As the new year approaches, it’s time to reflect on the music that shaped our lives a decade ago. The year 2015 was a landmark moment for music, defined by infectious beats, poignant lyrics, and unforgettable performances. These timeless anthems not only defined an era but also soundtracked pivotal moments in our lives, from summer road trips to heartfelt goodbyes.
From Adele’s soul-stirring comeback with “Hello” to Major Lazer, DJ Snake, and MØ’s irresistible “Lean On,” 2015 delivered hits that remain iconic to this day. Pop stars like Selena Gomez (“Good For You”) and Taylor Swift (“Bad Blood” featuring Kendrick Lamar) showcased their evolving artistry, while The Weeknd captivated the world with “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face.”
The mid-2010s also marked a golden era for EDM. Dance music flourished in 2015, with tracks like Calvin Harris’s “How Deep Is Your Love” and David Guetta’s “Hey Mama” featuring Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack dominating both clubs and airwaves. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber redefined his career with chart-topping hits such as “Where Are Ü Now” (with Diplo and Skrillex) and “What Do You Mean?”
As these tracks celebrate their tenth anniversary, they remind us of 2015’s profound impact on the music industry. Let’s revisit 30 standout songs that have stood the test of time, evoking memories of a transformative era in music.
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1. “Lean On” – Major Lazer, DJ Snake & MØ
A global dance anthem, “Lean On” combines Major Lazer’s reggae-influenced production with DJ Snake’s electronic beats and MØ’s haunting vocals. Released in 2015, it became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. As part of Major Lazer’s Peace Is the Mission, the track was praised for its minimalistic yet infectious sound, earning numerous accolades and becoming Spotify’s most-streamed song of all time for a period.
2. “Hello” – Adele
Adele’s “Hello,” from her 2015 album 25, is a stirring ballad that explores themes of regret and reconciliation. Her soulful delivery, paired with powerful lyrics, resonated deeply with listeners, earning the song widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for 10 weeks, and won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys.
3. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” is an empowering anthem of resilience and self-belief. Released in 2015 as the lead single from her album Wildfire, the song quickly became a global hit, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in the UK. Its uplifting message resonated with listeners, making it a staple for motivational campaigns and personal triumphs.
4. “Locked Away” – R. City ft. Adam Levine
This heartfelt collaboration between R. City and Adam Levine blends reggae rhythms with pop sensibilities. Released in 2015, “Locked Away” explores unconditional love through introspective lyrics and Levine’s emotive vocals. The track was a commercial success, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining significant airplay.
5. “How Deep Is Your Love” – Calvin Harris & Disciples
Calvin Harris teams up with Disciples for “How Deep Is Your Love,” a hypnotic house track that became a dancefloor staple in 2015. Featuring alluring vocals by Ina Wroldsen, the song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated dance charts worldwide.
6. “Where Are Ü Now” – Diplo & Skrillex ft. Justin Bieber
“Where Are Ü Now” marked a pivotal moment in Justin Bieber’s career, showcasing a mature sound with Diplo and Skrillex’s innovative production. Released in 2015, the track blends EDM and pop, with emotive lyrics exploring longing and vulnerability. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. Its minimalist yet powerful drop became a defining sound of the era.
7. “Good For You” – Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez’s “Good For You” signaled her evolution into a more sophisticated pop artist. Released in 2015, the sultry track features understated production and introspective lyrics, with a rap verse by A$AP Rocky in its single version. It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was praised for its mature tone, setting the stage for Gomez’s critically acclaimed album Revival.
8. “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do” is a sweeping pop ballad written for the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. Released in 2015, the song’s soaring vocals and romantic lyrics captivated audiences, earning it a No. 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and a Grammy nomination.
9. “Want to Want Me” – Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo’s “Want to Want Me” is a feel-good pop hit with retro influences and a funky groove. Released in 2015 as the lead single from his album Everything Is 4, the song became an international success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
10. “Drag Me Down” – One Direction
“Drag Me Down” was One Direction’s first single as a quartet, showcasing a more mature and edgier sound. Released in 2015, the track topped charts in the UK and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became a standout from their album Made in the A.M.
11. “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
A tribute to actor Paul Walker, “See You Again” is a poignant ballad blending rap and pop. Featured in Furious 7 (2015), the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks and received Grammy nominations. Its heartfelt lyrics and Charlie Puth’s emotive chorus resonated globally, making it one of the most memorable tracks of the decade.
12. “What Do You Mean?” – Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean?” marked his transition into a more mature sound, blending tropical house with introspective lyrics. Released in 2015, the song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Bieber’s first chart-topper.
