2020 was a year unlike any other, and its impact reverberated across every facet of life, including music. While the world grappled with unprecedented challenges, the music scene continued to thrive, delivering a diverse and unforgettable collection of tracks. So, if you're looking to revisit the sonic landscape of that pivotal year, or perhaps discover hidden gems you missed, you've come to the right place. This blog post dives deep into the definitive list, exploring the best songs of 2020 Rolling Stone selected – a curated compilation reflecting the year's most impactful, innovative, and simply unforgettable sounds. From chart-topping hits to critically acclaimed indie darlings, we'll dissect the trends that defined 2020's music scene and help you rediscover the songs that captured the zeitgeist. Get ready for a nostalgic journey through a year of music history, revisiting the tracks that still resonate today. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or just looking for a great soundtrack to your day, this list is guaranteed to spark joy and maybe even unearth a new favorite.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dynamite | BTS | 2B+ | |
| 2. Levitating | Dua Lipa | Future Nostalgia | 895M+ |
| 3. Blinding Lights | The Weeknd | After Hours | 844M+ |
| 4. Circles | Post Malone | Hollywood's Bleeding | 695M+ |
| 5. Break My Heart | Dua Lipa | 620M+ | |
| 6. The Box | Roddy Ricch | Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial | 605M+ |
| 7. Life Goes On | BTS | 551M+ |
1. Dynamite - 2025
Genre-bending Sound: BTS's "Dynamite" masterfully blends disco-pop influences with their signature K-pop energy, creating a sound uniquely infectious and undeniably catchy.
Unforgettable Vocals: The vocal harmonies are exceptional, perfectly complementing the upbeat rhythm and delivering an undeniably feel-good experience.
Cultural Impact: Its entirely English lyrics broadened the group's global reach, solidifying their place in mainstream pop culture and making it a defining hit of 2020.
2. Levitating (Dua Lipa)
Disco-infused Dancefloor Anthem: Levitating's infectious beat and irresistible groove solidified its place as a dance-floor staple, perfectly capturing the yearning for carefree nights out in 2020.
Dua Lipa's Vocal Prowess: Lipa's effortless vocals soar over the track's shimmering synths, showcasing her undeniable star power and vocal range.
Enduring Pop Perfection: Its catchy melody and sophisticated production ensured Levitating transcended fleeting trends, becoming a timeless addition to any best-of playlist.
3. Blinding Lights (After Hours)
Synth-driven 80s Nostalgia: Blinding Lights masterfully evokes the soundscape of 1980s synth-pop, creating a retro-futuristic atmosphere perfectly capturing the decade's vibrant energy.
The Weeknd's Vocal Prowess: The Weeknd's distinctive vocals are at their peak here, delivering a captivating performance that blends vulnerability and charisma.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable hook and pulsating rhythm cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon and undeniably infectious earworm that resonated throughout 2020.
4. Circles (Hollywood's Bleeding)
Sound: Circles' mellow, melancholic vibe, driven by a hypnotic guitar riff and subtle trap beats, perfectly captured the reflective mood of 2020.
Vocals: Post Malone's signature raspy vocals are both vulnerable and captivating, adding to the song's emotional resonance and making it instantly memorable.
Emotional Impact: The lyrics' exploration of cyclical patterns in relationships resonated deeply with listeners navigating uncertainty and change during a challenging year.
5. Break My Heart (2020)
Catchy Melody: Dua Lipa's "Break My Heart" boasts an undeniably catchy melody that burrowed its way into the collective consciousness in 2020, cementing its place amongst the year's most memorable tracks.
Production: The song's slick, danceable production perfectly captured the vibe of the era, showcasing a polished sound that felt both modern and timeless.
Emotional Resonance: Despite its upbeat tempo, "Break My Heart" carries a poignant emotional undercurrent that resonated deeply with listeners grappling with the uncertainties of 2020.
6. The Box (Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial - 2025)
Sound: Roddy Ricch's "The Box" captivated listeners with its minimalist yet hypnotic beat, a stark and effective soundscape that perfectly complemented his delivery.
Vocals: Ricch's signature flow, characterized by its laid-back swagger and undeniable charisma, delivered a performance that resonated deeply with the mood of 2020.
Cultural Impact: The song's ubiquitous presence across social media and its catchy hook solidified its status as a defining track of the year, demonstrating its remarkable cultural impact.
7. Life Goes On
Sound: Life Goes On's mellow, acoustic-driven sound offered a refreshing contrast to the usual high-energy BTS tracks, making it a standout amidst 2020's releases.
Emotional Impact: The song's poignant lyrics about resilience and finding hope in difficult times resonated deeply with listeners, reflecting the shared global anxieties of the year.
Vocals: BTS's vocal harmonies are particularly beautiful and emotive in this track, enhancing its heartfelt message.
8. WAP (Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon)
Production: WAP's beat is a hypnotic blend of trap and hip-hop, perfectly showcasing the artists' individual styles while creating a cohesive whole. The rhythm is infectious and undeniably catchy.
Vocals: Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion deliver fiercely confident and unapologetic vocals, their distinct styles complementing each other to create a powerful, unforgettable performance.
Cultural Impact: The song sparked significant conversation and debate upon release, becoming a defining moment in 2020's pop culture landscape and solidifying its place as a bold, memorable hit.
9. Say So (Hot Pink)
Sound: Doja Cat's "Say So" boasts a retro-infused sound, blending smooth, R&B-tinged vocals with a catchy, irresistible beat that perfectly captures the vibrant energy of 2020.
Rhythm: The song's undeniable groove, driven by a playful bassline and infectious rhythm, made it a dance floor staple and an earworm that stuck with listeners long after the song ended.
Vocal Performance: Doja Cat's playful and confident delivery cemented "Say So" as a standout track, showcasing her unique vocal style and solidifying her status as a rising star.
10. Laugh Now Cry Later (The Off-Season - 2025)
Production: Drake and Lil Durk's "Laugh Now Cry Later" boasts a hard-hitting, polished production that perfectly captures the vibe of a triumphant summer anthem, making it a standout track of 2020.
Vocal Synergy: The contrasting vocal styles of Drake's smooth delivery and Lil Durk's aggressive flow create a dynamic and captivating listening experience.
Cultural Impact: The song's memorable hook and accompanying music video, featuring high-end visuals and a celebrity cameo, cemented its place as a 2020 cultural touchstone.
11Mood
iann dior,24kGoldn
2020
El Dorado
12Rain On Me
Lady Gaga,Ariana Grande
2020
On The 6
13Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles
2020
Fine Line
14Blueberry Faygo
Lil Mosey
2020
15Supalonely
Benee, Gus Dapperton
2019
16Roses
SAINt JHN
2020
17Stuck with U
Justin Bieber,Ariana Grande
2020
Rock Of The Westies
18Therefore I Am
Billie Eilish
2020
Happier Than Ever
19Holy
Justin Bieber,Chance the Rapper
2020
My World
20Midnight Sky
Miley Cyrus
2020
Plastic Hearts
21Go Crazy
Young Thug,Chris Brown
2020
Slime & B
22Rockstar
DaBaby,Roddy Ricch
2020
23cardigan
Taylor Swift
2020
folklore
24My Future
Billie Eilish
2020
25exile
Taylor Swift,Bon Iver
2020
folklore
26Savage Remix
Beyoncé,Megan Thee Stallion
2020
27Intentions
Justin Bieber,Quavo
2020
Changes
28Dreams
Fleetwood Mac
1977
Rumours (Super Deluxe)
- 29
Adore You
Harry Styles
2019
Fine Line