The Exclusive List Of 47 Songs That Ruled The Chart For Ten Or More Weeks
Music history is packed with incredible hits, but only a tiny handful have managed to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks or longer.
These tracks didn’t just capture our hearts – they practically moved into our heads and refused to leave!
From power ballads to dance anthems, this rare club of 47 songs represents the absolute peak of pop culture success.
1. You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone
Back in 1977, this ballad became the soundtrack to countless romantic moments.
Holding the top spot for ten straight weeks, it captured hearts with its sincere message about finding light in darkness.
The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics made it an instant classic that still resonates today.
If you lived through the disco era, you definitely remember this one playing everywhere!
2. Physical – Olivia Newton-John
Aerobics meets pop music in this 1981 phenomenon that spent ten weeks at number one.
With its catchy beat and playful lyrics, it became the ultimate workout anthem.
The song perfectly captured the fitness craze sweeping through the eighties.
Though controversial at the time, it proved that music could be both fun and slightly cheeky without crossing any lines!
3. End of the Road – Boyz II Men
Heartbreak never sounded so smooth as when this R&B masterpiece dominated for thirteen weeks in 1992.
The harmonies were so perfect they could make anyone emotional, even if their own love life was going great.
This track showed the world that boy bands could deliver serious vocal talent.
However, be warned – listening might make you nostalgic for simpler times!
4. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
When this ballad dropped in 1992, it redefined what a power vocal could be.
Spending fourteen weeks at the top, it became one of the best-selling singles ever recorded.
That iconic opening – quiet, building, then explosive – gives goosebumps every single time.
Though originally written by Dolly Parton, this version transformed it into something legendary and unforgettable for generations!
5. I Swear – All-4-One
Wedding playlists everywhere owe a debt to this 1994 love song that ruled for eleven weeks.
The promise of eternal devotion struck a chord with listeners who craved genuine romance.
Its sweet melody and heartfelt vows made it the go-to song for couples everywhere.
Just saying, if you got married in the nineties, this probably played at your reception!
6. I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men
derivative work: Truu (talk), licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Smooth vocals and romantic lyrics combined for another fourteen-week reign in 1994.
The group proved their first massive hit wasn’t a fluke with this equally stunning follow-up.
It became the ultimate slow-dance anthem at school dances and weddings alike.
Where else could you find harmonies this perfect paired with lyrics this heartfelt?
7. One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Holding the record for years at sixteen weeks, this 1995 collaboration was pure magic.
Combining two powerhouse acts created something truly special that honored lost loved ones.
The emotional depth and vocal perfection made it impossible to forget.
Though other songs have since matched its record, this one still holds a unique place in music history!
8. Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix) – Los del Río
If you attended any event in 1996, you definitely did this dance at least once.
Fourteen weeks at number one proved that catchy beats and simple choreography equal instant success.
The song transcended language barriers, getting everyone on the dance floor worldwide.
However silly it seemed, nobody could resist those iconic arm movements and hip shakes!
9. Un-Break My Heart – Toni Braxton
derivative work: — Luchesar • T/C , licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Raw emotion poured through every note of this 1996 ballad that topped charts for eleven weeks.
The desperation in the vocals made listeners feel every ounce of heartbreak.
It became the anthem for anyone going through a tough breakup.
Though painful to hear during rough times, it somehow made the healing process feel a little less lonely!
10. I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112
Grief transformed into a beautiful tribute that spent eleven weeks at number one in 1997.
Sampling a classic Police song, it honored the memory of a fallen friend.
The combination of rap and soulful singing created something genuinely moving.
Where tragedy struck, music provided comfort for millions dealing with their own losses worldwide!
11. Candle in the Wind 1997 / Something About the Way You Look Tonight – Elton John
Rewritten to honor Princess Diana, this 1997 release dominated for fourteen weeks.
The world was mourning, and this song gave voice to collective grief.
Its gentle melody and touching lyrics provided solace during an incredibly difficult time.
Though originally written for Marilyn Monroe, this version became a moment frozen in history forever!
12. The Boy Is Mine – Brandy and Monica
Friendly rivalry turned into a thirteen-week chart-topper in 1998 that everyone quoted.
The back-and-forth vocals created perfect tension that kept listeners hooked.
Arguments about who sang it better sparked countless debates among friends.
However you felt about the drama, you couldn’t deny this duet was absolutely fire from start to finish!
13. Smooth – Santana featuring Rob Thomas
Latin rock met mainstream pop in this 1999 collaboration that ruled for twelve weeks.
That guitar riff became instantly recognizable within the first three seconds.
The unexpected pairing of a rock legend and a pop-rock vocalist created pure chemistry.
Though some questioned the collaboration initially, the results spoke louder than any doubts ever could!
