Top 50 songs of the decade

I know what you’re thinking, and yes, this list was nearly impossible to assemble. But, I’ve done it. Somehow condensing the past 10 years worth of music into a list of my 50 favourite songs. 

However, I must stress, in an effort to make things just a little bit easier for myself, I decided to focus exclusively on official releases; singles and promotional tracks, tracks that were afforded music videos or songs that were celebrated with a physical release. Also, just 1 song per project. 

Alright then, let’s get started. From classic rap tracks to mainstream pop hits, rock anthems to singer-songwriter balladry. These are my 50 favourite songs of the decade…

50. 

Billie Eilish

bad guy

Darkroom / Interscope | Alternative / Pop

Despite being just a teenager, Billie Eilish rose to prominence this decade and became one of music’s biggest artists. And I can’t help but feel like this single helped seal the deal.

From her debut studio album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP… this broke through into pop culture, and spawned both memes and covers aplenty. It was a monster hit and deservedly so. With futuristic and alternative production from her brother Finneas, Billie comes across like an immensely cool superstar. Duh. 

49. 

Lizzo

Juice

Atlantic / Nice Life | Funk / Pop (2019)

Another one of my favourite songs from just this past year. Taken from the wonderful and charismatic Lizzo’s third studio album, Cuz I Love You. 

This single is an amazing and inspiring piece of funk pop, with stellar production and vocals. Since issues with low self-esteem seem all too common, we could all afford to follow in Lizzo’s footsteps as she celebrates, well, herself, on this anthem of positivity and self-worth.

48. 

Lana Del Rey

Shades Of Cool

Interscope / Polydor | Pop (2014)

American songstress Lana Del Rey brokethrough and became one of the biggest artists in music this past decade, and while many may point to hits like Video Games or Blue Jeans, this is my favourite single she has released so far. 

This was one of the singles taken from her third studio album Ultraviolence, produced by Dan Auerbach and co-written alongside songwriter Rick Nowell. It’s classic, elegant Lana style pop, with a euphoric and enveloping chorus that absolutely bursts into life. 

47. 

Let’s Eat Grandma

Deep Six Textbook

Transgressive | Art Pop (2016)

Let’s Eat Grandma is an English duo comprising of childhood friends Jenny Hollingworth and Rosa Walton. This is one of their very first singles, taken from their debut album I, Gemini. 

Upon first listen it was quite simply one of the most alluring and arresting pieces of art pop I had heard all decade long, and it still is. I love the atmosphere it effortlessly creates, the moodiness of the music and the romance of the lyrics performed by their sweet, intertwining vocals. 

46. 

Aesop Rock

Shrunk

Rhymesayers | Hip Hop (2016)

One of the finest lyricists in hip hop right now is rapper and producer Aesop Rock and to back that statement up, I simply suggest listening to this track from his album The Impossible Kid. 

It’s an absolutely dizzying display of his awesome skills as a wordsmith. His use of wordplay, metaphors and storytelling are the best he’s had this whole decade as he shares an anecdote about visiting a psychiatrist’s office, from the waiting room to the growing tensions of the conversation itself. 

45. 

Battles

Ice Cream (feat. Matias Aguayo)

Warp | Art Rock (2011)

New York based experimental rock band Battles released their sophomore studio album Gloss Drop in 2011, which included this wonderful lead single. 

Like a delicious scoop of insanity, this wild math-rock track is an exhilarating experience. German producer Matias Aguayo provides vocals and it’s mixed together with effects, keyboards, drums, guitars and everything else I have probably missed. It’s impressive for a band to sound so tight and complete whilst performing such total chaos. 

44. 

Big Sean

Control (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica)

Def Jam / GOOD | Hip Hop (2013)

I almost feel bad about including this song on here. Almost. This is a Big Sean song after all and his verse is really good, as is Jay Electronica’s, as is No I.D.’s production. But, this ultimately is a song most remembered for that Kendrick Lamar feature. Less than a year after dropping his classic second album, K. Dot delivered an intense verse, calling out a number of his peers, challenging them. He steals the show in the process, cementing himself as the most must-hear and best rapper in all of hip hop. 

