One Of Pharrell's Biggest Hits Was The Most-Played Song Of The Decade
Yes, that one.
When Pharrell released his song "Happy" back in 2013 as the first and only single from the Despicable Me soundtrack (and the lead single from his 2014 solo album Girl), it was inescapable. A family-friendly hit, the song's upbeat production and optimistic lyrics made it a perfect cover song, while its 24-hour music video spawned countless tribute videos.
WATCH: Pharrell And Timbaland Fan Out Over Each Other’s Production
So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that one of — if not the — biggest solo hits Pharrell has ever released was the most-played song of the 2010s. Music listening company PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd) compiled a list of the 40 most-played songs of the decade, with "Happy" topping it. The songs were chosen based on what was played most on UK TV and radio over the last 10 years. Since most of the tracks on the list were hits throughout the world, it's likely that they'll also appear on lists from other countires, particularly "Happy."
The list can be viewed below. Last year, Pharrell spoke with Rick Rubin about his "Blurred Lines" lawsuit and how it didn't change the way he produces music.
"This is the only way I know how to make it," Pharrell said. "…This was just like a freak situation that was meant to humble me. To teach me a lesson. And I think that lesson was just be very clear and what my intentions are and to just not assume that everybody understands…"
Top Most-Played Songs Of The 2010s:
1. “Happy” - Pharrell Williams (2013)
2. “Rolling In The Deep” – Adele (2010)
3. “Moves Like Jagger” - Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera (2011)
4. “Get Lucky” - Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers (2013)
5. “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” - Justin Timberlake (2016)
6. “I Gotta Feeling” - Black Eyed Peas (2009)
7. “Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars (2014)
8. “Counting Stars” – OneRepublic (2013)
9. “Forget You” - CeeLo Green (2010)
10. “Sex On Fire” - Kings Of Leon (2008)
11. “Somebody That I Used To Know” – Gotye featuring Kimbra (2011)
12. Locked Out Of Heaven” - Bruno Mars (2012)
13. “Want To Want Me” - Jason Derulo (2015)
14. “Set Fire To The Rain” – Adele (2011)
15. “Domino” - Jessie J (2011)
16. “Just The Way You Are” - Bruno Mars (2010)
17. “Chasing Cars” - Snow Patrol (2006)
18. “Rather Be” – Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne (2013)
19. “Roar” - Katy Perry (2013)
20. “Wake Me Up” – Avicii (2013)
21. “Call Me Maybe” - Carly Rae Jepsen (2012)
22. “Paradise” – Coldplay (2011)
23. “Payphone” – Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa (2012)
24. “Use Somebody” - Kings Of Leon (2008)
25. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” - Kelly Clarkson (2011)
26. “Only Girl (In The World)”- Rihanna (2010)
27. “Shut Up And Dance” - Walk The Moon (2014)
28. “She Said” - Plan B (2010)
29. “Hold Back The River” - James Bay (2014)
30. “We Are Young” – Fun featuring Janelle Monáe (2011)
31. “Mirrors” - Justin Timberlake (2013)
32. “Firework” - Katy Perry (2010)
33. “Someone Like You” – Adele (2011)
34. “Bad Romance” - Lady Gaga (2009)
35. “Drive By” – Train (2012)
36. “Ghost” - Ella Henderson (2014)
37. “Next To Me” - Emeli Sandé (2012)
38. “Shape Of You” - Ed Sheeran (2017)
39. “Human” - Rag’N’Bone Man (2016)
40. “Torn” - Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
H/T: Forbes