THE MOST LISTENED TO MUSIC OF EACH DECADE

Music is a fantastic art. Without the use of force, it can move our bodies with the beauty of sound. And this isn't new! Music has always accompanied humanity since its beginnings, and with advances in technology, it has become practically omnipresent in our lives. The same music can now be heard by billions of people, anywhere in the world. Today, we'll explore the most-listened-to songs of each decade, from 1960 to 2020. First, we'll count album sales and the number of these songs on platforms like Spotify.

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THE MOST LISTENED TO MUSIC OF EACH DECADE

1960- Fortunate Son (1,6 billion)

"Fortunate Son," released in 1969 by the American band Creedence Clearwater Revival, is one of the most iconic protest songs of the Vietnam era. Composed by John Fogerty, the band's leader and vocalist, the song fiercely criticizes social inequalities and the hypocrisy of military conscription during the war. The lyrics denounce how the sons of the elite and powerful—the "fortunate sons"—often avoided military service, while ordinary young men were sent into combat. The fast-paced, rock-and-country-influenced rhythm, combined with Fogerty's powerful voice, made "Fortunate Son" an anthem against injustice and the abuse of power. Its impact was so profound that the song remains a symbol of anti-war resistance and the fight for social justice to this day, frequently used in films, documentaries, and protests to represent the rebellious spirit of the 1960s.

Creedence's success is timeless, as evidenced by the song's over 197 million views on the band's YouTube channel alone. Proving that even 6 decades after its release, it remains in the hearts of fans, and winning over new generations.

Other Hits: “Hey Jude” (The Beatles), “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” (The Rolling Stones), “Respect” (Aretha Franklin), “Like a Rolling Stone” (Bob Dylan).

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1970- Bohemian Raphsody (2,7 Billions)

The song "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a rock classic. Composed in 1975, the track boasts an innovative structure for the time, combining elements of rock, opera, and other musical styles in a single song.

At over six minutes long, the song's lyrics are quite enigmatic and complex, addressing themes such as death, redemption, and regret. The track is divided into several sections, each with a different sound and rhythm, including an instrumental section in which the vocals are replaced by a guitar solo.

Despite its initial controversial reception, "Bohemian Rhapsody" became a huge commercial and artistic success, reaching number one on the UK charts and being considered one of the best and most influential songs in rock history. The track also popularized the music video as a form of music promotion, with an iconic video featuring the band members in extravagant costumes, singing in surreal settings, and stunning visual effects.

Without a doubt his most exciting performance came ten years after its release, in 1985, at Live Aid, with a true Freddie Mercury show, bringing the entire Wembley to its feet.

Other Hits: “Dancing Queen” (ABBA), “Stayin’ Alive” (Bee Gees), “Imagine” (John Lennon), “Hotel California” (Eagles), “YMCA” (Village People).

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1980- Every Breth You Take (2,6 Billions)

The 1980s were marked by synthesizers, catchy choruses, and music videos that shaped pop culture. Amidst this backdrop, The Police's "Every Breath You Take" emerged as a global phenomenon. Released in 1983, the Sting-penned song is often mistaken for a love song, but its lyrics speak of obsession and vigilance. With a minimalist arrangement and hypnotic melody, it spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard charts and became one of the most played songs in radio history.

Other Hits: “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson), “Like a Prayer” (Madonna), “Sweet Child o’ Mine” (Guns N’ Roses), “With or Without You” (U2), “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper).

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1990- Smells Like Teen Spirit (2,3 Billions)

Released in 1991, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" became a landmark of the grunge explosion and the anthem of the 1990s youth generation. Composed by Kurt Cobain, lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana, the song captures the angst, discontent, and rebellion of a youth who felt lost amidst the consumerism and superficiality of mainstream pop culture. The intro, with its heavy, unmistakable riff, paved the way for a raw, energetic sound that contrasted with the more polished rock of the time. The track's explosive success put Nirvana in the global spotlight and helped popularize the Seattle alternative scene. The lyrics, deliberately ambiguous and ironic, reinforce the sense of alienation and disillusionment that permeated the era, becoming an enduring symbol of the grunge movement and a contemporary rock classic.

Other Hits: “…Baby One More Time” (Britney Spears), “I Will Always Love You” (Whitney Houston), “Wonderwall” (Oasis), “My Heart Will Go On” (Céline Dion).

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2000- Yellow (2,9 Billions)

Released in 2000, "Yellow" was the single that catapulted Coldplay to global stardom and marked the beginning of the band's career as one of the biggest names in alternative rock of the 21st century. Composed by Chris Martin, the song combines a simple, catchy melody with lyrics that express admiration, love, and devotion in a delicate and sincere way. The word "Yellow" doesn't have a literal meaning in the song, but it conveys a sense of light, warmth, and hope—characteristics that won over fans around the world. The music video, filmed on a beach at sunset, reinforces this atmosphere of beauty and simplicity. "Yellow" is considered one of the most iconic ballads of the 2000s and remains a classic that conveys universal emotions with a soft, captivating sound.

Other Hits: “Yeah!” (Usher), “Hips Don’t Lie” (Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean), “I Gotta Feeling” (Black Eyed Peas), “Umbrella” (Rihanna), “In the End” (Linkin Park).

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2010- Shape of You (4,3 Billions)

Initially, "Shape of You" is a captivating fusion of pop and dancehall, marked by a captivating beat and a pulsating bassline that immediately grabs attention. The use of light percussion and minimalist instrumentals creates a danceable and accessible atmosphere, perfect for dance floors and festivals. The production, by Sheeran in collaboration with Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, skillfully creates a contemporary sound that, at the same time, has a timeless appeal.

The lyrics of "Shape of You" are a celebration of desire and physical attraction. The narrative revolves around a romantic encounter in a bar, where the lyrical subject is drawn to the other person's physical form. With verses that reflect instant chemistry and an almost primal connection, the song captures the essence of a light and fun romance. Lines like "I'm in love with your body" convey a sense of freedom and relaxation, while also revealing a playful sincerity. This combination of straightforward lyricism and captivating melody resonates with listeners of all ages, making the song universal in its theme.

Considering the 6.5 billion views of the "Shape of You" music video on YouTube, the number surpasses 10 billion listeners, something simply unattainable.

Other Hits: “Despacito” (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber), “Rolling in the Deep” (Adele), “Uptown Funk” (Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars), “Old Town Road” (Lil Nas X).

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2020- Blinding By the Lights (4,8 Billions)

Released in 2019, "Blinding Lights" is one of The Weeknd's biggest hits and a landmark in contemporary pop music. With clear influences from synthwave and 1980s sounds, the track combines a vibrant and infectious beat with a nostalgic melody that has captivated audiences of all ages. The lyrics speak of the search for connection and love amid loneliness and confusion, conveying a sense of urgency and desire. The music video, set in a neon-lit urban landscape, reinforces the song's retro-futuristic vibe. "Blinding Lights" broke numerous records on music charts around the world, including consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and is frequently cited as one of the best songs of the 2010s, cementing The Weeknd as one of the most influential artists today.

Other Hits: “As It Was” (Harry Styles), “Flowers” (Miley Cyrus), “Anti-Hero” (Taylor Swift), “Unholy” (Sam Smith & Kim Petras), “Peaches” (Justin Bieber).