43. Ohtis

Runnin

Full Time Hobby | Alt. Country (2019)

One of the most memorable songs I’ve heard recently has been this single taken from the American trio’s debut album, Curve Of Earth. 

It’s an alt. country song which tackles a difficult theme, namely drug addiction (as does the whole album). And although I do find there to be an underlying hope and optimism throughout, Sam Swinson sings lyrics on the closing verse which illustrate such strong imagery, they stop me in my tracks every time I hear them. 

42. 

A Tribe Called Quest

We The People....

Epic | Hip Hop (2016)

When legendary hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest returned with this, the lead single from their final album We Got It From Here… I think we were all a little surprised by just how hard hitting it was, both musically and lyrically. 

But, it made sense. This post-election track was a politically charged one, reflecting the rising tensions in America at the time. It’s both angry and defiant as Q-Tip and the late Phife Dawg delivered empassioned performances which proved they hadn’t lost a step. 

41. 

Rhye

The Fall

Loma Vista / Polydor / Republic | R&B (2013)

Shoutout to my big sister for introducing this to me back when it was released. Although a solo act now, at this time Rhye was the project of Canadian and Danish members Mike Milosh and Robin Hannibal respectively. 

It’s a chilled out, relaxed and romantic track which acted as one of the singles taken from their debut album, Woman. Really beautiful vocals mix together with the string arrangements, horns and piano on this electronic, R&B track. 

40. 

Young Fathers

Shame

Big Dada | Alternative / Pop (2015)

After winning the Mercury Prize back in 2014 for their debut studio album Dead, the Scottish trio followed it up with their sophomore effort White Men Are Black Men Too, which boasted this stellar single. 

And honestly, I went back and forth on whether to discuss this or Rain Or Shine from the same LP. I settled on Shame as it’s the slightly catchier of the two, because although it’s influences come from many places, this is ultimately an alternative and incredibly creative piece of pop music. 

39. 

Crystal Stilts

Shake The Shackles

Slumberland | Post-Punk (2011)

This is taken from the Brooklyn based band’s second album, In Love With Oblivion, which was released back in 2011. 

However, this post-punk single was actually released the year prior in 2010, and it’s performed with a palpable urgency and an addictive energy. The vocals both in the foreground and background are dark and brooding, whilst the guitars are as sharp as a razor. It all combines to make one of the most intensely fun pieces of punk rock I heard all decade. 

38. 

Jay Z

The Story Of OJ

Roc Nation | Hip Hop (2017)

On this track taken from Jay Z’s thirteenth studio album 4:44, the music mogul revisits what have been two of the biggest talking points of his career so far: race and money. 

Producer No I.D. makes another appearance on this list, this time with a beat which most noticeably samples the track Four Women from the great Nina Simone. No stranger to working with such slick and stylish production, Jay Z is surprisingly relaxed, and unsurprisingly confident over the top of it. 

37. 

St. Vincent

Digital Witness

Loma Vista / Republic | Art Rock (2014)

St. Vincent had a great selection of singles throughout the decade, and any number of them could have made this list. With at least a couple coming from the same eponymous album of hers which was released back in 2014, like this one. 

On Digital Witness, Annie Clark showcases one of her best features. The unique juxtaposition of proudly wearing her influences on her sleeve, influences from Bowie to Byrne, and all the while sounding completly and utterly unique. 

36. 

Sharon Van Etten

Every Time The Sun Comes Up

Jagjaguwar | Indie Rock (2014)

This is the closing track from Sharon Van Etten’s stunning, third studio album Are We There.

An honest and emphatic track, detailing the despair and uncertainty felt during the aftermath of heartbreak. It may surprise newcomers to learn that one of Sharon’s biggest strengths has always been her vocal ability, as it isn't really on display here until the chorus. Until then, she sounds tired and emotionally drained as she begins to throw out each lyric, one syllable at a time. It matches the music and tone of the track to absolute perfection. 

35. 

King Krule

Neptune Estate

True Panther / XL | Electronic / Hip Hop (2013)

English artist Archy Marshall released some great music throughout the decade, most notably under his King Krule moniker. 

And after many years and innumerable listens, I’m still unsure how to catergotize his music; I’ve heard labels from trip hop to jazz punk. This highlight from his debut album is an alternative and enigmatic piece of evidence to that uniqueness and versatility, as his distinctive voice transitions from singing to rapping over this chilled out and low-tempo track. 

