The music industry has seen an immense shift in the past few years, and the way people consume music has changed drastically. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music, we can now access millions of songs with just a few clicks. In this article, we’ll be discussing the most popular contemporary songs based on the number of listens on these platforms.
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
“Shape of You” is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The song was released as a digital download in January 2017 as the lead single from his third studio album, “÷” (pronounced “divide”). The song is a fusion of pop, dancehall, and tropical house, and is about falling in love with someone’s body and soul. The song has been streamed over 5 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, making it one of the most popular songs of all time.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
“Uptown Funk” is a song by British musician Mark Ronson, featuring American singer Bruno Mars. The song was released as the lead single from Ronson’s fourth studio album, “Uptown Special,” in November 2014. The song is a retro funk and soul track, and the lyrics are about having a good time and feeling unstoppable. The song has been streamed over 4 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year.
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey
“Closer” is a song by American DJ duo The Chainsmokers, featuring American singer Halsey. The song was released in July 2016 as the lead single from The Chainsmokers’ second studio album, “Collage.” The song is an electropop track with a catchy chorus, and the lyrics are about two ex-lovers who reunite and reminisce about their past. The song has been streamed over 3.5 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and was a massive hit worldwide.
“Sorry” by Justin Bieber
“Sorry” is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber. The song was released in October 2015 as the second single from his fourth studio album, “Purpose.” The song is a tropical house and dancehall track, and the lyrics are about apologizing to a lover and promising to make things right. The song has been streamed over 3.4 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and was Bieber’s second number-one single in the US.
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
“Despacito” is a song by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, featuring Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee. The song was released in January 2017 as the lead single from Fonsi’s ninth studio album, “Vida.” The song is a reggaeton and Latin pop track, and the lyrics are about a sensual but slow seduction. The song has been streamed over 3.3 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and became the first song primarily in Spanish to top the Billboard Hot 100 since “Macarena” in 1996.
“God’s Plan” by Drake
“God’s Plan” is a song by Canadian rapper Drake. The song was released in January 2018 as the lead single from his fifth studio album, “Scorpion.” The song is a hip-hop track with an upbeat tempo, and the lyrics are about Drake’s gratitude for his success and blessings, and his desire to use his wealth and platform to help others. The song has been streamed over 3.2 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap Song.
“Rockstar” by Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
“Rockstar” is a song by American rapper Post Malone, featuring American rapper 21 Savage. The song was released in September 2017 as the lead single from Malone’s second studio album, “Beerbongs & Bentleys.” The song is a trap and hip-hop track, and the lyrics are about the lifestyle and struggles of being a rockstar. The song has been streamed over 3.1 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and became Malone’s first number-one single in the US.
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The song was released in September 2014 as the third single from his second studio album, “x” (pronounced “multiply”). The song is a romantic ballad with a slow tempo, and the lyrics are about falling in love and growing old with someone. The song has been streamed over 2.9 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Song of the Year.
“All of Me” by John Legend
“All of Me” is a song by American singer John Legend. The song was released in August 2013 as the third single from his fourth studio album, “Love in the Future.” The song is a piano ballad with a soulful melody, and the lyrics are about the unconditional love Legend has for his wife, model Chrissy Teigen. The song has been streamed over 2.8 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and became Legend’s first number-one single in the US.
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
“See You Again” is a song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa, featuring American singer Charlie Puth. The song was released in March 2015 as a single for the soundtrack of the film “Furious 7.” The song is a hip-hop and pop ballad, and the lyrics are about saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed away. The song has been streamed over 2.8 billion times on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music combined, and became the first rap song to reach one billion views on YouTube.
In conclusion, these 10 songs have captured the hearts and ears of millions of listeners worldwide, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a fan of pop, hip-hop, or ballads, there’s something for everyone on this list. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented artists and their music.