The 2010s were a transformative era for music, largely shaped by the rise of streaming platforms. These services offered an unprecedented level of insight into listener preferences, revealing the songs and artists that truly resonated. While streaming algorithms attempted to categorize tastes, music lovers explored diverse sounds, and artists embraced creative freedom. This dynamic decade produced a remarkable array of songs, from soulful ballads to rebellious country anthems, radical rap tracks, and genre-bending rock anthems, alongside global Latin-pop sensations. The 2010s were marked by both classic, summery pop hits and innovative musical fusions that would have been unimaginable just a decade prior. This list celebrates some of the best Songs From 2010 to 2019, showcasing the diverse and impactful sounds of the decade.
DJ Snake feat. Lil Jon, “Turn Down for What”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
This track is pure, unadulterated energy. “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake featuring Lil Jon became an instant anthem with its explosive bass drops and over-the-top intensity. The accompanying NSFW video only amplified its outrageousness. It was impossible to escape this track in its prime, popping up everywhere from parties to even Michelle Obama’s social media, where she famously grooved to it in a Vine clip promoting healthy eating (“turnip for what”). For Lil Jon, it solidified his most iconic catchphrase. While French DJ Snake achieved further success, “Turn Down for What” remains his most impactful contribution to pop culture, a defining sound of its time.
U2, “Every Breaking Wave”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
U2’s “Every Breaking Wave” is a soaring anthem that evokes the classic feel of their Joshua Tree era, updated for the 2010s. With production assistance from Danger Mouse and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Bono and the band crafted a powerful and emotional track. Originally conceived as a ballad performed live in 2010, the song underwent a significant transformation with Tedder’s input for their Songs of Innocence album four years later. Bono described the song as being “about how hard it is to give yourself completely to another person.” The song’s anthemic quality also draws comparisons to Coldplay, highlighting U2’s enduring influence on mainstream rock music. Notably, an acoustic version of “Every Breaking Wave” further showcases the song’s strong songwriting.
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Girl Crush” by Little Big Town sparked controversy and conversation upon its release in 2014. Rumors circulated about country radio stations pulling the song due to perceived homoerotic undertones in its lyrics, though these stories were largely unfounded. Written by Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey, and Liz Rose, “Girl Crush” is actually a poignant ballad about jealousy and longing. Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town recognized the song’s power immediately, telling Rolling Stone, “I knew as soon as I heard the hook of the first chorus that we had to have this song. I’d never heard a jealousy song written like this.” Fairchild’s emotionally charged lead vocal, combined with the signature harmonies of Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet, creates a deeply moving performance. The production, minimalist for Nashville standards, features reverb-drenched guitars, brushed drums, and subtle Hammond organ, all contributing to the song’s lasting impact.
Azealia Banks, “212”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Azealia Banks’ explosive breakout track, “212,” named after Manhattan’s area code, is a force of nature. Set against a backdrop of relentless Belgian electro-house beats (sampling Lazy Jay’s “Float Your Boat”), Banks unleashes a torrent of New York City-inspired flows. Her MC persona seamlessly transitions between streetwise swagger, preppy attitude, and R&B diva moments, all within the same breath. “212” arrived before the rise of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, establishing Banks as a formidable female MC. The song is also notable for its unapologetic and powerful use of the word “cunt,” arguably more impactful than any other song of the decade, or perhaps in history.
Jay-Z and Kanye West, “N****s in Paris”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“N****s in Paris” by Jay-Z and Kanye West, from their collaborative project Watch the Throne, became a live performance phenomenon. During a Paris concert on June 18, 2012, they extended the song from its original 3:39 runtime to nearly eight minutes, performing it an astonishing 12 times that night for an ecstatic audience. This exemplifies the album’s theme of excess and extravagance. “N****s in Paris” acts as the album’s third introduction, featuring a dubstep breakdown and a Will Ferrell monologue sample. More importantly, it’s a cathartic release, a song that ignites the crowd and remains one of the most purely energetic tracks from either rapper.
