Every 10/10 Song of the 2020s So Far

I no longer provide scores in my music reviews because it takes a while for me to settle on a song's score. Nonetheless, I still keep track of the songs I think are the best, and which ones are 10s. For this list, I will include instrumental or vocal tracks from the 2020s which I think are deserving of 10/10s.

A 10/10 song is not necessarily perfect, but a song that is a must-listen for fans of any music appreciator, that accomplishes what it sets out to do, and goes above and beyond any reasonable expectations, creating a piece of art that will last and age. They may come at the right time, but they will last for years, decades, and perhaps, even longer. The songs have been ordered chronologically, with links to the old reviews when applicable. I might make this a yearly feature as well.

2020

Almost 10s: KEEMBO - Scandalous, ONF - New World, Sexy Zone - Run, Dimash Qudaibergen - Your Love, YooA - Far, 

Sid Sriram - Samajavaragamana (Prod. S. Thaman)

Merging Carnatic production with Indi-Pop influences is hardly a new idea, but few attempts have been as complete as S. Thaman's magnum opus. The full orchestra creates a theatrical atmosphere that remains unbeatable, while Sid Sriram proves the only one conduit for ambition this vast.

Arashi - Kite

A stunning finale for one of Japan's most legendary acts ever, Kite stands as Yonezu Kenshi's strongest composition, bursting with life from each and every fiber. The chorus might be one of the most immaculate productions ever, and a perfect finale to Arashi's career so far.

Miyavi - Bang

Released soon after the beginning of the quarantine, Miyavi's Bang's expansive energy was unrestrained by any walls and quarantines, creating a sound that felt both universal and yet, at the same time, powerful and uplifting. No one but the god of slap guitar could make something so instant yet everlasting. (Full Review)

Dimash Qudaibergen - Across Endless Dimensions

While Across Endless Dimensions is fantastic throughout, its finale might be one of the best ever. None of it would have been possible with a singer other than Dimash. The Qazaq icon tears through the final score before launching into one of the greatest high notes ever.

Official Hige Dandism - Laughter

Even amongst the crowd of 2020, Laughter stands out. Fujihara's pensive lyrics lead a heavenly melody. Laughter is arguably the closest to musical perfection through the last decade, creating one of the greatest musical pieces ever.

Shigeru Umebayashi - Tsushima Suite

Released on the same day as Higdean's Laughter, the Tsushima Suite is a stunning musical moment. At nearly an hour long, it utilizes its runtime to send the listener back to 13th-century Japan, culminating in the stupendous Seiki movement.

YooA - Bon Voyage

Bon Voyage takes a few simple elements and crafts one of the most invigorating debuts of the decade. YooA's emotive performances guides the tropical and tribal samples to create a natural world typically unseen within the bounds of K-Pop. (Full Review)

Kumi Tanoika, Reo Uratani, Ryotaro Yagi, Haruki Yamada - Decisive Fight Against Calamity Ganon

The Legend of Zelda series has always featured musical masterpieces and Decisive Fight Against Calamity Ganon is another entry into its hall of fame. The stirring orchestra and choirs play over a melody that samples other Zelda themes for something truly heavenly.

Yurina Hirate - Reason For Dance

An electrifying solo debut for the young J-Pop icon, Reason For Dance is musical theatre at its finest, culminating in a dramatic climax and key change that blend everything that made the song so far great and doubled it. (Full Review)

2021

Almost 10s: Dhee - Enjoy Enjaami Ft. Arivu, Altin Gun - Ordunun Dereleri, Jackson Wang - LMLY, Bo  Burnham - Welcome to the Internet, Bo Burnham - White Woman's Instagram, TXT - 0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You) Ft. Seori

Shinsei Kamattechan - My War (Boku No Sensou)

How the controversial Noko and co. were able to perform the theme song for one of the world's biggest shows is beyond me, but the dark My War is a masterpiece. Merging chaotic production with a thorough anti-war message created something incredible. (Full Review)

SHINee - I Really Want You

A funky return for the K-Pop legends, I Really Want You soundtracked the summer of 2021 with its funky groove and impressive vocal blend. (Full Review)

Hikaru Utada - One Last Kiss

A stunning return for the Japanese legend, One Last Kiss starts out simple enough, relying on Utada's voice and Cook's synth pad. Amazingly, the song uses only these two elements to create a composition that remains both dense and euphoric. (Full Review)

Key - Bad Love

The most ambitious K-Pop song in years, Bad Love was a highlight at launch but has only grown more impressive with time. Bad Love is an electrifying example of theatrical concepts merged with genuine intention resulting in something incredible. (Full Review)

2023

Almost 10s: The 1975 - Happiness, Spiritualized - The Mainline Song, B.I - Keep Me Up, NewJeans - Ditto

Ali Sethi x Shae Gill - Pasoori

A stunning tour-de-force by young talents, Pasoori's production breathes and bleeds over an eternal melody, leading to a brilliant bridge and climax.

Sufjan Stevens - Fourth of July (April Base Version)

Fourth of July was already an all-time classic when Sufjan Stevens remade his magnum opus in 2022. The lighter instrumental and higher vocal pitch turned one of the darkest songs of the 2010s into a soothing anthem of hope and perseverance. (Full Review)

Shahid Mallya - Nirbhau Nirvair (Prod. Amit Trivedi)

A beautiful ode to life and death, Nirbhau Nirvair brings together some of the best talents in Bollywood to make something timeless. Nirbhau Nirvair is a craft of love and a masterpiece. (Full Review)