The 2020s brought seismic shifts to music consumption, from TikTok virality to pandemic-era streaming binges. These tracks didn’t just dominate charts — they defined cultural moments and soundtracked collective experiences. From post-breakup anthems that launched a thousand Instagram stories to genre-bending collaborations that broke streaming records, this decade’s biggest hits prove that authenticity still cuts through algorithmic noise. Each song captured something essential about living through unprecedented times, whether celebrating newfound freedom or processing collective uncertainty. These aren’t just the most-played tracks — they’re the songs that made entire generations feel less alone.
10. Levitating – Dua Lipa (2021)
Dua Lipa created pure dancefloor joy when the world needed it most. “Levitating” spent 77 weeks on the Hot 100, peaking at number two and earning Billboard’s year-end number one status for 2021. The track’s disco-influenced production provided essential escapism during pandemic restrictions.
This song proved that sometimes the best response to global uncertainty is simply to dance. Lipa’s infectious energy translated across languages and cultures, making “Levitating” a truly global phenomenon. The track reminded everyone that music’s primary purpose is making people feel alive. For more on how “Levitating” made history, see this Billboard chart analysis.
9. Old Town Road – Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
Lil Nas X shattered genre boundaries and broke every record imaginable with this country-trap hybrid. “Old Town Road” spent an unprecedented 19 weeks at number one, tying for the longest reign in Hot 100 history. The collaboration proved that music’s future lies in genre fusion rather than traditional categories.
The song’s viral origins on TikTok demonstrated how social media could launch careers overnight. Lil Nas X turned a $30 beat into cultural phenomenon, proving that creativity and authenticity matter more than industry connections. Sometimes the most unlikely combinations create the biggest breakthroughs. The history of “Old Town Road” on Rolling Stone details its record-breaking run.
8. Heat Waves – Glass Animals (2020)
Glass Animals achieved the impossible: a slow-burn hit that took 59 weeks to reach number one, breaking every conventional wisdom about chart momentum. “Heat Waves” eventually spent 91 weeks on the Hot 100, dethroning “Blinding Lights” as the longest-charting song ever. The indie track earned Billboard’s year-end number one status for 2022.
The song’s delayed success proved that great music finds its audience eventually. Dave Bayley’s melancholic vocals about yearning and loss resonated with listeners navigating pandemic separation. Glass Animals demonstrated that sometimes the most unexpected songs become the most essential. For more on its chart journey, see Billboard’s feature on “Heat Waves”.
7. Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift (2022)
Taylor Swift examined her own darkness with brutal honesty on this introspective masterpiece. “Anti-Hero” spent eight weeks at number one before finishing among 2023’s biggest songs on Billboard’s year-end chart. The track showcased Swift’s evolved songwriting approach, moving beyond romantic narratives to explore deeper psychological themes.
Swift’s willingness to examine her flaws created unprecedented intimacy with fans. The song proved that audiences crave vulnerability over perfection, especially during times of collective self-reflection. “Anti-Hero” demonstrated how personal confessions can become universal anthems. For more on the impact of “Anti-Hero,” check out NPR’s analysis of Taylor Swift’s songwriting.
6. Flowers – Miley Cyrus (2023)
Miley Cyrus transformed personal heartbreak into universal empowerment with this disco-funk celebration. “Flowers” became her first-ever number one debut, spending eight non-consecutive weeks at the summit and finishing as Billboard’s second-biggest hit of 2023. The track broke Spotify’s record for most-streamed song in a single week.
Cyrus perfectly captured the zeitgeist of post-pandemic self-discovery. The song’s message of independence resonated with listeners prioritizing self-love over toxic relationships. Seventeen years into her career, Cyrus finally achieved her biggest hit by embracing complete authenticity. Read more about its streaming record in this Variety report on “Flowers“.
5. Good 4 U – Olivia Rodrigo (2021)
Olivia Rodrigo channeled teenage fury into pop-punk perfection with this breakthrough hit. “Good 4 U” reached number one while helping establish Rodrigo as Gen Z’s premier voice for heartbreak and empowerment. The track’s aggressive energy provided cathartic release for listeners processing their own relationship disappointments.
Rodrigo proved that young artists could create sophisticated music without sacrificing emotional authenticity. According to critical consensus, “Good 4 U” demonstrated how pop-punk influences could enhance rather than diminish contemporary pop songwriting. Sometimes the angriest songs become the most healing experiences. For a deeper look at Rodrigo’s rise, see this New York Times profile.
4. As It Was – Harry Styles (2022)
Harry Styles delivered pure escapism with this folk-pop gem that dominated 2022. “As It Was” debuted at number one and spent 15 weeks there — the longest reign by a male soloist in Hot 100 history. The track’s intimate production and vulnerable lyrics created immediate connection with listeners craving authenticity.
Styles proved that mainstream pop could still prioritize emotion over production tricks. The song’s success validated his transition from boy band member to serious artist, while its staying power demonstrated that quality songwriting transcends genre boundaries. Sometimes simplicity creates the strongest impact. For a summary of its chart run, see Billboard’s coverage of “As It Was”.
3. Last Night – Morgan Wallen (2023)
Morgan Wallen dominated country and pop simultaneously with this emotional ballad. “Last Night” achieved massive chart success, becoming one of 2023’s most significant songs according to multiple industry sources. The track demonstrated country music’s mainstream appeal while showcasing Wallen’s ability to craft universal narratives about regret and longing.
Wallen’s success proved that authentic storytelling transcends genre limitations. “Last Night” resonated with listeners across demographic lines, showing that well-crafted songs about human emotion will always find their audience. Sometimes the most personal pain creates the most relatable art. For more on its crossover appeal, see Billboard’s country chart analysis.
2. Blinding Lights -TheWeeknd (2020)
The Weeknd created the sound of early pandemic isolation with this synth-heavy masterpiece. “Blinding Lights” spent 90 weeks on the Hot 100, becoming the longest-charting song in Billboard history until “Heat Waves” eventually dethroned it. The track’s ’80s nostalgia’ provided comfort during uncertain times while hitting four weeks at number one.
This wasn’t just chart success — it was cultural dominance. The song earned Billboard’s year-end number one status for 2020 and proved that vintage sounds could feel completely contemporary. The Weeknd crafted an anthem for late-night drives through empty cities, capturing the surreal atmosphere of lockdown perfectly. For more on its cultural impact, see this Wikipedia overview of “Blinding Lights”.
1. Lose Control – Teddy Swims (2024)
Teddy Swims captured the sound of modern romance with this R&B-influenced ballad. “Lose Control” achieved remarkable longevity on the charts, eventually reaching number one and earning recognition as 2024’s top song according to Billboard’s year-end chart. The track’s slow-burn success proved that organic growth still matters more than manufactured buzz.
Swims demonstrated that soulful vocals and genuine emotion never go out of style. “Lose Control” showed how independent artists could build massive audiences through streaming platforms and social media. Sometimes the longest journeys lead to the most satisfying destinations. For more on Teddy Swims and his rise, see Billboard’s artist spotlight.