Lana Del Rey, “Mariners Apartment Complex”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Mariners Apartment Complex” was the first glimpse into Lana Del Rey’s critically acclaimed Norman Fucking Rockwell! album. This psychedelic-folk gem, co-written with Jack Antonoff, blends classic rock lyrical imagery (“kiss the sky,” “candle in the wind”) with raw emotion. It subtly references Leonard Cohen’s vulnerable “I’m Your Man” in its title verse. Del Rey fully embodies the song, creating a complex “sad-girl” persona that defies weakness. Rooted in the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter tradition yet infused with hip-hop attitude, she cryptically reflects on her public life with lines like, “They mistook my kindness for weakness/I fucked up, I know that, but Jesus/Can’t a girl just do the best she can?” Her best, as showcased in this song, is truly exceptional.
Nicki Minaj, “Beez in the Trap”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Responding to a label directive for “Nicki needs some rap shit,” producer Keneo delivered the perfect backdrop for Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap.” The track features a sparse, slow-rolling beat that provides ample space for Minaj to assert her dominance and showcase her old-school swagger. After a series of more pop-oriented hits, “Beez in the Trap” marked a return to her raw rap roots. Minaj herself stated, “I am always in the trap,” clarifying, “Now, the trap, ladies and gentlemen, relates to anywhere where you get your money.” This track is a masterclass in confident, unapologetic hip-hop.
Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” became an unexpected global phenomenon. Initially conceived as an acoustic song about overcoming shyness and offering someone your number, it evolved into an international Number One hit. Jepsen herself admitted, “We liked how it turned out, but I can’t say I expected this.” It became the quintessential song of the summer, inspiring countless covers, including those by Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and The Go-Go’s, and even a rendition by Barack Obama. “Call Me Maybe” also fueled an endless stream of viral videos, solidifying its place in song-meme culture. This is quite the debut hit for a former Canadian Idol runner-up.
The Weeknd, “High for This”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“High for This” by The Weeknd served as a perfect introduction to his dark and morally ambiguous world. This falsetto-driven track from House of Balloons explores themes of drug use and questionable encounters. It was a defining statement at the beginning of the decade, signaling a shift towards darker, slower, and more sinister R&B. The Weeknd’s lyrics, “Open your hand, take a glass/Don’t be scared, I’m right here,” over an industrial beat, proved to be prophetic. He became a central figure in the decade’s musical landscape, alongside the themes of intoxication and escapism that resonated with many.
Frank Ocean, “Novacaine”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Frank Ocean’s debut single, “Novacaine,” from the Odd Future collective, announced the arrival of a major talent. This innovative future blues track is both seductive and unsettling, carving a unique path for the artist. Within its five-minute runtime, “Novacaine” weaves a short story, referencing Stanley Kubrick, criticizing Auto-Tuned music as lacking emotion, and dissecting a drug-fueled encounter with a dental student met at Coachella. It captures a generation’s sense of numbness and detachment. The song garnered praise from diverse figures, including 50 Cent, who defended Ocean against homophobic criticism, stating, “anyone that has an issue with Frank Ocean is an idiot.”
Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
If there were a formula for the perfect pop song, it might resemble Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” This swooning, romantic hit perfectly encapsulates pop perfection. Following her rock-leaning debut, One of the Boys, Perry showcased her Top 40 ambitions with Teenage Dream and its title track. The song is a candy-coated fantasy of romance and nostalgia, portraying a lover as the embodiment of teenage dreams. It features one of the most irresistible hooks of the decade, cementing its status as a pop classic.
Selena Gomez, “Bad Liar”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Selena Gomez transitioned from Disney pop to a more mature sound with Revival in 2015. As she told Rolling Stone, “I felt confident and comfortable in who I am. I felt sexy. I was aching to do stuff like that.” However, “Bad Liar,” released two years later, marked a further evolution. This minimalist track is built around the bass line of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” an idea brought by co-writer Julia Michaels. The cover art, shot by Petra Collins, featuring the song title written in lipstick on Gomez’s thigh, completed her transformation into an alt-pop artist, referencing 90s riot grrrl aesthetics.
