Welcome, fellow music aficionados, to a journey through the sonic landscape of the 21st century, where beats are bolder, melodies are catchier, and chart-toppers reign supreme. As we explore the top 21 bestselling songs of the past two decades, get ready to groove, laugh, and maybe shed a tear or two as we uncover the tunes that have shaped our cultural soundtrack. So, without further ado, let’s press play and immerse ourselves in the melodies that have defined our era!
The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”
Most popular video’s views: 804.5 million
Most popular track’s plays: 4.1 billion
Kicking off our countdown is a song that’s so bright, it’ll leave you seeing stars even in broad daylight. Yes, you guessed it – it’s “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. Since its release in 2019, this electrifying anthem has been burning up the charts faster than a supernova, illuminating dance floors and playlists worldwide. With its infectious synth-pop vibes and irresistible hooks, “Blinding Lights” is a shining example of why The Weeknd is the undisputed king of modern pop.
Glass Animals – “Heat Waves”
Most popular video’s views: 683 million
Most popular track’s plays: 2.9 billion
Next up, we have a song that’s as hot as its title suggests – “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals. This indie-pop gem has been setting the airwaves ablaze since its release in 2020, with its hypnotic beats and dreamy vocals transporting listeners to a sun-soaked paradise. Whether you’re chilling poolside or cruising down the highway with the windows down, “Heat Waves” is the perfect soundtrack to your summer escapades.
Harry Styles – “As It Was”
Most popular video’s views: 703 million
Most popular track’s plays: 3 billion
Harry Styles needs no introduction, and neither does his chart-topping hit, “As It Was.” Released in 2022, this soulful ballad has been tugging at heartstrings and soaring up the charts faster than you can say “One Direction reunion.” With its raw emotion and haunting melody, “As It Was” is proof that Styles is not just a pop heartthrob – he’s a bona fide musical force to be reckoned with.
Mariah Carey – “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Most popular video’s views: 783 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.8 billion
Ah, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Mariah Carey’s timeless classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Since its release in 1994, this festive anthem has been a staple of yuletide playlists everywhere, spreading joy and cheer with every jingle of the bells. Whether you’re trimming the tree or sipping cocoa by the fire, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is the perfect soundtrack to your holiday festivities.
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – “Stay”
Most popular video’s views: 874 million
Most popular track’s plays: 3 billion
What do you get when you combine the talents of The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber? A chart-topping hit that’s stayed at the top of the charts longer than a Kardashian at a selfie convention, of course! “Stay” has been dominating the airwaves since its release in 2021, with its infectious beats and catchy chorus making it an instant favorite among music lovers of all ages. Whether you’re lovesick or lovestruck, “Stay” is the ultimate anthem for affairs of the heart.
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – “Save Your Tears”
Most popular video’s views: 1.5 billion
Most popular track’s plays: 1.5 billion
If there’s one thing The Weeknd knows how to do, it’s tug at your heartstrings – and “Save Your Tears” is no exception. This haunting duet with Ariana Grande has been tugging at heartstrings since its release in 2020, with its poignant lyrics and ethereal vocals leaving listeners reaching for the tissues. Whether you’re getting over a breakup or just need a good cry, “Save Your Tears” is the perfect soundtrack to your emotional rollercoaster.
Ed Sheeran – “Shape Of You”
Most popular video’s views: 6.2 billion
Most popular track’s plays: 3.8 billion
When it comes to crafting catchy pop tunes, Ed Sheeran is in a league of his own – and “Shape Of You” is proof of that. Since its release in 2017, this infectious earworm has been dominating the airwaves and dance floors alike, with its irresistible beat and catchy chorus making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re hitting the gym or hitting the town, “Shape Of You” is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.
Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits”
Most popular video’s views: 588 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.7 billion
Ed Sheeran is back at it again with another smash hit – “Bad Habits.” Since its release in 2021, this infectious bop has been infecting playlists faster than you can say “one more round.” With its pulsating beat and addictive melody, “Bad Habits” is the perfect soundtrack to your late-night escapades and early-morning regrets. So go ahead, indulge in a few “Bad Habits” – we won’t judge!
Lewis Capaldi – “Someone You Loved”
Most popular video’s views: 833 million
Most popular track’s plays: 3.3 billion
Breakups suck, but Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” makes them a little more bearable. Since its release in 2018, this heart-wrenching ballad has been tugging at heartstrings and dominating the charts with its raw emotion and soulful vocals. Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or just need a good cry, “Someone You Loved” is the perfect soundtrack to your post-breakup blues.
