Revisiting the Best Pop Hits from the 2010s

The 2010s were an interesting time for pop music. This decade had shed the sexy outer layer, the anything goes attitude of the 2000s. It was a time for easily consumable radio hits and, in some cases, watered down pop formulas. Depending on who you ask, pop is already watered down, so this time was especially bleak. However, for it’s lowest lows, 2010s pop music also had some incredible highs. Here are some of my favorite pop hits of the 2010s.

Videos by American Songwriter

The Best of 2010s Pop Music

“Truth Hurts” — Lizzo (2017)

That opening verse that starts with “I just took a DNA test / Turns out I’m 100 percent that b—h / Even when I’m cryin’ crazy” still goes hard eight years later. Listening to the song again now, I was a little bit shocked to realize I still remember every word, even though I can’t remember the last time I heard this song. Lizzo was a revelation when she released “Truth Hurts.” There’s an undeniable attitude and confidence that she exudes, but she still allows herself to be vulnerable. And then, you find out she also plays the flute; truly a woman of many talents.

“Formation” — Beyoncé (2016)

Another revelation a year earlier was Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade. She was a forced to be reckoned with on this album, taking names and kicking major ass. “Hold Up” was really the breakout from that album, along with the video, but “Formation” was also a stellar track. Notably, she was also telling us she was country way before she released Cowboy Carter—”Earned all this money / But they’ll never take the country out me.” Honestly, it’s hard to pick one song from Lemonade as a standout, but if I actually had to it would be “Don’t Hurt Yourself” featuring Jack White.

“Misery” — Maroon 5 (2010)

I don’t usually gravitate toward Maroon 5 if I can help it, but there’s no denying that “Misery” is a great song. It’s the definition of a pop music banger with that catchy chorus and radio-ready melody. “Misery” hits me the same way “Harder to Breathe” does, which is the only other Maroon 5 song I can stand.

“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson (2012)

Kelly Clarkson was the queen of 2000s pop music, and she carried that over into the 2010s with “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” A lot of artists were attempting a style of song that I like to call “empowered woman pop,” but Clarkson is really one of the only artists who knows how to do that well (the other is P!nk). The line “doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone” is an anthem for anyone who has ever gone through a break-up, and Clarkson’s incredible vocals drove that home with ease.

“Wake Me Up” — Avicii (2013)

Tim Bergling left no crumbs with “Wake Me Up.” One of his biggest hits, this song is endlessly danceable. It’s more than catchy, and is on a different level than most pop music that came out during that time. The instantly recognizable acoustic guitar in the beginning that fades into the first verse, only to pick up a thumping beat and electronic noise; a festival masterpiece.

“Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” — Adele (2016)

Adele has has so many hits in her career, but one of my favorite is “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).” It’s got a sick beat drop, and is just petty enough while also staying genuine. Some may say “Set Fire to the Rain” from 2011 should really be the best Adele hit, and I’m inclined to agree. However, something about this song hits in its simplicity.

Featured Image by Simon Bruty /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images