Craig Finn, “God in Chicago”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“God in Chicago” by Craig Finn is arguably the decade’s most compelling storytelling song. Blending singing and spoken word in the tradition of the Ink Spots, the Shangri-Las, Prince Buster, and the Velvet Underground, Finn initially attempted a more traditional song structure. However, his decision to recite the lyrics proved to be the right choice. The song pairs a somber piano melody with a weary narrator recounting a drug run with a deceased friend’s sister. This journey evolves into a road trip and a potentially redemptive, or perhaps not, encounter. The sung chorus, arriving at 2:24, feels like a burst of sunlight after a long Midwestern winter.
Maren Morris, “My Church”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Country songs referencing other country songs are common, but Maren Morris’ “My Church” stands out for its genuine heart and crossover appeal. Morris, a rising country-pop artist, sings about finding solace in the music of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, conveying true sincerity. Morris described her possessiveness over the track, stating she was “territorial about a song that I’d written” for the first time when creating “My Church.” The song became her breakthrough hit in 2016, resonating with audiences for its authentic country spirit.
Travis Scott feat. Drake, “Sicko Mode”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” featuring Drake defies typical song structure, unfolding more like a playlist in a single track. Comprising three distinct sections and featuring multiple guests (including samples from Biggie Smalls, Dr. Luke, and Big Hawk), the song clocks in at just over five minutes. Drake’s verse, added last minute before the Astroworld album release, contributed to the chopped-up format. “Sicko Mode” defied convention, rising from streaming to radio dominance. Scott understatedly remarked, “Me and Drake been working to make something so crazy for the kids,” when the song reached Number One, surpassing Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next.”
Lucy Dacus, “Night Shift”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Lucy Dacus established herself with introspective indie-rock songs like “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore.” With the six-minute “Night Shift,” she showcases both her talent for slow-burn guitar arrangements and sharp, confessional lyrics. Lines like “The first time I tasted somebody else’s spit/I had a coughing fit,” drawn from her personal experience, exemplify her direct and honest songwriting. Dacus explained the song’s inspiration: “I dated this person for like five years. To kiss anybody else — it felt really weird. It felt kind of wrong. And it wasn’t a happy or fulfilling or victorious experience.” “Night Shift” stands out as one of the decade’s most powerful breakup songs.
Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Billie Eilish’s musical background, from singing Beatles songs at age seven to being influenced by Childish Gambino’s Because the Internet, is evident in “Bad Guy.” This goth-trap track, with a classic verse-chorus structure, defies easy categorization. Musically and emotionally ambiguous, Eilish shifts between vulnerability and dominance within the song. “I don’t want to be in the pop world, I don’t want to be in the alternative world, or the hip-hop world, or the R&B world,” Eilish told The New York Times. “I want it to be, ‘What kind of music do you listen to?’ ‘Billie Eilish music.’ ” “Bad Guy” encapsulates her unique and genre-bending approach.
Drake, “Hold On, We’re Going Home”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” draws inspiration from Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” evident in its drum pattern. Drake told MTV that he and producer Noah “40” Shebib aimed to channel the Quincy Jones-Michael Jackson dynamic, creating a timeless track suitable for weddings even a decade later. Devoid of rapping, this R&B track with a hip-hop sensibility solidified Drake’s position as a leading hitmaker of the decade. His 33rd Top 10 hit, “Hold On, We’re Going Home” garnered Grammy attention, which Drake famously declined due to lack of nominations, telling Rolling Stone, “They didn’t nominate it for anything! They’re calling me, emailing me every day to do some elaborate performance and bring them viewers, but I didn’t get a nomination.”
Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” borrowed its flow from Kodak Black’s “No Flockin’,” but its transformation of struggle into glamour is purely Cardi. She wrote the rhymes on a plane, inspired by a beat from producer J. White. “Every bitch that I don’t like came to my head,” she recounted. “And I pictured me, slapping it to them.” Boasting about financial success and Louboutin shoes (“bloody shoes”), Cardi B presented a powerful persona. When “Bodak Yellow” topped the charts, displacing Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” Cardi became the first solo female rapper to reach Number One since Lauryn Hill, prompting Swift to send congratulatory flowers.
Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Harry Styles’ solo debut, “Sign of the Times,” marked a bold departure from his boy-band past. This nearly six-minute power ballad addresses the state of the world with ambition and risk. Styles told Rolling Stone that the song is from the perspective of a dying mother preparing her child for the world. “Sign of the Times” has a timeless quality, beginning with a piano riff that builds into arena rock guitars, showcasing Styles’ vocal range. Intended for large-scale performances, the song’s message of resilience and hope resonates deeply.
Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris, “We Found Love”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
The rise of dance music in the Top 40 during the early 2000s sometimes resulted in awkward collaborations. However, “We Found Love” by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris became an instant classic. Harris’ simple synth riff recalls early 90s dance anthems, while Rihanna’s vocals blend strength and vulnerability. Harris explained his approach: “I want each track to be as good as it can possibly be, and that usually means me not singing on it.” “We Found Love” stands as a benchmark for successful dance-pop collaborations.
Justin Bieber, “Sorry”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” co-produced by Skrillex, captured the sound of its time (“trophouse”) and signaled a new maturity for the then 21-year-old artist. Even among his other Number One hits from the same period (“What Do You Mean?,” “Love Yourself”), “Sorry” possesses a timeless quality. Bieber clarified that the song was not an apology for past controversies but “about a girl.” Like many great songs centered on romance, “Sorry” is both coy and tender, with an undercurrent of confidence that enhances its pop appeal.
Alvvays, “Archie, Marry Me”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Alvvays’ “Archie, Marry Me” captures the anxieties of young adulthood in the 2010s. Singer Molly Rankin and guitarist Alec O’Hanley, like many in their twenties, observed friends settling into conventional life paths. Rankin explained, “A lot of people ‘grow up’ and get mortgages and have big dumb weddings, and this song takes the piss out of that.” With wry lyrics referencing alimony and student loans, the song is satirical yet romantic. Despite its cynical undertones, “Archie, Marry Me,” with its sweet melodies and fuzzy guitars, became one of the decade’s most beloved indie-pop love songs. Rankin herself stated, “I don’t want to get married, but I’m glad people can glean their own narrative from the song.”
Sia, “Chandelier”
Sia performing Chandelier at a live event
Sia’s “Chandelier” is both an exhilarating party anthem and a poignant portrayal of alcoholism. This breakout hit for the established songwriter is told from the perspective of a character, though Sia, who is sober, admitted it resonated personally. She stated in 2018, “Usually, I’m writing from a character’s point of view. Sometimes I’ll write one that I relate to. Those are the ones I don’t give away.” Sia’s vocal performance, shifting from confessional verses to an incandescent chorus, rewrites the “party girl” archetype with remarkable empathy.
Future, “Mask Off”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Mask Off” by Future, with its opening line “Percocet, molly, Percocet,” became synonymous with the rapper’s persona. Future, one of the decade’s most prolific and unpredictable artists, delivered “Mask Off” at his most innovative. Produced by Metro Boomin, the track samples a flute loop from the 1970s musical Selma. Kendrick Lamar praised Future’s genius, saying, “He’s his own genius. Watching him come up with the melodies, that’s a whole other ballgame, to understand them sonics.”
Miguel, “Adorn”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
In the early 2010s, R&B artists faced a changing musical landscape dominated by EDM and rap. Miguel’s “Adorn” offered a refreshing alternative. The lead single from his Art Dealer Chic EP series, “Adorn” felt timeless, drawing from Motown influences with a modern twist. Its earnest lyrics, like “These lips can’t wait to taste your skin, baby/And these eyes, I can’t wait to see your grin,” stood out in a musical climate that often prioritized other themes over love. “Adorn” launched Miguel’s career and continues to resonate, finding its place on countless wedding playlists.
Lizzo, “Truth Hurts”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” had an unusual trajectory to success. Inspired by a tweet, the song is a self-empowerment anthem delivered with Lizzo’s signature blend of singing and rapping. It celebrates self-love and confidence in the face of heartbreak. Released in 2017, “Truth Hurts” initially didn’t achieve mainstream success, but gained momentum through social media, TikTok, and the Netflix film Someone Great. Eventually, it became Lizzo’s breakthrough hit, earning her multiple Grammy nominations and solidifying her status as a major artist.
Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber marked a significant shift in American music. This Spanish-language pop song demonstrated the mainstream appeal of Latin music. A collaboration between Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, “Despacito” had already achieved international success before Bieber’s remix. The remix propelled it to Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks. Daddy Yankee recounted Bieber’s involvement: “What I heard is that he was in the club in Colombia and heard the song. Justin Bieber always does a great job when it comes to interpretation.” “Despacito” opened doors for Spanish-language pop in the global market.
Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z, “Drunk in Love”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z originated from a melody by Future, who was working with producer Detail. Detail then brought the beat to Beyoncé for her self-titled visual album, a project kept in secrecy. Beyoncé described the recording session as a party. She “free-styled the verse,” creating an ode to passionate romance. Jay-Z also free-styled his verse, though his references sparked some controversy. Despite this, “Drunk in Love” became a powerful celebration of female desire, reaching Number Two after a Grammy performance.
Eric Church, “Springsteen”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Eric Church blended rebel spirit with traditional country storytelling. “Springsteen” exemplifies this, merging Black Sabbath-esque riffs with country narratives. Written on Church’s tour bus with banjo player Jeff Hyde, the song evokes the sound of Bruce Springsteen, replacing traditional country instruments with a chugging rock feel. “Springsteen” narrates a teenage love story sparked at a Springsteen concert, between “I’m on Fire” and “Born to Run.” Church revealed, “It didn’t happen with Springsteen, ironically — it happened with another artist,” adding a layer of fictionalized nostalgia to the song.
Grimes, “Oblivion”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Grimes, with her unique style and ethereal soprano, ushered in a new wave of experimental pop with her 2012 album, Visions. “Oblivion,” the standout track, explores the vulnerability of women in public spaces over a hypnotic synth melody. Grimes told Spin, “I was assaulted, and I had a really hard time engaging in any types of relationship with men. I was just so terrified of men for a while.” The music video depicts Grimes amidst crowds of men, a visual representation of feminine resilience within a masculine world.
Alabama Shakes, “Hold On”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Alabama Shakes’ breakthrough single, “Hold On,” was created organically, evolving from a jam session during a live performance. Singer Brittany Howard improvised lyrics as the band played. The finished version, with its raw groove, Howard’s powerful vocals, and organic instrumentation, stood apart from mainstream radio. “Hold On” resonated for its message of hope and perseverance. Howard told RS, “I needed a lot of strength to go to work in the morning, play a show when I’d get off, get two hours of sleep, go to work again…just hoping, praying that maybe I can quit my job one day and do something that would make me happy. You gotta believe in something to do all that.”
Migos, “Bad and Boujee”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” featuring Lil Uzi Vert rose to Number One through an unconventional path, gaining traction in Atlanta strip clubs. Offset told Rolling Stone, “We did it the trap way, not the pop way.” Nearly six minutes long, the song features intricate rhymes about wealth and spending, set to a Metro Boomin beat. “Bad and Boujee” spawned a viral Twitter meme with its opening lines, “Rain drop, drop top,” despite lacking a traditional hook. Lil Uzi Vert’s feature further amplified the song’s appeal, making it a defining track of trap music’s mainstream breakthrough.
Daft Punk, “Get Lucky”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
In 2013, amidst the trends of Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz and Kanye West’s Yeezus, Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” offered a smoother, disco-infused sound. Featuring Nile Rodgers on guitar and Pharrell Williams on vocals, the track became a global hit. Williams described it as “a little bit more like post-disco,” rather than purely disco. While the music evokes classic disco, Williams’ vocals offer a modern, understated falsetto, creating a sense of subtle transcendence. “Get Lucky” is a testament to Daft Punk’s ability to blend robotic precision with human emotion.
Parquet Courts, “Stoned and Starving”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Stoned and Starving” by Parquet Courts originated from a real-life experience of singer Andrew Savage. While cat-sitting in Ridgewood, Queens, Savage’s stoned bodega run became the inspiration for this indie-guitar anthem. The lyrics, turning mundane choices like “Swedish Fish, roasted peanuts, or licorice” into existential dilemmas, are both humorous and relatable. Live, the band extended “Stoned and Starving” into epic jams reminiscent of Television and the Feelies. Parquet Courts proved to be more than just 90s indie revivalists, though the song’s popularity led to them tiring of playing it as college crowds requested it.