Nickelback – “How You Remind Me”
Most popular video’s views: 562 million
Most popular track’s plays: 944 million
Ah, Nickelback – the band you love to hate but secretly jam out to when no one’s watching. “How You Remind Me” is the quintessential Nickelback anthem, with its angsty lyrics and crunchy guitars making it an instant classic since its release in 2001. Whether you’re wallowing in teenage angst or just need to let off some steam, “How You Remind Me” is the perfect soundtrack to your rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
Dua Lipa & DaBaby – “Levitating”
Most popular video’s views: 862 million
Most popular track’s plays: 2 billion
If there’s one thing Dua Lipa knows how to do, it’s get the party started – and “Levitating” is proof of that. Since its release in 2020, this disco-infused bop has been lighting up dance floors and topping charts worldwide, with its infectious groove and catchy chorus making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re hitting the club or just need a pick-me-up, “Levitating” is guaranteed to get you grooving.
Usher, Lil’ Jon & Ludacris – “Yeah!”
Most popular video’s views: 914 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.2 billion
Throw your hands up in the air and wave ’em like you just don’t care – it’s time to get down to “Yeah!” by Usher, Lil’ Jon, and Ludacris. Since its release in 2004, this infectious club banger has been getting partygoers on their feet and shaking what their mamas gave them, with its irresistible beat and catchy chorus making it a staple of dance floors everywhere. So go ahead, let loose and unleash your inner party animal – because tonight, we’re saying “Yeah!”
Miley Cyrus – “Flowers”
Most popular video’s views: 734 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.9 billion
Miley Cyrus is no stranger to chart-topping hits, and “Flowers” is no exception. Since its release in 2023, this heartfelt ballad has been tugging at heartstrings and dominating the airwaves with its poignant lyrics and soulful vocals. Whether you’re reminiscing about lost love or just need a good cry, “Flowers” is the perfect soundtrack to your emotional journey.
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect”
Most popular video’s views: 3.7 billion
Most popular track’s plays: 2.8 billion
Love is in the air, and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is the ultimate romantic anthem. Since its release in 2017, this heartfelt ballad has been melting hearts and dominating wedding playlists with its sweet sentiment and soulful vocals. Whether you’re walking down the aisle or just need to serenade your sweetheart, “Perfect” is the perfect soundtrack to your love story.
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers”
Most popular video’s views: 337 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.5 billion
Ed Sheeran is back at it again with another infectious hit – “Shivers.” Since its release in 2021, this toe-tapping tune has been shimmying up the charts and getting stuck in our heads with its catchy chorus and upbeat vibe. Whether you’re hitting the dance floor or just need a mood boost, “Shivers” is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee – “Despacito”
Most popular video’s views: 8.4 billion
Most popular track’s plays: 1.7 billion
No list of chart-topping hits would be complete without “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. Since its release in 2017, this infectious earworm has been dominating airwaves and dance floors alike, with its irresistible beat and catchy chorus making it a global phenomenon. Whether you’re salsa dancing in the streets or just need a little pick-me-up, “Despacito” is the perfect soundtrack to your fiesta.
Wham! – “Last Christmas”
Most popular video’s views: 887 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.5 billion
Ah, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a little Wham! – and “Last Christmas” is the ultimate festive anthem. Since its release in 1984, this timeless classic has been decking the halls and spreading holiday cheer with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. Whether you’re trimming the tree or roasting chestnuts by the fire, “Last Christmas” is the perfect soundtrack to your yuletide celebrations.
Tones & I – “Dance Monkey”
Most popular video’s views: 2.1 billion
Most popular track’s plays: 3 billion
If there’s one song that’s guaranteed to get you moving and grooving, it’s “Dance Monkey” by Tones & I. Since its release in 2019, this infectious earworm has been lighting up dance floors and dominating charts worldwide, with its catchy chorus and upbeat vibe making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re busting a move at the club or just need a little pick-me-up, “Dance Monkey” is the ultimate party anthem.
