The Best Song of Each Year Since 1960

Published: May 30, 2024 by 24/7 Tempo Staff

We all might have a favorite song, that hit that instantly takes you back to where you were and what was happening when it came out. For some, it might be a catchy tune from the 1960s that reminds you of that tie-dye shirt you once wore; for others, it might be something a bit more recent, leaving you with the memory of the time you went to a certain concert or music venue.

Whatever decade leaves you waxing nostalgic, you can relieve all the memories here, as we take you down memory lane on a musical journey beginning in 1960 and traveling through the decades, depositing you back to the present day. Take a peek at the number one hit song from each year, as well as bonus tracks that were runner-up contenders.

Rediscover old favorites like Bobby Lewis, Louis Armstrong And The All-Stars, and Elvis Presley, while recalling the reasons behind your admiration for contemporary icons like Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, and Adele. This journey traverses the realms of soundwaves and generations, reigniting your enthusiasm for music. All data is derived from the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Our ranking system employs an inverse point structure, awarding 100 points for a song at number 1 for a week, 99 points for number 2, and so forth. (The biggest debut albums in music history.)

Here are the top hits through the decades: the best song of each year since 1960:

1960: Jim Reeves, “He’ll Have To Go”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: 14
First runner-up: Brenda Lee, “I’m Sorry” (No. 1 for three weeks)
Second runner-up: Percy Faith And His Orchestra, “The Theme From ‘A Summer Place’” (No. 1 for nine weeks)
Third runner-up: Connie Stevens, “Sixteen Reasons” (No. 3 for one week)

1961: Bobby Lewis, “Tossin’ And Turnin’”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Seven
First runner-up: Chubby Checker, “Pony Time” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Ricky Nelson, “Travelin’ Man” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Del Shannon, “Runaway” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1962: Mr. Acker Bilk, “Stranger On The Shore”

Source: Marquisofqueensbury / Wikimedia Commons

Acker bilk (CC BY-SA 3.0) by Marquisofqueensbury

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Ray Charles, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)
Second runner-up: Dee Dee Sharp, “Mashed Potato Time” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Bobby Vinton, “Roses Are Red (My Love)” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1963: Jimmy Gilmer And The Fireballs, “Sugar Shack”

Source: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

NEW YORK - CIRCA 1961: Rock band The Fireballs (L-R Stan Lark, Eric Budd, Jimmy Gilmer and George Tomsco) pose for a portrait circa1961 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images)

Source: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Five
First runner-up: The Beach Boys, “Surfin’ U.S.A.” (No. 3 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Skeeter Davis, “The End Of The World” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: The Cascades, “Rhythm Of The Rain” (No. 3 for 1 week)

1964: Louis Armstrong And The All-Stars, “Hello, Dolly!”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Louis Armstrong Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: The Beatles, “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (No. 1 for 7 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Beatles, “She Loves You” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Roy Orbison And The Candy Men, “Oh, Pretty Woman” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)

1965: Sam The Sham and the Pharaohs, “Wooly Bully”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Four Tops, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Rolling Stones, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Third runner-up: The Righteous Brothers, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

1966: The Mamas & The Papas, “California Dreamin’”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: ? (Question Mark) & The Mysterians, “96 Tears” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Roger Williams, “Born Free” (No. 7 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: The Monkees, “Last Train To Clarksville” (No. 1 for 1 week)

1967: Lulu, “To Sir With Love”

Source: Terry Disney/Daily Express/Getty Images

British singer-songwriter Lulu, UK, 4th August 1968. (Photo by Terry Disney/Daily Express/Getty Images)

Source: Terry Disney/Daily Express/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Five
First runner-up: The Doors, “Light My Fire” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Frankie Valli, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: The Box Tops, “The Letter” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1968: Cream, “Sunshine Of Your Love”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: The Beatles, “Hey Jude” (No. 1 for 9 weeks)
Second runner-up: Hugo Montenegro, His Orchestra And Chorus, “The Good, The Bad And The Ugly” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra, “Love Is Blue (L’amour Est Bleu)” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)