J Balvin and Willy William, “Mi Gente”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
J Balvin and Willy William’s “Mi Gente” became a global anthem, transcending language barriers. Balvin stated, “The beautiful thing about ‘Mi Gente,’ is that I wrote it in Spanish with Willy William, a producer from Paris…and it hit number one [in charts] around the world.” Balvin championed inclusivity in pop music, singing about unity as William provided an infectious synth-horn riff and beat. “Mi Gente” achieved massive success even before its Beyoncé remix, proving the global appeal of Spanish-language music. Balvin emphasized, “It wasn’t a strategy to make it bigger…. It was for the culture.”
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, “Shallow”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, from A Star Is Born, became an instant soundtrack classic. Just ten seconds into the trailers, the duet captured audiences. For Gaga, after a period of mixed critical and commercial success, A Star Is Born and “Shallow” marked a resurgence. The song, a pivotal moment for Gaga’s character Ally in the film, resonated deeply both within and outside the movie. The key change in “Shallow” became iconic, and the song continues to be celebrated for its emotional power and Gaga’s vocal performance.
Mitski, “Your Best American Girl”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Mitski’s rise from SUNY Purchase to indie rock star culminated in songs like “Your Best American Girl.” The song’s chorus, often sung back by fans at concerts, became an anthem. Mitski blended 90s rock influences with a contemporary perspective, skewering aspects of American culture. Mitski Miyawaki explained, “I didn’t grow up in the U.S. It came from wanting to just fit into this very American person’s life, and simply not being able to.” “Your Best American Girl” captures feelings of alienation and belonging, resonating with a generation.
Lil Nas X, “Old Town Road”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X, created with a $30 beat and popularized on TikTok, became a cultural phenomenon. Topping the Hot 100 for a record 19 weeks, it epitomized the disruptive nature of the 2010s music industry. The song’s blend of country and hip-hop, with lines about cowboys and horses, and a Nine Inch Nails sample, defied genre boundaries. The remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus further amplified its success. Lil Nas X cheekily appropriated country tropes, appealing to a new generation. Nas told Rolling Stone, “I got bored one day and made this song.” His boredom with the status quo resonated with a generation seeking change.
Lorde, “Royals”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Lorde’s “Royals,” inspired by a picture of baseball player George Brett and Jay-Z and Kanye’s Watch the Throne, became a global hit. Written by a 15-year-old from New Zealand, Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, the song explores themes of fame and fantasy. Lorde described the title as simply “really cool.” “Royals” is a pensive yet confident track, characterized by its lo-fi production and Lorde’s unique vocal delivery, capturing millennial ennui in a new musical language.
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Drake’s “Hotline Bling” sparked controversy when the Grammys awarded it Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Performance, categories Drake questioned due to its non-traditional rap elements. However, the song’s appeal is undeniable. Caribbean-influenced with a 70s soul sample, “Hotline Bling” became a meme sensation, dissected for its lyrics and celebrated for its sound. More than a typical pop hit, it’s an internet-driven success story, showcasing user-generated content’s mainstream impact.
Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny and J Balvin, “I Like It”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Cardi B’s “I Like It” featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin is a multicultural hip-hop celebration. Cardi collaborated with Puerto Rican and Colombian artists, sampling the 1967 boogaloo classic “I Like It Like That.” Bad Bunny and J Balvin deliver standout verses, while Cardi B anchors the track with her signature energy. “I Like It” became a Number One hit, showcasing Cardi B’s expansive vision of hip-hop as a global phenomenon.
Kacey Musgraves, “Follow Your Arrow”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Kacey Musgraves made a strong statement with “Follow Your Arrow.” The song, with its classic country twang, delivers progressive advice: “Make lots of noise/Kiss lots of boys/Or kiss lots of girls if that’s something you’re into.” “Follow Your Arrow” generated controversy but Musgraves stood firm, stating, “Even if they don’t agree with the girls-kissing-girls thing or even the drug reference, I would hope that they would agree that no matter what, we all should be able to love who we want to love and live how we want to live.” The song established Musgraves as an artist who follows her own path.
