Column: From Kanye West to Rebecca Black: Here are the best and worst songs of the 2010s

The 2010s brought about some surprising changes to musical trends, and I'm here for (almost) all of them. 

The early years of the decade marked a glitzy and over-the-top pop sound, with artists like Kesha and Lady Gaga bringing big personalities to match. 

These larger-than-life personas behind the music made it more believable and authentic, and that's something I feel dwindled in the second half of the decade. The constant electronic dance music influence in today's pop is one-note and super boring. I like some EDM songs, but hearing the same chill, tropical beat a million times gets old. 

On the other hand, I've been really impressed with R&B music from the past few years. 

Whereas some '90s slow jams went into corny territory, recent R&B artists are bringing a new degree of honesty and introspection to their music. if I could, I would've listed Frank Ocean's entire "Blonde" album as some of the best songs of the 2010s.

Sadly, that wouldn't make for very interesting content. With this in mind, I'm bringing some of my hot takes about the best and worst songs of 2019 (in no particular order, for those concerned).  

“Reborn” by Kids See Ghosts (Kanye West and Kid Cudi) (2018)

This song reflects inner tranquility in a beautiful way. It serves as an anthem of self-discovery and never accepting complacency with one’s self. It comes off as motivating yet not patronizing, which is a refreshing balance. Kid Cudi’s familiar hums echo through the piece, creating a sense of belonging. Cudi’s assertion that "peace is something that starts with me” exudes hope and healing. Within the context of Kanye’s tumultuous life events and public relations fiascos throughout the decade, this song symbolizes self-reflection and a focus on improvement. I feel that the simplicity of the song makes it an important cultural piece of the 2010s.

“The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala (2015)

The Australian band’s track is guided by the smooth glide of an electric bass. This song exemplifies a popular musical theme from the 2010s: happy tunes contrasted with sad lyrics. The message of unrequited love is prominent throughout the song. The singer is forlorn, lamenting that their love interest is chasing after someone else. The way that Tame Impala maintains a catchy and radio-friendly beat amidst melancholy lyrics makes it an important talking point for this decade’s music. 

“Pyramids” by Frank Ocean (2012)

This nine-minute saga takes the listener on a multi-movement emotional journey. Frank first sings about a queen covered in jewels and prestige. Later, he laments, “he has killed Cleopatra,” but the song maintains a disco feel. Then, the beat almost melts into itself like a Dalí painting, and the listener glides through the tones of the interlude. The second segment of the song is slowed down from the first, taking a slow-burning and raw approach to a modern-day relationship. The way that Frank Ocean is able to pack complex societal commentary into one song is immensely impressive, and it cements him as my favorite artist of the 2010s. 

“911/ Mr. Lonely” by Tyler, the Creator (2017)

Tyler the Creator has always been a bit of wild card. He began the decade catching flack for using homophobic slurs and depicting graphic violence in his song lyrics. However, his 2017 album “Flower Boy” marked a sharp transition from this vulgar self-branding. Tyler boasted a mellow approach to life and a new sense of humility throughout this album. 911/Mr. Lonely is a shining example of Tyler’s renewed sound and maturity. 

“Til I Forget About You” by Big Time Rush (2010)

I had to throw a fun one in here. This is the peak breakup song of the 2010s, and I'll die on this hill if need be. It doesn’t wallow in sadness and self-pity like the average melancholy breakup song, instead, it flips the narrative and is all about having fun with your friends and celebrating being single. Even though I’m in a happy two-year relationship, I’ll still blast this song into the 2020s (and nobody can stop me). 

WORST SONGS OF THE 2010s

“CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!” by Justin Timberlake(2016)

This one is sad to write because I truly love Justin Timberlake’s music. I also respect his diverse talent as an artist, actor and dancer. Having said that, it must be said that this song is flaming garbage. I'd go as far as to say it's an insult to Timberlake’s overall impact as a pop artist. This song is so boring and repetitive, it’s like it was made for some dreary public event. It’s palatable for everyone and offends no one, but it’s not entertaining in the least. Justin has a lot of strong musical pieces throughout his discography, but this song is a bona fide dud.

“ME!” by Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie (2019)

Guess who doesn't like this song? ME! It rubs me the wrong way and comes off eerily juvenile, especially the “Hey kids, spelling is fun!” line. Although I’m typically a big Panic! At the Disco fan, I don’t think Brendon and Taylor’s voices mesh well together. This song seems like a bizarre publicity ploy, and I just can’t get behind it. 

“Friday” by Rebecca Black (2011)

I’m not gonna lie. This song is really catchy, and Rebecca did not deserve the overwhelming hate she received as a young girl after the song’s release. It’s obvious she was trying to have a good time, however, the song’s lyrical content is making mountains out of molehills. Is it really that important whether she takes the front seat or back seat of her friend’s car on the ride to school? As long as she gets to school on time, that’s all that matters. 

“Closer” by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey (2016)

The Chainsmokers’ mediocrity is astounding. I really dislike how every pop song released toward the end of the 2010s has some EDM infusion, and this song is a prime example of my irritation. The song’s chorus is an earworm in the worst possible sense of the word, and I don’t find the beat to be particularly fun or danceable. The overplaying on pop radio stations didn’t help its case, either.  

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line (2012)

This song encapsulates everything that makes me despise country music. The lyrics are formulaic and predictable, full of lines about trucks, girls in denim shorts and beer. The way the public collectively lost its mind over this song was flabbergasting. Worst of all, the excessive amount of hype built around this song enabled Florida Georgia Line to continue making annoying bro-country music (“Meant to Be,” I’m looking at you!)