The Top 50 Songs of the 2010s….So Far: Day Eight

The Boss performs with longtime band menber Steven Van Zandt at the 2012 Grammy Awards. (Photo by Getty Images’ John Shearer)

By: Jacob Elyachar

Day eight of my countdown features five songs that deal with two powerful themes: heartbreak or faith in the human spirit.

Each of these performers or groups always delivers incredible songs, have rocked the charts and received praise for their unique styles of music.

15. “We Take Care of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen

The first track off of the Boss’s seventeenth studio album was a fiery anthem called “We Take Care of Our Own.”   This powerful rock ballad featured remarkable lyrics from Springsteen and the signature E Street Band sound that has captured many generations of fans since their debut 40 years ago.  Currently, the track has been nominated for two Grammys.

The song’s music video features Springsteen preparing and performing the hit single.   Since its debut last February, the music video has been viewed over 1.320,000 times: http://youtu.be/-x8zBzxCwsM

14. “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem featuring Rihanna

One of the best hip-hop and pop collaborations of 2010 was Slim Shady’s intense duet with the Barbados beauty.  Eminem delivered some of Recovery’s finest beats while Rihanna stunned listeners with her sultry hooks.

Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson perform their hit duet: “Don’t You Wanna Stay” at the 2010 CMA Awards. (Photo property of the Country Music Association)

13. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” by Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson

Rising country rocker Jason Aldean’s collaboration with the original American Idol was one of the most played country duets during the latter half of 2010 and the first half of 2011.    Jason and Kelly had fantastic vocal chemistry on the song, which lead to being nominated in 2012 for the Grammys’ first ever: “Bet Country Duo/Group Performance.”

12. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine

If there was an award for one of the most unusual singles of the 2010s, it would probably go to Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over.”  This was the first time many Americans heard this band’s special sound and fell in love with vocalist Florence Welch.

Florence + the Machine made their U.S. debut on the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.  It was one of the highlights from the telecast: http://youtu.be/wIFz0hAz9Pw

Adele astonished the crowd with a powerful rendition of her hit: “Someone Like You.” (Photo property of Getty Images)

11. “Someone Like You” by Adele

Adele’s powerful pop ballad about a broken relationship was her second single off of her highly successful sophomore studio album: 21.  The multi-Grammy winner’s powerful vocals and lyrics astonished music lovers around the world and received critical acclaim for her heartbreaking piano-based track.

I do not own the clips that are used throughout the article, they belong to the artists and their respective record companies.