The year 2016 was a memorable one in music, delivering a diverse range of sounds that catered to every kind of music lover. From dance floor bangers to emotional ballads, the Billboard chart was a clear reflection of the tracks that not only dominated the airwaves but also captured the hearts of listeners across the globe. Let’s take a leisurely trip down memory lane, revisiting the Top 10 Billboard songs from 2016—the tunes that had us singing along and hitting replay time and again.
#10 “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
Written for the animated film “Trolls,” Justin Timberlake’s infectious hit “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” blasted onto the music scene with a feel-good energy that was undeniable. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it an instant summer anthem, propelling it to become one of the year’s most recognizable songs. Timberlake’s smooth vocals paired with the song’s optimistic vibe were a winning combination, making “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” a universal favorite for all ages and inevitably a staple on the Billboard Chart.
#9 “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers ft. Daya
The Chainsmokers, with the help of the talented young vocalist Daya, delivered this electronic dance hit, “Don’t Let Me Down,” with skillful production that blended pop sensibilities with a drop heavy enough to resonate through club speakers worldwide. The song’s passion and power, coupled with its catchy hook and Daya’s compelling voice, vaulted this track into the upper echelons of the charts. The Chainsmokers proved their ability to create radio-friendly hits that were both artistic and engaging.
#8 “Panda” by Desiigner
Desiigner burst onto the scene with his debut single “Panda,” which quickly became a streaming sensation and a chart-topper thanks to its hypnotic beat and his energetic and distinctive vocal delivery. Although the lyrics were often difficult to decipher, the song’s rhythm and flow captured the imagination of listeners, making “Panda” a surprise hit and a cultural phenomenon that was played on repeat across various platforms throughout the year.
#7 “Work” by Rihanna ft. Drake
A dynamic duo if there ever was one, Rihanna and Drake teamed up once again to produce “Work,” a song that fused a dancehall vibe with an R&B groove. Rihanna’s Barbadian roots shone through in this hit, which was as infectious as it was repetitive. Different from the usual pop fare, “Work” showcased Rihanna’s versatility and Drake’s smooth rap flow, together creating an earworm that had fans dutifully singing—or attempting to sing—the chorus again and again.
#6 “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots
The musical outlier of 2016, Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out” cleverly combined elements of indie pop and rap to formulate a song that resonated with millennials grappling with adulthood and nostalgia. Tyler Joseph’s contemplative lyrics and unique flow, along with Josh Dun’s dynamic drumming, allowed “Stressed Out” to strike a chord with an audience yearning for more substantial content in their music, resulting in a sleeper hit that gradually climbed the charts to become one of the year’s most enduring songs.
#5 “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars brought pure funk back to the forefront of pop music with his glitzy single “24K Magic.” This track served as a time machine back to the ’80s, with its retro sonic elements mixed with modern flair. Mars’ showmanship and charismatic delivery translated into a party anthem that you couldn’t help but dance to. “24K Magic” shined with its catchy hook, funky bassline, and Mars’ signature bravado, making it a standout track for the year.
#4 “Closer” by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey
Dominating both the charts and the hearts of listeners, The Chainsmokers, featuring the distinct vocals of Halsey, created one of the biggest earworms of 2016 with “Closer.” The song detailed a bittersweet story of love and nostalgia, paired with a catchy synth hook that became nearly inescapable for anyone with an ear out for pop music. The combination of evocative lyrics and a memorable melody ensured “Closer” a long-lasting stay on the Billboard charts and at the top of many year-end playlists.
#3 “Sorry” by Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s redemptive arc hit its stride with the release of “Sorry,” a tropical house-inspired track where he apologized for past mistakes. The song’s blend of a catchy, syncopated beat and Bieber’s sincere vocals propelled it to become one of the most popular tracks of the year. The dance-ready rhythm paired with the apologetic lyrics struck a chord, showcasing Bieber’s growth as an artist and hinting at the emotional depth yet to come.
#2 “One Dance” by Drake ft. WizKid and Kyla
Drake’s “One Dance” quickly became the soundtrack of 2016, featuring the talents of Nigerian artist WizKid and UK singer Kyla. The song’s blend of afrobeat, dancehall, and Drake’s R&B roots created a global rhythm that was impossibly catchy. It showcased Drake’s ability to cross cultural boundaries and produce a track that was as perfect for a chill night at home as it was for a night out on the town. “One Dance” held its place firmly at the top of the charts, becoming a defining hit of the year.
#1 “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
Topping the Billboard charts and claiming the number one spot for 2016 was none other than Justin Bieber with “Love Yourself.” The song, co-written with Ed Sheeran, stripped down the production to highlight Bieber’s matured vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Its acoustic simplicity and candid storytelling diverged from the electronic-heavy sound dominating the charts, proving the power of a well-crafted song. “Love Yourself” resonated deeply with listeners and was a testament to Bieber’s evolving artistry, earning its place as the most iconic song of 2016.
2016 was indeed a year to remember when it comes to music. Artists melded genres, emotions ran high in lyrics, and each song in this Top 10 list brings back a taste of what 2016 was musically—a vibrant mix of beats and anthems that continue to echo in our playlists today. Whether you were dancing to “24K Magic,” getting nostalgic with “One Dance,” or reflecting with “Love Yourself,” these tracks were the heartbeat of a memorable year in music history.