The remarkable decade of the 2010s brought us many great musicians who quickly rose to prominence. These are the best 2010s male singers.
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Ed Sheeran
No list of the best male singers from the 2010s would be complete without Ed Sheeran, an English singer-songwriter who is now beloved nationwide. Born in Halifax and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk, this artist has a fascinating backstory.
Overcoming homelessness early in his career, Sheeran now boasts more than 26 million in album sales and 100 million singles sold globally—a testament to his enduring popularity.
The Weeknd
Canadian singer Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, was undeniably one of the 2010s' brightest stars. His ethereal voice fused with haunting, sultry, and sexy beats on hits like “Can't Feel My Face,” “Glass Table Girls,” and “Starboy”. His style is very different from most other musicians, fusing elements of R&B, pop, and electro.
The Weeknd brought a fresh, distinct sound to the decade. Beyond his sultry and often melancholic crooning, his mysterious persona added depth to his allure.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is a pop music sensation who initially took the world by storm as a teen heartthrob. With his upbeat, ear-worm pop songs and charming good looks, it's no wonder Justin has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
His record sales have reached over 150 million copies worldwide, and he holds four RIAA Diamond-certified records to his name. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the cultural impact Justin Bieber had throughout the 2010s—especially with hit tracks like “Baby.”
Adam Levine (Maroon 5)
Adam Levine is an American singer-songwriter. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and only continuous (founding) member of the pop band Maroon 5. Born on March 18, 1979, Adam Levine first gained fame with Maroon 5 and quickly rose to stardom for the band’s take on contemporary pop rock, akin to peers like Kings of Leon and Coldplay.
At just 18 years old, he wrote songs about his pre-fame relationship with Jane Herman that would later become Maroon 5 hits.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is a Canadian pop singer-songwriter who has made quite a name for himself in the music industry. With a smooth vocal cadence and catchy, well-written pop songs, he has captured the hearts of fans all over the world.
He first gained recognition in 2013 by posting song covers on Vine. It was one particular six-second Vine of him singing that catapulted him to overnight star status. Often compared to Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes has been jokingly called the ‘next Bieber.’ However, he has proven to be more than just another teen heartthrob.
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is a worthy inclusion. With his soulful tenor vocals and impressive songwriting resume, he has co-written and co-produced hit songs for other massive artists like Cee Lo Green.
Mars' solo career took off with chart-topping hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade.” With over 115 million singles sold worldwide and multiple awards under his belt, Bruno Mars has solidified himself as one of the best-selling artists of all time—not just in the 2010s.
John Legend
Certainly, one of the most influential and acclaimed male singers of the 2010s is John Legend, an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor. Born as John Roger Stephens in December 1978, he built a successful career combining elements of R&B, soul, and pop into a sound uniquely his own.
His first chart-topper came with the song “All of Me,” which earned rave reviews for its emotional bravado and helped him reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. His music is imbued with real emotion that is so often lacking in contemporary pop music.
Khalid
Khalid's meteoric rise to fame in the latter half of the 2010s is a testament to genuine talent. Bursting onto the scene with “Location,” this artist's soulful voice and relatable lyrics on love, youth, and the trappings of modern life struck a chord.
Hailing from El Paso, Texas, Khalid's blend of R&B and pop, coupled with a grounded authenticity, garnered him legions of dedicated fans seemingly overnight. His album, American Teen, encapsulates the spirit of a generation and cements his status as one of the 2010s' standout singers.
Harry Styles
A prior member of now-legendary boy band supergroup One Direction, Harry Styles is—without question—the member of the group to attain the highest degree of solo success. It’s likely due to his singular aesthetic and stylistic choices, which were on full display in his self-titled 2017 debut full-length that eschews the sentiment of 70s soft rock.
Instead of going all-out pop rock like his peers, Harry Styles veers toward a more intimate and emotional seventies vibe. “Sign of the Times,” perhaps his most popular solo song to date, is all tender crooning wrapped up in bold self-confidence.
Sam Smith
Hailing from England, Sam Smith has captivated audiences with his soulful pop and brash lyrics. His lead single, “Too Good at Goodbyes,” skyrocketed to number one in the UK charts, showcasing his immense popularity with the UK audience—which has only grown amid his performance of “Unholy” with Kim Petras.
With a mellifluous voice, Sam Smith often subverts traditional notions of romantic love in his songs. While being compared to the likes of Adele and Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith tends to be a little more subversive lyrically than his peers.
Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is a paradigm of innovation within the context of the 2010s. Frank Ocean has a distinct, velvety voice that complements his deeply introspective and seemingly personal lyrics. From “Thinking Bout You” to “Nikes,” Ocean's songs are a blend of soul, R&B, and hip-hop that explore love, identity, and self-reflection.
His albums Channel Orange and Blonde are often cited as some of the decade's best, showcasing his unique narrative storytelling outside the scope of Odd Future (OFWGKTA).
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