1969: The Archies, “Sugar, Sugar”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Archies (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: The 5th Dimension, “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Temptations, “I Can’t Get Next To You” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: The Rolling Stones, “Honky Tonk Women” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1970: Rare Earth, “Get Ready”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Freda Payne, “Band Of Gold” (No. 3 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Carpenters, “(They Long To Be) Close To You” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Third runner-up: Vanity Fare, “Hitchin’ A Ride” (No. 5 for 2 weeks)

1971: The Raiders, “Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian)”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Rod Stewart, “Maggie May/Reason To Believe” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)
Second runner-up: Three Dog Night, “Joy To The World” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Third runner-up: John Denver, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (No. 2 for 1 week)

1972: Joe Tex, “I Gotcha”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Tex Joe (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Roberta Flack, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Second runner-up: Gilbert O’Sullivan, “Alone Again (Naturally)” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Third runner-up: Sammy Davis, Jr. with The Mike Curb Congregation, “The Candy Man” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)

1973: Kris Kristofferson, “Why Me”

Source: Keystone / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Second runner-up: Jim Croce, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

1974: Redbone, “Come And Get Your Love”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Redbone Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Jackson 5, “Dancing Machine” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Mac Davis, “One Hell Of A Woman” (No. 11 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Maria Muldaur, “Midnight At The Oasis” (No. 6 for 1 week)

1975: Morris Albert, “Feelings”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Glen Campbell, “Rhinestone Cowboy” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Elton John Band, “Philadelphia Freedom” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: The Captain & Tennille, “Love Will Keep Us Together” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1976: Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band, “A Fifth Of Beethoven”

Source: Nutthaseth Vanchaichana / iStock via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Gary Wright, “Love Is Alive” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Wild Cherry, “Play That Funky Music” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Third runner-up: Daryl Hall John Oates, “Sara Smile” (No. 4 for 2 weeks)

1977: Andy Gibb, “I Just Want To Be Your Everything”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Hot, “Angel In Your Arms” (No. 6 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Emotions, “Best Of My Love” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)
Third runner-up: Heatwave, “Boogie Nights” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)

1978: Nick Gilder, “Hot Child In The City”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Nick Gilder Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Bee Gees, “Stayin’ Alive” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Second runner-up: Andy Gibb, “Shadow Dancing” (No. 1 for 7 weeks)
Third runner-up: Exile, “Kiss You All Over” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1979: Robert John, “Sad Eyes”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Dionne Warwick, “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” (No. 5 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Gloria Gaynor, “I Will Survive” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Third runner-up: Donna Summer, “Hot Stuff” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)

1980: Blondie, “Call Me”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Six
First runner-up: Diana Ross, “Upside Down” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Second runner-up: Air Supply, “All Out Of Love” (No. 2 for 4 weeks)
Third runner-up: Pink Floyd, “Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

1981: Rick Springfield, “Jessie’s Girl”

Source: Mike Lawrie / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Kim Carnes, “Bette Davis Eyes” (No. 1 for 9 weeks)
Second runner-up: Diana Ross & Lionel Richie, “Endless Love” (No. 1 for 9 weeks)
Third runner-up: Juice Newton, “Queen Of Hearts” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)

1982: John Cougar Mellencamp, “Hurts So Good”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: The Human League, “Don’t You Want Me” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Survivor, “Eye Of The Tiger” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Third runner-up: The Steve Miller Band, “Abracadabra” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

1983: Irene Cara, “Flashdance…What A Feeling”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at number one: Six
First runner-up: Bonnie Tyler, “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Police, “Every Breath You Take” (No. 1 for 8 weeks)
Third runner-up: Michael Jackson, “Beat It” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)