34. 

The Soft Pack

C’mon

Kemado | Indie Rock (2010)

Unfortunately, I feel like The Soft Pack have become an often overlooked indie band in more recent years. This is the opening track to their great, self-titled album. 

It’s a slick, catchy and explosive little garage rock track with some obvious post-punk influences. And it must be, not only one of the shortest songs on this whole list, but one of the oldest too. Let that be a statement then, as to just how addictive it is. As was the whole album actually, which I still frequently revisit. 

33. 

Vince Staples

Lift Me Up

ARTium / Blacksmith / Def Jam | Hip Hop (2015)

Vince Staples’ debut studio album Summertime ‘06 has many standout moments. For me though, this was the biggest. 

Wise beyond his years, Vince paints a dramatic picture which illustrates the reality of his surroundings. It has some of his best, most effective lyrics from the whole album, depicting both his strongest desires and deepest frustrations. My favourite line? “I never vote for presidents, the presidents that change the hood is dead and green…”. 

32. 

Bon Iver

Holocene

4AD / Jagjaguwar | Baroque Pop (2011)

This single from Bon Iver’s second album must surely be on everybody’s shortlist for the prettiest song of the entire decade. 

Justin Vernon leads an ensemble of musicians across a vast and stunning sonic landscape. Once again Justin’s plaintive words are an interesting juxtaposition from how beautifully they are sung. For me though, those vocals take a backseat for the first time, to the building and layering of the music, from the composed drumming to the gentle buzz of horns. 

31. 

Killer Mike

Ric Flair

Grind Time | Hip Hop (2011)

Although he would became known this decade as one half of Run The Jewels, Killer Mike released plenty of great solo material, like this track from his album PL3DGE. 

With production that is larger than life, the presence of Ric Flair (the GOAT of pro wrestling) is both felt and heard, as some of his old promos are mixed into the beat, the results of which are both great and hilarious. And, of course, Mike performs effortlessly alongside all of these extra bells and whistles.  

30. 

Earl Sweatshirt

Chum

Columbia / Odd Future / Tan Cressida | Hip Hop (2013)

This troubled and extremely honest track was the lead single from Earl Sweatshirt’s debut studio album Doris. 

Though young, he had already established himself as a prominent talent in rap and Chum helped justify those expectations. Produced by Earl himself, alongside the duo of Christian Rich, this is a song which primarily tackles his life growing up without a father. The opening lines to the first verse hit hard, and acted as a relatable comfort to many I’m sure. 

29. 

Julia Holter

I Shall Love 2

Domino | Indie Pop (2018)

What was easily one of the most spellbinding pieces of art pop I heard all decade long came from the brilliant Julia Holter, with this single, taken from her album Aviary. 

It’s a perfect example of patience, as this song starts of subtly before very slowly, over five plus minutes, it grows into life, with the use of both enveloping instrumentation and choral vocals. The final minute and a half is especially majestic, just when you think it can’t soar any higher, it does. 

28. 

Mitski

Nobody

Dead Oceans | Indie Rock (2018)

“My God I’m so lonely, so I open the window, to hear sounds of people”. These are the opening lines to this single,which was taken from Mitski’s album, Be The Cowboy. 

And for anybody who has suffered through bouts of isolation and loneliness, it’s a devastatingly real set of lyrics. How surprising then that things quickly switch gear and turn into such a fun and upbeat rock track. It’s the kind of song that’ll have you dancing around your room whilst simultaneously crying your eyes out. 

27. 

Fleet Foxes 

Third Of May / Õdaigahara

Nonesuch / Warner Bros. | Folk (2017)

It was a long time, almost six years, that us fans were kept waiting for new music from the Robin Pecknold-led folk band. Finally though, our patience was rewarded in the form of this single, taken from their third LP Crack Up. 

A long track that was every bit as bold and epic as we were hoping it’d be. Making up for lost time, the song bursts into life, literally within its opening second. Then, there’s that slow second half, which makes for a cold and wintry conclusion.  

26. 
Grimes

Oblivion

4AD | Indie Pop (2012)

Initially it may have been a stunning revelation for me personally that this song and Visions, the album it’s featured on, was created entirely on the app GarageBand. 

