing guitar, representing the band's blues-rock and soulful sound in 2010
The Black Keys’ “Everlasting Light” is a steady-grooving blues-rock ballad. Dan Auerbach’s falsetto floats over craggy funk, creating a beautiful and soulful track that solidified The Black Keys’ blues-rock dominance in 2010.
Kanye West feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver, “Monster”
Kanye West performing with collaborators, representing the epic and collaborative nature of "Monster" in 2010
“Monster” by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver is a rumbling id-fest. Nicki Minaj delivers the cameo of the year, showcasing rap’s Meryl Streep moment over 31 thrilling bars, making it an iconic collaboration of 2010.
Broken Bells, “The Ghost Inside”
James Mercer of Broken Bells performing with synthesizers, representing the band's atmospheric and electronic indie rock in 2010
Broken Bells’ “The Ghost Inside” is a noirish jam blending Danger Mouse’s steely funk with James Mercer of The Shins’ addictive chorus. It’s a sleek and subtly funky track that showcased the duo’s collaborative magic in 2010.
Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi, “Tightrope”
Janelle Monáe performing dynamically with a band, representing her energetic and genre-bending performance style in 2010
“Tightrope” by Janelle Monáe featuring Big Boi is a ferocious, horn-splashed burner. Monáe merges Cab Calloway, hip-hop, James Brown, and art-pop wackiness, creating an energetic and genre-defying track that defined her unique artistry in 2010.
Vampire Weekend, “White Sky”
Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend performing with a guitar, representing the band's upbeat and globally influenced indie pop in 2010
Vampire Weekend’s “White Sky” is a joyful explosion of synth foam, perky digital rhythms, whoops, and African-flavored guitars. It’s the sound of a young band discovering their limitless potential, showcasing their globally-infused indie pop in 2010.
Mavis Staples, “You Are Not Alone”
Mavis Staples singing soulfully, representing her gospel and soul music legacy in 2010
Mavis Staples’ “You Are Not Alone” is a modern hymn written by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. Sung with maternal assurance by the voice that once urged you to “Respect Yourself,” it’s a soulful and comforting track that resonated deeply in 2010.
Arcade Fire, “We Used to Wait”
Win Butler of Arcade Fire singing emotionally on stage, representing the band's anthemic and orchestral rock in 2010
Arcade Fire’s “We Used to Wait” captures the anxieties of a changing world. Win Butler’s empathetic vocals and the band’s orchestral-rock wallop transform high anxiety into something almost sublime, marking a powerful entry in 2010 rock music.
Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream”
Katy Perry performing with vibrant energy, representing her catchy and playful pop anthems in 2010
Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” co-written by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, is 2010’s catchiest tune. This buoyant electro-pop singalong is direct and irresistible, encapsulating the playful and bold pop sensibilities of 2010.
Sade, “Soldier of Love”
Sade Adu singing with elegance, representing her sophisticated and soulful music style in 2010
Sade’s “Soldier of Love” marked a powerful re-emergence for the elusive artist. Singing about emotional devastation over quiet-storm synths and acid-damaged riffs, it’s her closest brush with losing her cool, delivering a unique and impactful sound in 2010.
Cee Lo Green, “F**k You”
Cee Lo Green performing with showmanship, representing the soulful and theatrical style of "F**k You" in 2010
Cee Lo Green’s “F**k You” was an instant sensation in 2010. Delivering the title with humor and panache over a DayGlo-bright Motown-style beat, it’s a lovelorn lament that doubles as an anthem for tough times, showcasing Cee Lo’s soulful brilliance.
Kanye West feat. Pusha T, “Runaway”
Kanye West performing at a piano, representing the introspective and artistic depth of "Runaway" in 2010
“Runaway” by Kanye West featuring Pusha T is a dark, twisted masterpiece. A nine-minute meditation on romantic failure and public infamy, it’s Kanye’s musical response to controversy, creating an epic and gorgeous track that was unparalleled in 2010. With thunderous drums and plinking piano, it remains a defining song of the year.
Conclusion
The top songs of 2010 showcased a remarkable breadth of musical talent and innovation. From pop perfection and hip-hop anthems to indie rock discoveries and soulful comebacks, 2010 delivered a soundtrack that continues to resonate. Revisiting these tracks is a reminder of the diverse and dynamic musical landscape of that year, a testament to the artists who shaped the sound of 2010 songs top.
