The Greatest Musical Artists Of The 2010s
From Kanye West and Taylor Swift to Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, we're ranking the best artists of the decade. This list of the top 2010s artists includes some of the most popular musicians, bands, and singers in pop, rap, country, EDM, rock, R&B, and more. The 2010s decade was filled with so many good songs and albums, but which artists stood out from the rest?
Vote up the best artists of the 2010s, and add your favorites if they deserve to be on this list.
This enigmatic R&B singer catapulted to fame with his dark, moody, and mysterious sound, which quickly garnered a cult following. His falsetto voice and seamless blending of genres like pop, electronic, and hip-hop have made him a mainstay on the charts while also earning critical acclaim. Throughout the decade, he collaborated with some of the industry's biggest names, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in modern music.
- Albums: Kiss Land, House of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes of Silence, Trilogy
This powerhouse vocalist became a global phenomenon thanks to her soulful ballads and raw emotional honesty that struck a chord with listeners worldwide. With her rich, velvety voice and exceptional songwriting skills, she effortlessly bridged the gap between classic soul sensibilities and contemporary pop appeal. Her record-breaking album sales and numerous awards only further cemented her status as one of the defining artists of the decade.
- Albums: 21, 19, Make You Feel My Love, Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall, Cold Shoulder
A master storyteller and lyricist, this rapper took the world by storm with his thought-provoking narratives on race and society that resonated with listeners far beyond the confines of hip-hop. His technical prowess and ability to switch between rapid-fire delivery and smooth melodies helped him become one of the most respected artists in the game. As a multiple Grammy winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, he undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the 2010s musical landscape.
- Albums: good kid, m.A.A.d city, Section.80, Overly Dedicated, Memories Back Then
A multi-talented entertainer known for his electrifying performances, this artist consistently delivered chart-topping hits infused with elements of funk, soul, R&B, and pop throughout the 2010s. His undeniable charisma, vocal range, and impressive dance moves have earned him comparisons to iconic performers like Michael Jackson and Prince. With countless awards under his belt and numerous collaborations with other top artists, he's proven himself as an unstoppable force in music.
- Albums: Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Unorthodox Jukebox, Earth to Mars, It's Better If You Don't Understand, Moonshine
This Barbadian beauty quickly became a pop culture icon with her ever-evolving sound, bold fashion statements, and unapologetic attitude. Her versatility as an artist is showcased in her wide-ranging discography, which includes dancehall-infused hits, sultry R&B ballads, and infectious pop anthems. With millions of albums sold, numerous awards, and a successful foray into the worlds of fashion and beauty, she's solidified her status as a true queen of the 2010s.
- Albums: Loud, Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna 3CD Collector's Set, A Girl like Me, Music of the Sun
Already an established force in hip-hop prior to the 2010s, this controversial figure continued to push boundaries and redefine the genre throughout the decade. His innovative production techniques and ability to blend elements from various musical styles have made him one of the most influential artists of his time. Despite frequent media scrutiny and polarizing antics, he remained at the forefront of music with several critically acclaimed albums under his belt.
- Albums: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Late Registration, The College Dropout, Watch the Throne, Graduation