But, in hindsight it’s actually in-keeping with the creative and eccentric stylings of the Canadian artist Grimes. On Oblivion, she and the music are utterly compelling. Grabbing you by the hand and taking you along for the ride on this electronic piece of futuristic pop. 

25. 
Joanna Newsom

Divers

Drag City | Baroque Pop (2015)

On the title track to her fourth studio album, Joanna Newsom delivers what is one of her most beautifully written and most well crafted songs. 

The ornate music is highlighted by her voice, both the melody and performance of it are ace on this long and elegant piece of baroque pop. In fact, this actually stands as the longest on the album at over seven minutes, which I love. The longer her song is, the more time it has to grow and flourish into something really special, which this one does. 

24. 
Saba

LIFE

Saba Pivot, LLC | Hip Hop (2018)

On the Chicago rapper’s sophomore studio album CARE FOR ME, this single stands out tonally from the rest. Like a shot of adrenaline, this is an intense, highly charged track, which is conversely surrounded by mostly laid back jazz infused beats and reflective lyrics. 

Impassioned by the subject matter, both Saba‘s flow and lyrics are incredible; from the family orientated storytelling on the chorus, to the devastating harshness on the post-chorus and everything else on either side. 

23. 
Kamasi Washington

Street Fighter Mas

Young Turks | Jazz (2018)

I love jazz, though it can admittedly be a bit of an intimidating genre for newcomers. However, a prevailing narrative for the music of Kamasi Washington is how he manages to maintain such an accessible quality to his work. 

It’s especially evident during this track, taken from his massive double album, Heaven and Earth. It’s all done with a slight G Funk flair, big rising choral vocals and of course, Kamasi Washington himself, as his saxophone sings and dances all over the track. 

22. 
The National

Bloodbuzz Ohio

4AD | Indie Rock (2010)

Though they offered many great options, this was my favourite single, from my favourite album that The National released this entire past decade. 

It’s a perfect representation of a rock band, getting older, continuing to mature and evolve their sound right before our eyes and ears. It’s such an enveloping track too, from the crashing drums to the subtle horns and piano that plays underneath everything and Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals singing his continually cryptic, reminiscing lyrics. 

21. 
Future Islands

Seasons (Waiting On You)

4AD | Synth Pop (2014)

One of the best indie bands to breakout this decade must have been the North Carolina based synth pop trio Future Islands.

And it was thanks in large part to this catchy and passionate song, which was taken from their appropriately titled album Singles. Not to mention the band’s terrific performances of the song on a multitude of TV shows around the time of the album’s release, all of which were highlighted by frontman Samuel Herring’s lovable dance moves. 

20. 
Tyler, the Creator

911 / Mr. Lonely (feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy)

Columbia | Hip Hop (2017)

Originally loved for his dark and transgressive style, the Californian artist quickly started to show signs of a much sweeter, more sincere side. 

On this single taken from his album Flower Boy, Tyler fully embraced that evolution and in doing so, released his best music up until that point. Joined by fellow Odd Future alumni Frank Ocean and The Internet’s Steve Lacy, Tyler gives us a song of two halves; the first half is soulful and (unfortunately) relatable while the second is much more frantic and paranoid. 

19. 
Azealia Banks

212 (feat. Lazy Jay)

Self Released | Hip Hop (2011)

Performing over Lazy Jay’s house production, Azealia Banks is strong worded and absolutely merciless on this ferocious single, which was taken from her debut EP, 1991.

The New York rapper experienced a handful of controversies throughout the decade which seems to have unfortunately, though understandably, influenced some people’s opinion of her and her music. And yet, no one can deny her talent or just how much of a classic this track is. 

18. 
clipping. 

Story 2

Sub Pop | Hip Hop (2014)

Incredible that so much is achieved during such a succinct track, taken from the experimental hip hop trio’s debut studio album, CLPPNG. 

Together, members William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes produce a glitchy and industrial beat, which comes with constant switch ups. The biggest highlight though, comes from the final third of the group, rapper Daveed Diggs, as he tells a dramatic story, which is fucking fantastic. As is his flow, matching the unpredictable beat every step of the way. 

