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The Decade That Defined Pop: A Look Back at 2010s Music

 The 2010s were a fascinating era for music, a decade where digital streaming took over, pop music evolved into a genre-blending powerhouse, and EDM, Hip-Hop, and Indie sounds all shared the top spot on the charts. It was a time of massive anthems, viral hits, and artists who became global icons almost overnight.

The Pop Titans Reignited



The decade kicked off with the continuation of the electronic-infused pop boom, but it quickly matured. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna dominated the first half, delivering high-energy dance-pop hits like "Born This Way," "Firework," and "We Found Love." This era was characterized by maximalist production and bold, colourful aesthetics.

Key Artists & Hits:

  • Adele: Her albums 21 and 25 single-handedly proved that stripped-down, soulful ballads could still break records in the age of dance music ("Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You").

  • Taylor Swift: She made a massive pivot from country darling to global pop superstar with 1989, delivering synth-pop perfection like "Shake It Off" and solidifying her status as a songwriting force.

  • Bruno Mars: He brought a retro, funk, and R&B flair back to the mainstream with infectious hits like "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic."


The Rise of the Stream and the Blended Genre

The biggest shift of the decade was the dominance of the streaming platform. This changed what became a hit, allowing for unexpected sounds to rise.

  • Hip-Hop’s Evolution: Artists like Kendrick Lamar (To Pimp A Butterfly), Drake ("Hotline Bling"), and Cardi B ("Bodak Yellow") defined the decade, pushing the genre into new artistic and commercial territory. Trap music became the most influential sound globally.

  • EDM Goes Mainstream: The early 2010s saw the massive rise of EDM (Electronic Dance Music), with DJs like Avicii ("Wake Me Up"), Calvin Harris, and Skrillex becoming stadium-filling superstars. Their sound bled into nearly every pop song.

  • Indie and Alternative Breaks Through: Artists like Lorde ("Royals") and Gotye ("Somebody That I Used to Know") showed that stripped-back, unconventional songs could become massive global smashes, proving the diversity of the streaming audience.

Lasting Legacy

The 2010s set the stage for today's music landscape. The decade taught us that genres are just suggestions and that a massive hit can come from anywhere, be it a superstar like Ed Sheeran ("Shape of You") or a viral sensation. It was a period of boundary-pushing creativity that we’re still feeling today.

What was your favorite 2010s anthem? Let us know in the comments!

Written by:    Steven Ricky Lie

References:

  • https://www.riaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/RIAA-2015-Year-End-shipments-memo.pdf

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Decade-End

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_Hot_100_number-one_singles_of_the_2010s 

  • https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/to-pimp-a-butterfly-kendrick-lamar-album/

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royals_(song)

  • https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-narrative-guide-to-kendrick-lamars-to-pimp-a-butterfly-2015/


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