10 Hit Songs Turning 10 in 2024!

1. "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s album 1989 spawned many hits, but "Blank Space" is on another level. This song is self-aware and satirical -- Swift used this song to paint herself as the crazy ex-girlfriend the media relentlessly represented her as. In addition to the masterful songwriting, the song also has a music video that perfectly captures the vibe. In the video, Swift appears in multiple fabulous outfits in various locations at a lavish mansion. She looks captivating as she drops her video boyfriend’s cellphone in the pool, cuts up his clothing, throws his belongings off of a balcony, and destroys his car with a golf club. There’s a reason this video has amassed over 3 billion views since its 2014 release. Swift has since re-recorded the song, but we will always hold fond memories of the OG version.

2. "Dear Future Husband" by Meghan Trainor 

"Dear Future Husband" was included on Meghan Trainor's 2014 EP Title and was later re-released for her 2015 full-length album of the same name. The song details her relationship expectations such as wanting a man that will buy her flowers, apologize after fights, and treat her like a lady. Her list is perfectly reasonable and relatable for many. Paired with the upbeat tone, this song is catchy! It is also lovely and reassuring to know that, in the decade since Trainor released this song, she has gotten married and had two children. We love that after the success of this hit she found someone that meets her expectations!

3. "Animals" by Maroon 5

"Animals" is the second single from Maroon 5’s fifth album V. The song maintains the pop-rock sound fans had previously come to expect from the band, and the lyrics use animal metaphors to depict the intimate rekindling of a relationship. The song compares the pursuit of a partner to an animal’s pursuit of prey. The beat is uptempo and danceable, and Adam Levine’s vocals shine. "Animals" feels like a really natural progression from songs like "Moves Like Jagger" and "One More Night". Maroon 5 is a band that has always sounded true to themselves, and this song’s sound and vibe reflect that.

4. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran

"Thinking Out Loud" is a romantic ballad from Ed Sheeran's album x, a sweet ode to the idea of lifelong love. The lyrics focus on all of the circumstances of change and aging that occur through life, but Sheeran provides reassurance that love will survive regardless. The song is charming enough to make any romantic swoon. Sheeran has always been a brilliant singer and songwriter. With Sheeran having such a caring perception of love, it is extra sweet to know that he got married in 2019. The song also has a music video that provides complementary visuals to the song and features Sheeran and former "So You Think You Can Dance" contestant Brittany Cherry performing a gorgeous dance routine. 

5. "Somewhere Only We Know" by Lily Allen

Lily Allen provided hauntingly beautiful vocals when covering Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know". The cover is a bonus track on her 2014 album Sheezus and is a rare example of a cover surpassing the original. The original song is wonderful, but Allen’s version adds layers of emotion. Her version even reached number one on the UK Billboard chart. Though Allen has her share of more subdued songs, this song is a departure from her typical pop songs. This just proves her strength as an artist. She can sing catchy, bright-sounding tunes as well as allowing her vocals to take center stage in slower-paced songs.

6. "Problem" by Ariana Grande (feat. Iggy Azalea & Big Sean)

"Problem" is the lead single from Ariana Grande's album My Everything, and the release of this song marked a shift in Grande’s musical career. Her first album, Yours Truly, followed a sound and image expected by an artist who had recently ended a stint on Nickelodeon. However, My Everything is where Grande began to grow into a more mature artist, and "Problem" is a good representation of this shift. The song features rapper Iggy Azalea and hip-hop artist Big Sean, which gives the song an R&B-influenced sound. This song isn’t bubblegum pop, and though that genre can be fun, this genre-blending song worked well to establish Grande as the musical icon that we now know.

7. "Superheroes" by The Script

"Superheroes" is an inspirational anthem from The Script that served as the lead single for the rock band’s album No Sound Without Silence. The lyrics refer to people that are struggling in their life circumstances and commends them as heroes. This song is uplifting for anyone that’s having a bad day, month, or year. The Script makes sure that every person who needs some acknowledgement of their struggles can hear someone tell them that they are strong for keeping up the fight. Songs like these never go out of fashion.

8. "Riptide" by Vance Joy

"Riptide" is featured on Vance Joy’s 2014 album Dream Your Life Away, which you may recognize as it also contains Joy’s radio hit "Mess Is Mine", which has been featured in various forms of popular media. "Riptide" is a folk-pop song that you probably happily listened to a hundred times on the radio 10 years ago. The song is full of pop culture references and feels like it would fit perfectly into the pivotal scene of a coming-of-age movie. Joy’s voice is calming and earworm-inducing, and it is no surprise this song was such a hit or that it remains so lovely to listen to now. Joy has put out two more albums since the release of this song and released a single at the end of 2023. 

9. "Stolen Dance" by Milky Chance

In 2014, "Stolen Dance" became Milky Chance’s most commercially-successful song. The song was initially released in 2013, but it was re-released for radio in 2014. Following the re-release, it was subsequently added to the band’s 2014 album Sadnecessary. The song keeps a lowkey beat and expresses some sad but beautiful sentiments about missing someone. This song’s toned down vibes work uniquely in contrast to the big pop hits of the year. The rock duo found great success in this song, and they have continued to release music regularly since then. Next time you listen to this song, you might also want to check out the band’s 2023 album Living In A Haze. 

10. "I'm Not The Only One" by Sam Smith

This powerful ballad is from Sam Smith's 2014 debut album In The Lonely Hour. The video features "Glee" actress Dianna Agron as a wife in the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity. She is shown heartbroken as she drinks in a liquor store, and then angry as she burns her husband’s belongings. The video pairs well with the somber lyrics. Smith’s soulful voice fully immerses listeners into the emotions the song describes. Smith is a powerful and versatile artist. Their collaboration with Kim Petras became a pop hit in 2023, and though we love the electropop moment of "Unholy", sometimes it's nice to revisit a slower song that puts us in our feels. 

The 2010s may be long gone, but these 2014 hits have no expiration date. Go listen to these songs and enjoy the waves of nostalgia they bring!