Top Music of Past Decade

In 2011, Adele released her album “21,” in which she combined Motown soul and folk vibes with American country and Southern blues music. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, “21” is one of the best-selling albums of all time. Photo: flickr.com

Since 1946, entertainment media company Billboard has announced its year-end No. 1 song and album for each genre. At the end of each decade, the company announces the best songs and albums of the past 10 years based on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. According to Billboard, rankings are based on “sales, radio airplay and streaming activity.”  

With the arrival of the 2020s, The Knightly News takes a look back at Billboard’s top 10 songs and albums of the 2010s. In addition, we recognize notable artists who passed away during that time. They include Leonard Cohen, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Nipsey Hussle, XXXTentacion, Mac Miller and Juice Wrld.

Songs of the Decade:

1. “Uptown Funk!” – Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

Release Date: 11/10/2014

Peak Date: 1/17/2015

2.  “Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & Goonrock

Release Date: 1/25/2011

Peak Date: 7/16/2011

3. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran

Release Date: 1/6/2017

Peak Date: 1/28/2017

4. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey

Release Date: 7/29/2016

Peak Date: 9/3/2016

5. “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 Featuring Cardi B 

Release Date: 5/30/2018

Peak Date: 9/29/2018

6. “We Found Love” – Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harris

Release Date: 9/22/2011

Peak Date: 11/12/2011

7. “Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus 

Release Date: 12/3/2018

Peak Date: 4/13/2019

8. “Somebody That I Used To Know” – Gotye Featuring Kimbra 

Release Date: 7/5/2011

Peak Date: 4/28/2012

9. “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber

Release Date: 1/12/2017

Peak Date:  5/27/2017

10. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele 

Release Date: 11/29/2010

Peak Date: 5/21/2011

Albums of the Decade:

1. “21” – Adele

Release Date: 1/24/2011

Peak Date: 3/12/2011

2. “1989” – Taylor Swift 

Release Date: 10/27/2017

Peak Date: 11/15/2014

3. “÷ (Divide)” – Ed Sheeran 

Release Date: 3/3/2017

Peak Date: 3/25/2017

4. “Frozen Soundtrack”

Release Date: 11/25/2013

Peak Date: 1/18/2014

5. “beerbongs & bentleys” – Post Malone 

Release Date: 4/27/2018

Peak Date: 5/12/2018

6. “Stoney” – Post Malone 

Release Date: 12/9/2016

Peak Date: 10/28/2017

7. “Night Visions” – Imagine Dragons

Release Date: 9/4/2012

Peak Date: 9/22/2012

8. “X” – Ed Sheeran 

Release Date: 6/20/2014

Peak Date: 7/12/2014

9. “Views” – Drake

Release Date: 4/29/2016

Peak Date:  5/21/2016

10. “DAMN.” – Kendrick Lamar 

Release Date: 4/14/2017

Peak Date: 5/6/2017