As we step into 2025, it’s a perfect moment to look back at the music that shaped the early 2020s. The year 2020 marked a period of creativity, with fans tuning into albums like “After Hours” (The Weeknd), “Positions” (Ariana Grande) and “Future Nostalgia” (Dua Lipa). From the pop excellence of Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar” to Megan Thee Stallion’s empowering anthem “Savage,” 2020 was packed with unforgettable hits. The Weeknd delivered a masterclass in genre-blending with “Save Your Tears” and “In Your Eyes,” while BTS made global waves with their smash hit “Dynamite.” Hip-hop and rap thrived in 2020, with standout tracks like Roddy Ricch’s “The Box,” DaBaby’s “Rockstar” (featuring Roddy Ricch), and Drake’s collaborations, including “Life Is Good” with Future and “Laugh Now Cry Later” with Lil Durk. On the pop-rap spectrum, Jack Harlow’s “Whats Poppin” remix brought together an all-star lineup of DaBaby, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne. The rise of social media and TikTok also played a pivotal role in amplifying tracks like Doja Cat’s “Say So” and Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo’s “Savage Love.”
Here’s a list of songs that are turning five in 2025, reminding us of an unforgettable era in music.
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“Dynamite” by BTS
Released in August 2020, “Dynamite” marked BTS’s first all-English single, propelling them to unprecedented global success. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first South Korean act to achieve this feat. It dominated the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart, tying the all-time record for most weeks at No. 1. The song’s infectious disco-pop sound and vibrant visuals garnered widespread acclaim.
“POV” by Ariana Grande
Featured on her 2020 album “Positions,” “POV” showcases Ariana Grande’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. While it didn’t chart as a single, the song gained significant popularity, becoming a fan favorite and a staple in Arianators’ playlists.
“In Your Eyes” by The Weeknd
A standout track from The Weeknd’s 2020 album “After Hours,” “In Your Eyes” blends synth-pop elements with introspective lyrics. The song peaked within the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was complemented by a remix featuring Doja Cat, which further expanded its reach.
“Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd
Also from “After Hours,” “Save Your Tears” achieved significant chart success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 following a remix featuring Ariana Grande. The collaboration brought both artists their sixth No. 1 hit. Its widespread acclaim and commercial performance underscore The Weeknd’s influence in shaping modern pop music.
“The Box” by Roddy Ricch
Released in December 2019, “The Box” became a defining hit of 2020. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks and was ranked No. 3 on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 chart for 2020.
“Rockstar” by DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch
This collaboration became one of the biggest hits of 2020, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. Its success was further highlighted as it led Billboard’s Top 10 Songs of Summer 2020. The track’s catchy melody and dynamic performances by both artists contributed to its widespread acclaim and commercial success.
“Life Is Good” by Drake & Future
Released in January 2020, “Life Is Good” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for several weeks. The song’s depiction of success and perseverance resonated with audiences, becoming a staple in both artists’ discographies and reflecting their significant influence in the hip-hop industry.
“Say So” by Doja Cat
“Say So” became a breakout hit for Doja Cat in 2020, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after 18 weeks on the chart. The song’s disco-inspired sound and viral dance challenge on social media platforms contributed to its widespread popularity, earning Doja Cat critical acclaim.
“Whats Poppin” by Jack Harlow ft. DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne
The remix of “Whats Poppin” elevated Jack Harlow’s profile in 2020, with the song peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The collaboration with prominent artists brought diverse styles to the track, enhancing its appeal and showcasing Harlow’s versatility as an emerging rapper.
“Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion
“Savage” became a cultural phenomenon in 2020, especially after a remix featuring Beyoncé. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Megan Thee Stallion a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.
“Intentions” by Justin Bieber ft. Quavo
“Intentions” by Justin Bieber, featuring Quavo, was released in February 2020 as part of Bieber’s album “Changes.” The track peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting over a million units sold. Its positive message and catchy melody resonated with audiences, contributing to its commercial success.
“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles, released in November 2019, gained significant popularity in 2020. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Styles’ first solo chart-topping single in the U.S. Certified multi-Platinum, it became a summer anthem in 2020.
“WAP” by Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion
“WAP” by Cardi B, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, debuted in August 2020 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum. Its provocative lyrics and empowering themes sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the artists’ influence in the music industry and their role in pushing the boundaries of mainstream music.
“Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa
“Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa, released in March 2020, is a standout track from her album “Future Nostalgia.” The song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum. Its disco-influenced sound and introspective lyrics about vulnerability in love resonated with listeners, further establishing Lipa as a leading figure in contemporary pop music.
“Savage Love” by Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo
“Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo became a global hit in 2020. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-Platinum. Its catchy melody and viral dance challenge on social media platforms contributed to its widespread popularity, showcasing the power of digital platforms in propelling songs to international success.
“My Oh My” by Camila Cabello ft. DaBaby
“My Oh My” by Camila Cabello, featuring DaBaby, was released in January 2020 as a single from Cabello’s album “Romance.” The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum. Its fusion of pop and trap elements, along with its narrative of a forbidden romance, appealed to a wide audience.
“Laugh Now Cry Later” by Drake ft. Lil Durk
“Laugh Now Cry Later” by Drake, featuring Lil Durk, debuted in August 2020. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum.
“Mood” by 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior
“Mood” by 24kGoldn, featuring Iann Dior, became a breakout hit in 2020. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-Platinum. Its genre-blending sound and relatable lyrics about fluctuating emotions struck a chord with a diverse audience, showcasing the emerging artists’ potential in the music scene.
“Yummy” by Justin Bieber
“Yummy” by Justin Bieber, released in January 2020, marked his return to the music scene after a hiatus. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its R&B-influenced sound and catchy chorus garnered significant attention, contributing to the anticipation and success of his subsequent album, “Changes.”
“Godzilla” by Eminem ft. Juice WRLD
“Godzilla” by Eminem, featuring Juice WRLD, was released in January 2020 as part of Eminem’s album “Music to Be Murdered By.” The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Eminem’s rapid-fire verses and Juice WRLD’s melodic hook created a dynamic collaboration.
“Popstar” by DJ Khaled ft. Drake
“Popstar” by DJ Khaled, featuring Drake, debuted in July 2020. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum.
“Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
“Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, released in May 2020, is a dance-pop anthem celebrating resilience and perseverance. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first female collaboration to do so in seven years, and was certified Platinum. Its uplifting message and energetic production resonated with listeners, becoming a highlight of 2020’s pop music landscape.
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