Ariana Grande, “Thank U, Next”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” emerged from her breakup with Pete Davidson. Instead of a diss track, Grande released a generous and self-reflective song about past relationships and self-love. Set to a delicate track, the song showcases Grande’s growth. She lists past relationships with gratitude, including Davidson: “Even almost got married/And for Pete, I’m so thankful.” Grande began writing “Thank U, Next” during her relationship, even considering a version where they married, but ultimately chose the breakup narrative, highlighting personal evolution.
Kanye West, “Runaway”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Kanye West’s “Runaway” is often cited as quintessential “Old Kanye.” Speculated to be a response to the Taylor Swift VMAs incident, the song is complex and introspective. It opens with minimalist piano, transitions into a bass-heavy track with a Rick James sample, and concludes with vocoder-distorted vocals. Pusha T’s verse adds to the song’s narrative of toxicity. West described it as “like a man’s anthem, but it’s a woman’s anthem. Like, ‘Let’s have a toast with the douchebags!’” “Runaway” remains a haunting and multifaceted track, blending beauty and darkness.
Taylor Swift, “All Too Well”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
While Taylor Swift had more immediate hits like “22,” “All Too Well” is considered by many fans to be the heart of her Red album. This subtly devastating ballad explores a past relationship with vivid detail. Swift’s lyrics evoke lingering memories and emotions, centered around a borrowed scarf kept by her ex. The line “so casually cruel in the name of being honest,” freestyled during a soundcheck, captures the song’s emotional core. While tabloids linked the song to Jake Gyllenhaal, “All Too Well” resonates universally for its portrayal of heartbreak and memory.
Beyoncé, “Formation”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Beyoncé’s “Formation” became an anthem of cultural power in the 2010s. A stylish and politically charged song, it celebrates her Southern roots and Black identity. Referencing Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, Beyoncé recenters the Black experience as a source of pride. A single line about Red Lobster redefined date night. “Formation,” especially with its music video and Super Bowl performance, boldly intertwined personal and political themes, challenging listeners to confront complex issues. Beyoncé stated, “I’m an artist, and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood,” in response to criticisms, emphasizing the song’s artistic intent.
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” is the definitive breakup song of the 2010s. Inspired by a painful breakup, Adele channeled raw emotion into this powerful track. She recalled, “I never get angry, but I was ready to murder.” Her vocal performance, full of fury and passion, is considered iconic. “Rolling in the Deep” propelled Adele to superstardom, demonstrating the enduring power of classic gospel-blues in contemporary music. Aretha Franklin praised Adele, noting, “Carole King is the last person [before Adele] who wrote the kind of lyrics women immediately could relate to. I love to hear a schoolgirl on the school bus yellin’, ‘We coulda had it all!’”
Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” from his masterpiece To Pimp a Butterfly, became an anthem for a generation. Lamar told RS, “As a kid from Compton, you can get all the success in the world and still question your worth.” The song explores this internal conflict, beginning with the line “Alls my life, I had to fight,” quoting Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. Pharrell’s uplifting production contrasts with the song’s weighty themes, offering a message of hope: “If God got us, then we gon’ be alright.” “Alright” transcended its album context, becoming a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, chanted at protests across America.
Robyn, “Dancing on My Own”
DJ Snake and Lil Jon performing Turn Down for What
Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” became an anthem of heartbreak and resilience. Despite years of refining her synth-pop sound, Robyn was largely overlooked by US pop audiences until this track. Co-written with Patrik Berger, “Dancing on My Own” captures the pain of unrequited love in a club setting, offering both sadness and empowerment. It resonated deeply, soundtracking moments in popular culture and karaoke nights. Robyn explained her approach to pop music: “All the big pop acts that I’ve been into over the years — whether it’s ABBA or Prince — managed to combine amazing melodies and honest human emotion. But coming out of the super-super-commercial pop industry in the Nineties, maybe people forgot about the fact that pop music can do both of those things.” “Dancing on My Own” is a testament to pop music’s capacity for both emotional depth and catchy melodies, defining the soundscape of the 2010s.