1984: Tina Turner, “What’s Love Got To Do With It”

Source: David Redfern / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Three
First runner-up: Phil Collins, “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Lionel Richie, “Hello” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Kenny Loggins, “Footloose” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)

1985: a-ha, “Take On Me”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Kool & The Gang, “Cherish” (No. 2 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Tears For Fears, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Paul Young, “Everytime You Go Away” (No. 1 for 1 week)

1986: Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald, “On My Own”

Source: Epic Records / Wikimedia Commons

Labelle 1975 (CC0 1.0) by Epic Records

Weeks at the top of the charts: Three
First runner-up: Level 42, “Something About You” (No. 7 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Nu Shooz, “I Can’t Wait” (No. 3 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Atlantic Starr, “Secret Lovers” (No. 3 for 2 weeks)

1987: Debbie Gibson, “Only In My Dreams”

Source: Jesse Grant / Stringer / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Whitesnake, “Here I Go Again” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: T’Pau, “Heart And Soul” (No. 4 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Chris de Burgh, “The Lady In Red” (No. 3 for 2 weeks)

1988: Taylor Dayne, “I’ll Always Love You”

Source: Steven Henry/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Research Foundation

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY - AUGUST 05: Taylor Dayne performs at the Sixth Annual Hamptons Paddle & Party For Pink To Benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation on August 5, 2017 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Source: Steven Henry/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Breathe, “Hands To Heaven” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Terence Trent D’Arby, “Wishing Well” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Cheap Trick, “The Flame” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

1989: Bette Midler, “Wind Beneath My Wings (From “Beaches”)”

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Young M.C., “Bust A Move” (No. 7 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Milli Vanilli, “Girl You Know It’s True” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Dino, “I Like It” (No. 7 for 2 weeks)

1990: The Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Maxi Priest, “Close To You” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Wilson Phillips, “Hold On” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Linear, “Sending All My Love” (No. 5 for 1 week)

1991: Boyz II Men, “Motownphilly”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Three
First runner-up: Bryan Adams, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” (No. 1 for 7 weeks)
Second runner-up: Extreme, “More Than Words” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Natural Selection, “Do Anything” (No. 2 for 2 weeks

1992: Jon Secada, “Just Another Day”

Source: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: Jon Secada attends Adrienne Arsht 10th Anniversary Gala Concert at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on April 21, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

Source: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: TLC, “Baby-Baby-Baby” (No. 2 for 6 weeks)
Second runner-up: Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Baby Got Back” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)
Third runner-up: En Vogue, “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” (No. 2 for 3 weeks)

1993: Tag Team, “Whoomp! (There It Is)”

Source: Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Seven
First runner-up: Jade, “Don’t Walk Away” (No. 4 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Duice, “Dazzey Duks” (No. 12 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: UB40, “Can’t Help Falling In Love (From “Sliver”)” (No. 1 for 7 weeks)

1994: Ace Of Base, “The Sign”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Six
First runner-up: Ace Of Base, “Don’t Turn Around” (No. 4 for 4 weeks)
Second runner-up: Melissa Etheridge, “Come To My Window” (No. 25 for 4 weeks)
Third runner-up: All-4-One, “I Swear” (No. 1 for 11 weeks)

1995: Blues Traveler, “Run-Around”

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Dionne Farris, “I Know” (No. 4 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: TLC, “Waterfalls” (No. 1 for 7 weeks)
Third runner-up: Adina Howard, “Freak Like Me” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)

1996: The Tony Rich Project, “Nobody Knows”

Source: Des Willie / Redferns via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Gin Blossoms, “Follow You Down/Til I Hear It From You” (No. 9 for 4 weeks)
Second runner-up: Los Del Rio, “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” (No. 1 for 14 weeks)
Third runner-up: Tracy Chapman, “Give Me One Reason” (No. 3 for 5 weeks)

1997: Jewel, “Foolish Games/You Were Meant For Me”

