50 Songs that Defined the 2010s

Way back in 2009, I compiled this list of songs that defined the noughties. As the 2010s come to an end, I thought it would be nice to again look at 50 songs that have defined the decade.

A few disclaimers, caveats, notes, etc before we begin:

· This list includes music from both the US and the UK. It is not meant to be an all-inclusive global list

· I selected five songs from each year (2010 through 2019), which meant some very good songs got left off the list

· I tried to strike a balance between genres, but most of the selections are pop, hip hop, or country. There is, however, one musical theater song and one children’s song included on this list

· Any list compiled by a single person is going to reflect their tastes; I fully acknowledge that this is not an unbiased or even critical look at the decade in music

· That being said, this is a list of what I consider the most defining songs of the decade, not the best, and not my favourites. In fact, my favourite song of the decade (“Kansas City” by The New Basement Tapes) doesn’t make this list, and at least one song on this list I actively hate (you’ll know it when you get to it)

· I am not a music critic nor a music journalist, I’m just a fan who enjoys compiling end-of-decade lists