P Diddy, Usher & Loon – “I Need A Girl”
Most popular video’s views: 49.2 million
Most popular track’s plays: 115 million
When it comes to hip-hop classics, “I Need A Girl” by P Diddy, Usher, and Loon is in a league of its own. Since its release in 2002, this smooth jam has been setting the mood and topping the charts with its sultry lyrics and infectious groove. Whether you’re cruising down the boulevard or just need a little R&B romance, “I Need A Girl” is the perfect soundtrack to your late-night escapades.
Mary J Blige – “Family Affair”
Most popular video’s views: 561 million
Most popular track’s plays: 468 million
We also have Mary J Blige’s iconic hit, “Family Affair.” Since its release in 2001, this funky jam has been getting partygoers on their feet and shaking what their mamas gave them, with its infectious beat and catchy chorus making it a staple of dance floors everywhere. Whether you’re grooving at a barbecue or just need a little pick-me-up, “Family Affair” is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.
Elton John & Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart”
Most popular video’s views: 523 million
Most popular track’s plays: 1.9 billion
And last but certainly not least, we have “Cold Heart” by Elton John and Dua Lipa. Since its release in 2021, this infectious collaboration has been melting hearts and dominating airwaves with its irresistible melody and powerhouse vocals. Whether you’re belting it out in the shower or just need a little musical magic, “Cold Heart” is the perfect soundtrack to your day.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, folks – the top 21 bestselling songs of the 21st century. From infectious pop anthems to timeless classics, these tunes have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape and continue to soundtrack our lives in ways big and small. So go ahead, press play, and let the music carry you away – because the beat goes on, and the party never stops!
(References: Youtube and Spotify)
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“Last Christmas” was released in 1984, and “All I want for Christmas is You” was released in 1994 :)
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Yeah, odd choices. And can Christmas Tunes really be classified in the same category with original new work?
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Oh, the perennial debate: classics vs. contemporary hits! It’s like comparing Grandma’s famous fruitcake to a trendy new dessert. Both have their place on the table, but which one steals the show? Well, let’s just say even Santa needs a playlist upgrade now and then! The charts were talking. Cheers! 🎅🎶
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So right. And, wow! What a delightful reminder of the timeless classics! It seems even Santa Claus has a playlist curated through the decades. Thanks for bringing up the correct years and the jolly trip down memory lane, too!
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Nice! I know fourteen of those enough to sing them so that leaves seven treasures yet to uncover. Life is good. 🥳
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Oh, the thrill of the hunt for those seven hidden gems! It’s like a musical scavenger hunt, and with fourteen already in your repertoire, you’re already ahead of the curve. Keep on uncovering those musical treasures, and may your playlist continue to grow richer with each discovery! 🎶🕵️♂️
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Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement, Sally. One of my favourite things is switching on the radio, listening to a song and then digging into who the singer is and listening to their most recent album. I learn a lot that way. Broadens my horizons. Hope you’re having a Lovely Day (as Bill Withers would say).
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Glad to hear you’re diving deep into the music scene, and what better way to explore than with a spontaneous radio-inspired journey! 🎶 Who knows, you might stumble upon the next big thing or rediscover a hidden gem. Keep those tunes flowing and may your days be filled with musical magic, Rob! 🎧✨
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Thanks, Sally. Rock on! 🤘🕺
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Thanks for the rock-solid encouragement! I’ll keep on grooving like a well-tuned guitar! 🎸🤘
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You’re a guitarist too? Is there no end to this girl’s talents! 🍄
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Haha, I’m just a girl with a few strings attached! 🎸🎶 Who knew there were so many notes to play and mushrooms to discover! 🍄😄
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Yeah, I’m not at all sure where that mushroom came from. I was tripping, obviously. 😄
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Well, sometimes it’s the unexpected mushrooms that make the best trips, I now reckon from this thread! 🍄😄
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Haha – true that! 🌋
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Indeed. Haha.
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It seems like Ed Sheeran dominates this list!
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Well, it’s Ed Sheeran’s world this time around, and we’re just living in it, or rather, listening to it! With hits that seem to have a permanent residence on the charts, he’s like the musical equivalent of that friend who always knows how to throw the best party. Here’s to Ed Sheeran, the unofficial king of the charts! 🎉🎶
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Nice roundup. Next time I have one of my kids in the car, I’ll play some of these and blow them away 😎😂👍
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Haha, watch out, you might turn your car into the coolest ride on the block! 🚗🎶 Your kids won’t know what hit them! 😎🎵
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