17. 
The War On Drugs

Under The Pressure

Secretly Canadian | Indie Rock (2014)

This is both the opening track and one of the lead singles taken from The War On Drugs’ 2014 LP, Lost In The Dream. 

Adam Granduciel and company set the tone to the entire album impeccably with this thing. It’s both dreamy and hazy but with some of those classic, old school rock and Americana influences on its surface. It’s almost nine minutes long and towards the conclusion, the music takes on an endless and drifting sound, an alluring invitation to the rest of the album. 

16. 
Ought

Beautiful Blue Sky

Constellation Records | Post-Punk (2014)

The Canadian band Ought released their sophomore studio album Sun Coming Down in 2015, which featured this phenomenal art punk single. 

It’s a track that is damn near unassuming with its patient intro and lyrics that centre around casual conversational tropes like “how’s the family, how’s your health been?”. However, the track quickly evolves and escalates, alluding to the ultimate simplicity of life. It becomes something much more meaningful and poignant in the process. 

15. 
Danny Brown

Grown Up

Fool’s Gold | Hip Hop (2012)

The unpredictable Detroit rapper Danny Brown takes us on a trip down memory lane with this short, stand alone single of his. 

With an appropriately nostalgic instrumental that’s provided by the production duo of Party Supplies, Danny Brown is at his most accessible and straight forward on what could be described as his catchiest song ever. He is reflective as he shares several anecdotes within the lyrics, all of which are funny, affable and full of character. 

14. 
Courtney Barnett

Avant Gardener

Mom + Pop | Indie Rock (2013)

The Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett’s debut single, from The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas. 

It’s such a loose and woozy indie rock anthem in which Courtney Barnett brings excitement to the mundane, as she recounts her experience of having an anxiety attack whilst gardening. Her brilliant use of wordplay, which has since become a staple of her output in general, is evident in the title of this track alone. 

13. 
Pusha T

Numbers On The Board

Def Jam / GOOD | Hip Hop (2013)

This track is taken from the debut studio album of Pusha T, My Name Is My Name. And years before the release of DAYTONA, this was the first collaboration between he and Kanye West which caught my attention. 

And the production from Yeezus is immediate, that beat is both intense and hypnotic. It matches Pusha’s tone and lyrical content tenfold, as the New York born rapper tells street smart tales of drug dealing and the wealth which can be derived from it. 

12. 

Grizzly Bear

Yet Again

Warp | Indie Rock (2012)

This is a single taken from Grizzly Bear’s fourth studio album, Shields. On it, the Brooklyn based indie band offered a sonic representation of their artistic growth. 

It starts off sounding exactly what you would expect to hear from a blossoming band that had just enjoyed their most successful years to date. An epic art pop sound with sweeping chords and those trademark harmonies. The biggest highlight however, comes during the outro. A wild, chaotic and aggressive finish that calls to mind their more experimental past.

11. 

Foals

Spanish Sahara

Sub Pop / Transgressive | Indie Rock

Taken from the English band’s second album Total Life Forever. A song that is over six and a half minutes long, yet is still too damn short. 

It all starts off so peacefully, it’s almost unassuming. You can hear the sound of waves gently crashing and envision the surroundings. But, over the next few minutes things build more and more both slowly and stylishly. It all culminates in what is easily one of the most exciting and rewarding payoffs I heard in an indie rock song this whole decade. 

10. 

Danny Brown

Ain’t It Funny

Fool’s Gold / Warp | Hip Hop (2016)

You know a song has a special significance to you when you can remember precisely where you were the first time you heard it. 

When this first came blasting through my car speakers, I was stunned. English producer and frequent collaborator Paul White’s instrumental was loud, obnoxious, in-your-face and awesome. Even though he has a reputation for embracing beats like this, surely Danny Brown would struggle to work his magic with this one? He absolutely wouldn’t. 

9. 

Kanye West

No More Parties In LA (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Def Jam / GOOD | Hip Hop (2016)

Announced as a promotional track to Kanye West’s album, The Life Of Pablo, this had hip hop fans excited simply by the three names connected to it. 

A Kanye West track, featuring Kendrick Lamar and produced by Madlib. All three delivered on their respective ends, Madlib provided a slick and soulful beat, Kendrick dropped an incredible verse, while Kanye (perhaps motivated by Kendrick’s reputation of stealing the show) came through and performed his finest verse from that entire album.

