Top Ten Songs of 2016
January 10, 2017
1. “Closer”: The Chainsmokers
Written by the singer of the chainsmokers, Andrew Taggart, this song was the first of the duo’s songs to be a number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and [the song] stayed in that spot for 12 consecutive weeks. Musically, the song is considered and EDM and a dance-pop song. Outside of the United States, the song topped the charts in over ten countries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT2_F-1esPk
2. “Starboy”: the Weeknd
“Starboy” is a song by the Canadian star, The Weeknd and features Daft Punk. The two artists co-wrote and co-produced the song with Doc McKinney and Henry Walter. The song topped the charts in over 15 countries after it was released on Sep. 22, 2016. The song has gone platinum in the United Kingdom and 3x platinum in Canada. The song has been praised and received many positive reviews as critics see it as an attempt for the artist to evolve himself. In the music video, The Weeknd is shown trying to destroy evidence of his previous self, including past awards from a previous album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p-hp_XYc3w
3. “Black Beatles”: Rae Sremmurd
The Mannequin Challenge theme song, by hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd feature vocals from Gucci Mane. The song was released on Sep.13, 2016. Due to it’s large influence in the role of the Mannequin Challenge trend, the song became Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane’s first number one single on Billboard Hot 100.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niJwjCQ-pA
4. “Don’t Let Me Down”: The Chainsmokers
Released on Feb. 5, 2016, “Don’t Let Me Down” is a song by the duo The Chainsmokers and features vocals from singer Daya. The song was written by Andrew Taggart, Emily Warren, and Scott Harris. The song was The Chainsmokers and Daya’s first top five single on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three. The song later received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0citpYDaV
5. “One Dance”: Drake
“One Dance” is a song by hip hop recording artist Drake from his fourth studio album, Views. The song features vocals from artist Wizkid and singer Kyla. The song was released for digital download on April 5, 2016. “One Dance” reached number one in 15 countries, making it Drake’s first number one single in all 15 countries as the lead artist. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks and the UK Singles Chart for 15 consecutive weeks. The song was named Billboard’s Song of the Summer on Sept. 6, 2016, sold 1.9 million copies, and became the most played song on Spotify with over 1 billion streams.
6. “Let Me Love You”: DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber
Featuring vocals from the Canadian singer and songwriter, Justin Bieber, “Let Me Love You” was recorded by French electronic music producer. The artists co-wrote the song with Andrew Watt, Ali Tamposi, Brian Lee, and Louis Bell. The song was released on Aug. 5, 2016. Billboard ranked “Let Me Love You” as number 42 on their “100 Best Pop Songs of 2016.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1D6zHFFQso
7. “24K Magic”: Bruno Mars
A song by American singer Bruno Mars and songwriter Bruno Mars. Released on Oct. 7, 2016, the song serves as the lead single from third studio album of the same name. The song was written by Bruno Mars, Christopher “Brody” Brown, and Philip Lawrence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rb60fELtbs
8. “Don’t Wanna Know”: Maroon 5 ft. Kendrick Lamar
“Don’t Wanna Know” is a song by American pop rock band Maroon 5 that was released on Oct. 11, 2016 for digital download. The song reached top ten in 15 countries, while later being certified Gold in Austria and Italy. The song was written by lead singer of the band, Adam Levine and featured vocalist Kendrick Lamar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw06z9XKusg
9. “Cold Water”: Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber
The song was recorded by electronic music group Major Lazer featuring vocals by pop star Justin Bieber. The song was written by many known artists such as Ed Sheeran, Bieber, and Major Lazer member, Diplo. The song was released on July 22, 2016 for digital download and was debuted number two in the United States on Billboard Hot 100. This song became Bieber’s third number two debut on the chart, and his eleventh top ten single.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a59gmGkq_pw
10. “Treat You Better”: Shawn Mendes
Released on June 3, 2016, this song was written by Canadian singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes with help from Teddy Geiger and Scott Harris. It was the lead single on his album Illuminate. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, making Mendes’ second number one single.