Spotify has over 100 million songs, yet only 805 have surpassed one billion streams. Reaching that milestone is no small feat, and while some might label these tracks as ‘sell-outs’ or ‘commercial pop,’ the sheer number of streams is undeniably impressive. Some of these songs truly deserve the acclaim they’ve earned, and after giving them a listen, it’s clear why they’ve resonated with so many. In this post, I’ll highlight a few tracks I believe are worthy of their massive success. If you’re not already familiar with them, be sure to add them to your playlists—they’re definitely worth a listen.
Stick Season – Noah Kahan
Indie Pop, Indie Folk (2022)
Noah Kahan writes a genius upbeat heartbreak song. This song is fun, easily singable, and very catchy. The lyrics are fresh and unique while tackling a universal and timeless song theme: heartbreak. A lot of people stuck on an ex can relate to the blunt, honest and witty words all over this song. Just reading the lyrics, its rather depressing, but the pop and catchiness of mixed with the lyrics boost this song to over a billion streams in just two years of being released. Banjo’s can be heard towards the second half of the song. The blend of folk music helps make this not just another annoying pop-break-up song, but a fresh and unique, fun and depressing song.
The Night We Met – Lord Huron
Indie Folk (2015)
Just like the previous song, this has depressing and sad lyrics following a breakup. However, this song leans into that theme with its music as well. While heartbreak is a very common song theme, this track tackles it in a different way. Reminiscing on the first day that the singer and their lover met. Going back to the night they met doesn’t only remind the listener of the good times and memories, but it also explores the idea of them never following a relationship. It’s a tricky thought, dealing with the classic question, “is it better to have love and to have lost, or to never have loved at all?”
These first two songs I have listened to a bunch over the past year after getting out of a long term relationship. They both seem to have been written for me. I am not alone in that many people who listen to this song can plug their own story in and think of their own memories, making the song more impactful.
I remember the night I met my first love. Only having a short conversation was enough for me to start to fall for her. I stayed late that night, hanging out with her friends at the small chance of talking to her again. It turned into a two year relationship, but this song makes me wonder if going back to the night we met and not staying late, how different my life would be. I also think about it in the way where I look back on the memories. Seeing her for the first time, what I thought when we first talked and falling in love. This song has the power to bring back those good memories, and albeit sad, I’m glad to have those memories to look back on. Many people have the same experience where if they did something different on that first night of meeting, things would be different and maybe the heartache wouldn’t be there if they did. This song is specific enough to give the listener direction, but vague enough to let them put their own memories and experiences into the song; one of the many reasons this song does so well.
Jocelyn Flores – XXXTentacion
Emo Rap (2017)
This short song lasts for under two minutes, but it has a super impactful message and is a great song. X raps about a girl close to him that took her own life. He writes about who she was and her effect on him. Themes of grief, sorrow, pain and guilt are all present in this quick track. A simple yet catchy beat, combined with X’s captivating vocals, impressive flow, and a deeply relatable, somber theme, creates the perfect recipe for a song that listeners will return to time and time again. Many of X’s songs have over one billion streams. He was a young and amazingly talented artist that resonated with many listeners. His music still touches and affects many people after his passing in 2018.
Summertime Sadness – Lana Del Rey
Pop (2012)
This is Lana Del Rey’s most streamed song and for good reason. It encompasses who she is an artist, musically and lyrically. She writes a slow and melancholy summer hit while being clever in her lyrics, strong with her impressive voice, and musically catchy. This song exploded in popularity on its release and stayed popular and relevant over a decade later. Its timeless sound makes it easy to listen to on repeat. Furthermore, this song was remixed by Cedric Gervais, helping the song gain more traction from a at the time, growing EDM fanbase. That version is just over 750 million streams.
Young and Beautiful is her only other track to surpass one billion streams and I think it showcases her voice better. However, Summertime Sadness will always be iconic and her number one song, popularity wise.