8. 

Big Thief

Not

4AD | Indie Rock (2019)

Returning just five months after their third LP, U.F.O.F., the Brooklyn based band announced their fourth, Two Hands, which was preceded by this lead single. 

Big Thief have always had an amazing restraint to their sound, however, this marked the first time I heard them violently throw those restraints to the side and deliver a wild and exciting track which quickly devolves into an very messy, yet razor sharp solo, that comes off sounding like an impromptu jam session. 

7. 

Solange

Cranes In The Sky

Columbia / Saint | R&B (2016)

Solange delivered on her third studio album, A Seat At The Table, in a big way and this single is its most beautiful moment. 

It takes someone with the exceptional vocal talents and presence of Solange to work with this level of production and songwriting (which was done by Raphael Saadiq, Nick Kobe and Solange herself) and not be overshadowed by it. Instead, she rises alongside it, singing about the plight of heartbreak and the accompanying, unavoidable sadness that it creates. 

6. 

Ought

Today More Than Any Other Day

Constellation Records | Post-Punk (2014)

Talking once again about Canada’s Ought. This time we’re taking a look at a track from their debut studio album. 

I can’t recall any other song from this past decade I loved as much as this one, that went from 0 to 100 as quickly or severely as this one does. Although it doesn’t end there, the track continues to build until the final epic crescendo, which is accompanied by the wholesome and inspiring cries of lead singer Tim Darcy, who assures us “everything is going to be ok”. 

5. 

LCD Soundsystem

I Can Change

DFA / Parlophone / Virgin | Alternative / Electronic (2010)

Taken from LCD Soundsystem’s third LP This Is Happening. The electronic group have never sounded so hopelessly romantic than on this single. 

I’ve always loved frontman James Murphy’s lyrics, he seems able to capture a song’s tone and essence in just a couple of great, quotable lines. Like during the opening verse of this pining track, when he sings, “open your arms, dance with me until I feel alright”. It’s all so relatable and desperate, whilst being performed on what sounds like a pop gem from the ‘80s. 

4. 

Car Seat Headrest

Beach Life-In-Death

Matador | Indie Rock (2018)

This is an indie rock epic, over 13 minutes long. Taken from the Will Toledo-led band’s re-recording of their Twin Fantasy LP, which was originally released in 2011. And no other song on that album benefits from the fresh coat of paint applied to it, than this one. 

This is a track that sometimes sounds like it would be perfect being performed in a small club full of sweaty diehard fans, and yet at other times sounds as though it is destined to be sang in a sold out arena by thousands. 

3. 

Frank Ocean

Pyramids

Def Jam | R&B (2012)

This futuristic single with undertones of soul and funk, highlighted Frank Ocean’s debut studio album Channel Orange, and it is a total tour-de-force in both the production and performance. 

The whole thing has different twists and turns as far as the tone and tempo, the execution of which is always dazzling. It’s a rare thing to hear a song that is almost ten minutes in length and so ambitious in scale, and yet can still manage to sound so catchy and accessible all at the same time. 

2. 

Kendrick Lamar

The Blacker The Berry

Aftermath / Interscope / Top Dawg | Hip Hop (2015)

One of the lead singles taken from the Compton rapper’s third studio album To Pimp A Butterfly, which grabbed my attention like few others songs across any genre this past decade. It’s an understandably aggressive and confrontational track as K. Dot tackles themes of race and racism. The whole thing has a hostility that is damn near unnerving. And those closing lyrics, in which Kendrick explains the reasoning behind calling himself a “hypocrite”, are mind blowing, intense and totally brilliant. 

1. 

Tame Impala 

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Modular | Indie Rock (2012)

This is the second single taken from the second studio album of Australian project Tame Impala, which is led by singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Kevin Parker. 

It serves as the ultimate, summery, feel good, psychedelic rock song, with an infectious and addictive vocal melody, which is joined by a great bassline. I also love the way that it thickens and becomes heavier and even more kaleidoscopic towards its end. One of those songs so addictive you’ll lose count of the number of times you've listened to it very quickly, as I did long ago. 

Twitter @dustymixtapes