13. “Black Magic” – Little Mix
“Black Magic” is a spirited pop anthem by Little Mix that became a global hit upon its release in 2015. The song topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks and earned multiple certifications. A key track from their album Get Weird, it solidified the group’s reputation as pop powerhouses.
14. “7 Years” – Lukas Graham
A reflective and emotional ballad, “7 Years” by Lukas Graham chronicles the passage of time and life’s pivotal moments. Released in 2015 as part of their self-titled album, the song topped charts in multiple countries and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its heartfelt lyrics and universal themes resonated with listeners worldwide, earning Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year.
15. “I Want You To Know” – Zedd ft. Selena Gomez
Zedd’s “I Want You To Know,” featuring Selena Gomez, is a high-energy electronic track with pulsating beats and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 2015, the song peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a dancefloor favorite.
16. “Sugar” – Maroon 5
“Sugar” is a funky, feel-good track by Maroon 5 from their album V. Released in 2015, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the band’s most memorable hits. The accompanying music video, featuring surprise wedding performances, went viral and added to the song’s charm. Its infectious melody and romantic vibe cemented its place as a pop classic.
17. “Watch Me” – Silentó
A viral sensation, Silentó’s “Watch Me” captured global attention with its simple yet addictive dance moves and catchy hook. Released in 2015, the song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and inspired countless dance challenges on social media. Despite its novelty status, it became a cultural moment, introducing millions to the “Whip” and “Nae Nae.”
18. “The Hills” – The Weeknd
A dark, brooding R&B hit, “The Hills” showcases The Weeknd’s signature style of blending haunting lyrics with ethereal production. Released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination.
19. “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a funky, MJ-inspired track by The Weeknd that dominated 2015. Blending upbeat production with metaphorical lyrics, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned critical acclaim. A cornerstone of his album Beauty Behind the Madness, it showcased his ability to create pop hits while retaining artistic depth.
20. “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar
“Bad Blood” is a fiery anthem of betrayal and empowerment by Taylor Swift, reimagined as a remix featuring Kendrick Lamar. Released in 2015, the song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy for Best Music Video. Featured on Swift’s 1989, its cinematic music video, starring a star-studded cast, became a cultural phenomenon.
21. “Worth It” – Fifth Harmony ft. Kid Ink
A sassy and empowering pop-R&B hit, “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony showcases bold vocals and infectious production. Featuring Kid Ink, the song peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a commercial success worldwide.
22. “Style” – Taylor Swift
“Style” is a sleek and sultry pop track from Taylor Swift’s 1989. Known for its vivid storytelling and polished production, the song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015. Its timeless theme of on-and-off romance, paired with its subtle nod to retro sounds, has made it one of Swift’s standout hits.
23. “Hotline Bling” – Drake
Drake’s “Hotline Bling” became a cultural phenomenon with its catchy melody and iconic music video. Released in 2015, the track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned two Grammy wins.
24. “Hey Mama” – David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
“Hey Mama” is an electrifying EDM anthem that features David Guetta’s production, Nicki Minaj’s rap, and Bebe Rexha’s powerful hook. Released in 2015, the song became a global hit, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its pulsating beats and high-energy vibe made it a festival favorite.
25. “Stitches” – Shawn Mendes
“Stitches” is a heartfelt pop ballad by Shawn Mendes that catapulted him to global stardom. Released in 2015, it reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in several countries.
26. “Talking Body” – Tove Lo
“Talking Body” is a sultry and unapologetic pop hit from Tove Lo’s debut album Queen of the Clouds. Released in 2015, the song reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
27. “FourFiveSeconds” – Rihanna, Paul McCartney & Kanye West
A stripped-down acoustic track, “FourFiveSeconds” combines Rihanna’s raw vocals, Kanye West’s emotive delivery, and Paul McCartney’s guitar. Released in 2015, the song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased a minimalist yet powerful side of Rihanna’s artistry, earning critical acclaim.
28. “Bitch Better Have My Money” – Rihanna
Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money” is a bold and assertive anthem of financial and personal empowerment. Released in 2015, the track reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its edgy sound and striking music video further cemented Rihanna’s reputation as an artist unafraid to take creative risks.
29. “Cool For The Summer” – Demi Lovato
“Cool For The Summer” is a daring pop-rock anthem by Demi Lovato that celebrates freedom and self-discovery. Released in 2015, it peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a summer anthem.
30. “Renegades” – X Ambassadors
“Renegades” is an uplifting alternative rock track by X Ambassadors that gained widespread acclaim in 2015. Featured in a Jeep commercial, the song became a sleeper hit, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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