Source: Paul Natkin / Archive Photos via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Duncan Sheik, “Barely Breathing” (No. 16 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Mark Morrison, “Return Of The Mack” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: The Verve Pipe, “The Freshmen” (No. 5 for 1 week)

1998: Savage Garden, “Truly Madly Deeply”

Source: Patrick Riviere / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Next, “Too Close” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)
Second runner-up: Shania Twain, “You’re Still The One” (No. 2 for 9 weeks)
Third runner-up: Third Eye Blind, “How’s It Going To Be” (No. 9 for 1 week)

1999: 702, “Where My Girls At?”

Source: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Sixpence None The Richer, “Kiss Me” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Goo Goo Dolls, “Slide” (No. 8 for 3 weeks)
Third runner-up: Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way” (No. 6 for 8 weeks)

2000: Faith Hill, “Breathe”

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Five
First runner-up: Joe, “I Wanna Know” (No. 4 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Vertical Horizon, “Everything You Want” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Matchbox Twenty, “Bent” (No. 1 for 1 week)

2001: Lifehouse, “Hanging By A Moment”

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Train, “Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me)” (No. 5 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Dido, “Thank You” (No. 3 for 3 weeks)
Third runner-up: Staind, “It’s Been Awhile” (No. 5 for 1 week)

2002: Vanessa Carlton, “A Thousand Miles”

Source: s_bukley / Shutterstock

Vanessa Carlton has fans still screaming along.

Source: s_bukley / Shutterstock

Weeks at the top of the charts: Three
First runner-up: The Calling, “Wherever You Will Go” (No. 5 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: Puddle Of Mudd, “Blurry” (No. 5 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Nickelback, “How You Remind Me” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

2003: Matchbox Twenty, “Unwell”

Source: Janette Pellegrini / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: 3 Doors Down, “When I’m Gone” (No. 4 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: R. Kelly, “Ignition” (No. 2 for 5 weeks)
Third runner-up: Sean Paul, “Get Busy” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)

2004: Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris, “Yeah!”

Source: Frank Micelotta / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: 12
First runner-up: Maroon 5, “This Love” (No. 5 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Alicia Keys, “If I Ain’t Got You” (No. 4 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Hoobastank, “The Reason” (No. 2 for 1 week)

2005: Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone”

Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Mariah Carey, “We Belong Together” (No. 1 for 14 weeks)
Second runner-up: Lifehouse, “You And Me” (No. 5 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Weezer, “Beverly Hills” (No. 10 for 1 week)

2006: Natasha Bedingfield, “Unwritten”

Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 02: Singer Natasha Bedingfield performs at Operation Smile's 2015 Smile Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 2, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: The Fray, “Over My Head (Cable Car)” (No. 8 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Rascal Flatts, “What Hurts The Most” (No. 6 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Daniel Powter, “Bad Day” (No. 1 for 5 weeks)

2007: Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats”

Source: Graham Denholm / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon, “The Sweet Escape” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Fergie, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: T-Pain Featuring Yung Joc, “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” (No. 1 for 1 week)

2008: Leona Lewis, “Bleeding Love”

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Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Sara Bareilles, “Love Song” (No. 4 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Chris Brown, “Forever” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida” (No. 1 for 1 week)

2009: Lady Gaga, “Poker Face”

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Jason Mraz, “I’m Yours” (No. 7 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Kings Of Leon, “Use Somebody” (No. 4 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Taylor Swift, “Love Story” (No. 4 for 1 week)

2010: Train, “Hey, Soul Sister”

Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Jimmy Stafford, Pat Monahan, and Scott Underwood of the band Train, winners of the Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals award for Hey, Soul Sister (Live) pose in the press room at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Script, “Breakeven” (No. 12 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: B.o.B Featuring Hayley Williams, “Airplanes” (No. 2 for 1 week)

2011: Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”

Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Seven
First runner-up: Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer, “Give Me Everything” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock, “Party Rock Anthem” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Third runner-up: Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass” (No. 3 for 2 weeks)

2012: Gotye Featuring Kimbra, “Somebody That I Used To Know”

Source: Jason Merritt / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Eight
First runner-up: Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe” (No. 1 for 9 weeks)
Second runner-up: Ellie Goulding, “Lights” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)
Third runner-up: fun. Featuring Janelle Monae, “We Are Young” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)

2013: Imagine Dragons, “Radioactive”

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz, “Thrift Shop” (No. 1 for 6 weeks)
Second runner-up: Justin Timberlake, “Mirrors” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: AWOLNATION, “Sail” (No. 17 for 1 week)

2014: John Legend, “All Of Me”

Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: Three
First runner-up: Pharrell Williams, “Happy” (No. 1 for 10 weeks)
Second runner-up: Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J, “Dark Horse” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)
Third runner-up: OneRepublic, “Counting Stars” (No. 2 for 2 weeks)

2015: Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”

Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 30: Recording artists Bruno Mars (L) and Mark Ronson accept the Best Male Video award for 'Uptown Funk' onstage during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on August 30, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Weeks at the top of the charts: 14
First runner-up: Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen” (No. 2 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud” (No. 2 for 8 weeks)
Third runner-up: WALK THE MOON, “Shut Up And Dance” (No. 4 for 5 weeks)

2016: The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeart

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 09: Daya (L) performs with The Chainsmokers onstage during Z100's Jingle Ball 2016 at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2016 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeart)

Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeart

Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” (No. 2 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Rihanna, “Needed Me” (No. 7 for 5 weeks)
Third runner-up: Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills” (No. 1 for 4 weeks)

2017: Ed Sheeran, “Shape Of You”

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Weeks at the top of the charts: 12
First runner-up: Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber, “Despacito” (No. 1 for 16 weeks)
Third runner-up: Post Malone Featuring Quavo, “Congratulations” (No. 8 for 2 weeks)

2018: Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”

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Weeks at the top of the charts: Three
First runner-up: Ed Sheeran, “Perfect” (No. 1 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey, “The Middle” (No. 5 for 4 weeks)
Third runner-up: Post Malone Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, “Psycho” (No. 1 for 1 week)

2019: Post Malone & Swae Lee, “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)”

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Weeks at the top of the charts: One
First runner-up: Post Malone, “Wow.” (No. 2 for 3 weeks)
Second runner-up: Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, “Old Town Road” (No. 1 for 19 weeks)
Third runner-up: Halsey, “Without Me” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

2020: The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”

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Weeks at the top of the charts: Four
First runner-up: Post Malone, “Circles” (No. 1 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Gabby Barrett Featuring Charlie Puth, “I Hope” (No. 3 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Harry Styles, “Adore You” (No. 6 for 2 weeks)

2021: The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

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Weeks at the top of the charts: Two
First runner-up: Doja Cat Featuring SZA, “Kiss Me More” (No. 3 for 1 week)
Second runner-up: Glass Animals, “Heat Waves” (No. 7 for 1 week)
Third runner-up: Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak), “Leave The Door Open” (No. 1 for 2 weeks)

2022: Glass Animals, “Heat Waves”

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 15: (L-R) Dave Bayley, Joe Seaward, Drew MacFarlane, and Edmund Irwin-Singer of Glass Animals accept the Top Rock Artist award onstage during the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for MRC)

Source: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for MRC

Weeks at the top of the charts: Five
First runner-up: Harry Styles, “As It Was” (No. 1 for 15 weeks)
Second runner-up: The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay” (No. 2 for 5 weeks)
Third runner-up: Latto, “Big Energy” (No. 3 for 2 weeks)

2023: Morgan Wallen, “Last Night”

Morgan Wallen | 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival - Night 1 - Show

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 23: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Morgan Wallen performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

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