Talking To The Moon – Bruno Mars
Pop (2010)
Bruno Mars is the Michael Jackson of this generation. He has released pop hit after pop hit for over a decade. It isn’t just that he has released pop hits that were successful, it’s that he has done it for almost 20 years and counting. Him, Taylor Swift, and Justin Beiber all have had a grip on the pop and mainstream for a long time, and rightfully so. However, Mars creates the best music of the three in my opinion. This song, and many others that reach the one billion mark, like Leave the Door Open and When I was Your Man were close to making this list.
This sad love song shows Mars vocal range and talks about heartbreak in a unique way, that the mainstream hasn’t heard. The simple beat mixed with the melancholy piano, and his powerful voice are all ingredients for an amazing pop song. It’s beyond catchy, the catchiest on this list in my opinion. This song is great for night drives and singing loudly and emotionally along.
Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley & The Wailers
Reggae (1980)
Did I wait to release this article until this song had over a billion streams? Yes, yes, I did. I have never been sad when listening to a Bob Marley song, and this one deserves its flowers. It’s catchy, upbeat, happy and easy sing-along-able. Themes of uplifting love, care and peace are timeless, and so is the sound of this song. Perfect for the summer, and great to wipe away the winter blues. Marley should be in everyone’s happy playlists, and if you’re down, turn on some Bob Marley & The Wailers.
Redbone – Childish Gambino
Rap, R&B (2016)
There is no other song in Childish Gambino’s discography that sounds quite like this track. At first release, I had no idea this was him because it doesn’t really sound like his previous work. This shows the range of Donald Glover. He is a talented rapper, actor and this song adds singer to that list. This song was in the hit movie (my second favorite movie of all time) Get Out. The almost eerie sound mixed with the song’s theme of being aware in a relationship plays perfectly for that film. The song bends funk, soul and R&B. The nostalgic sounds and musicianship of the song, paired with the clever lyrics and Gambino’s falsetto makes for a really unique and terrific song.
Safe And Sound – Capital Cities
Dance Pop, Electronic Pop (2013)
This song is the definition of a feelgood, dance, pop hit. This song came out when I was in middle school and overtook the radio. It is beyond catchy, puts you in a good mood and makes you want to dance. While not doing anything too unique lyrically, the blend of synths, trumpets and vibraphones help give the listener a fresh sound. The chorus is catchy, and the final chorus is a finale that blends the harmonies and all instruments together. The band’s live shows are just like this song: energetic, fun, catchy and easy to dance to.
Slow Dancing In The Dark – Joji
Pop (2018)
Like the song title, this song feels and is perfect for Slow Dancing In The Dark. Joji’s calm and soothing voice, paired with the simple and catchy sound makes for a song that deserves to have over a billion streams. Like many popular songs, this song deals with the all too familiar feeling of unrequited love and a relationship not working out. The melancholy sound and the emotional voice in this track make for a great song to cry to.
Highest In The Room – Travis Scott
Rap (2019)
This song is a great introduction to Travis Scott. It’s catchy, quick, and easy to get lost in. His music has beats that overtake the listener, and his voice is soothing yet direct. This combination makes him stand out from other mainstream rappers. This was my favorite song by him that has over a billion streams. I wish all of his music sounded similar to this as he would be one of my favorites. This song doesn’t try too hard to be mainstream and I think that’s why, and so many people enjoy it. It’s calm but upbeat. It blends chill and quick in a fun and one of a kind way. I love the almost psychedelic feeling of the beat and the sound of his voice.
Sweater Weather – The Neighborhood
Alternative, Pop Rock (2013)
This song was also extremely popular in middle school. It wasn’t until recently that I found out it is the number eight most listened to song on Spotify. It also is the most streamed song on this list. The verses are quick, the bridge into the chorus is catchy and quick, then the chorus is like a breath of fresh air. The song is structured so well and is crafted in such a way that makes it so repeatable. The last minute and a half change tempo, style and sound. It is a timeless song that if I didn’t know this song when it was released, and I was told it was released this year, I would have believed it. There is a tinge of melancholy and sadness, yet it is comforting at the same time. It’s a great mix of emotions and a beyond catchy song that is easy to have on repeat.
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