14. Maria Maria – Santana featuring The Product G&B
Proving his previous success wasn’t a one-hit wonder, this spent ten weeks at number one in 2000.
The fusion of Latin rhythms and R&B vocals created something fresh and irresistible.
It celebrated cultural pride while remaining accessible to audiences everywhere.
If summer 2000 had a soundtrack, this song would be playing on repeat at every gathering!
15. Independent Women, Pt. 1 – Destiny’s Child
Girl power reached new heights with this eleven-week champion from 2000.
The message of self-sufficiency and confidence resonated with listeners worldwide.
It became an anthem for anyone who valued their independence and hard work.
Though featured in a Charlie’s Angels movie, it transcended the film to become a cultural statement all its own!
16. Foolish – Ashanti
Vulnerability met catchy hooks in this 2002 hit that dominated for ten weeks straight.
The confession of staying in a bad relationship despite knowing better felt painfully relatable.
That sample from DeBarge added a nostalgic layer that older listeners appreciated.
Where logic said leave, the heart kept holding on – a feeling this song captured perfectly for millions!
17. Dilemma – Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
derivative work: Crisco 1492, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Hip-hop and R&B blended seamlessly in this 2002 collaboration that lasted ten weeks at the top.
The chemistry between the artists made the forbidden love story feel genuine and compelling.
That iconic scene with the phone-texting became a memorable pop culture moment.
However impractical texting on a phone screen like that was, we all wanted to try it anyway!
18. Lose Yourself – Eminem
Raw determination and incredible wordplay fueled this twelve-week reign in 2002.
The song captured the feeling of having one shot at success and refusing to waste it.
It transcended hip-hop to become a motivational anthem for athletes and dreamers everywhere.
Though from a movie about battle rap, its message applied to anyone chasing their biggest goals!
19. Yeah! – Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris
Club speakers everywhere pumped this twelve-week monster hit throughout 2004.
The infectious beat and party lyrics made it impossible to sit still.
Crunk music entered the mainstream in a massive way thanks to this collaboration.
If you didn’t dance to this at least once that year, were you even paying attention to music?
20. We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
derivative work: Truu (talk), licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Comeback stories don’t get better than this fourteen-week triumph from 2005.
Sampling classic hits while delivering fresh vocals proved why she remained a legend.
The song reminded everyone why breakups hurt so badly when you lose the right person.
Though critics had written her off, this track silenced doubters and reclaimed her throne magnificently!
21. Gold Digger – Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx
Controversy and catchy beats combined for ten weeks at number one in 2005.
The Ray Charles sample brought soul to a modern hip-hop cautionary tale.
Everyone had an opinion about the song’s message, but nobody could deny its catchiness.
However you interpreted the lyrics, you probably sang along at least once when it came on!
22. Irreplaceable – Beyoncé
Breaking up gained a fierce anthem with this ten-week champion from 2006.
The casual dismissal of a cheating partner felt both satisfying and empowering.
That line about packing belongings to the left became instantly iconic.
Though heartbreak inspired it, the song celebrated knowing your worth and refusing to settle for less!
23. Low – Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
Club anthems don’t come bigger than this ten-week dominator from 2008.
The bass-heavy beat and catchy hook made it the perfect party starter.
Auto-tune reached peak mainstream acceptance with this collaboration.
If you attended any event that year, this song definitely blasted through the speakers at maximum volume!
24. Boom Boom Pow – The Black Eyed Peas
Futuristic sounds and electronic beats ruled for twelve weeks in 2009.
The song felt like it came from another dimension with its space-age production.
It proved that pop music could be experimental while still dominating the charts.
Though the lyrics were simple, the innovative sound design made it feel fresh and exciting throughout!
25. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas
Pure optimism translated into a fourteen-week phenomenon later in 2009.
The promise that tonight would be amazing became everyone’s party mantra.
It replaced their previous hit at number one, proving their dominance that year.
However your night actually went, this song convinced you beforehand it would be absolutely epic!
26. We Found Love – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
derivative work: Ilikeriri (talk), licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Finding love in unexpected places became a ten-week anthem in 2011.
The pulsing electronic beat perfectly matched the intensity of new romance.
It brought EDM influences firmly into mainstream pop territory.
Though the music video showed a troubled relationship, the song itself celebrated that electric feeling of connection!
27. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell
Summer 2013 belonged entirely to this controversial twelve-week hit.
The funky throwback sound made it impossible to avoid at any gathering.
Legal battles over its similarity to Marvin Gaye’s work followed its success.
Though debates about its lyrics continue, its commercial impact remains undeniable in music history!
28. Happy – Pharrell Williams
Joy became contagious with this ten-week celebration from 2014.
The irresistibly upbeat melody made frowning while listening nearly impossible.
It spawned countless dance videos from people around the entire globe.
If you needed an instant mood boost, this four-minute burst of sunshine delivered every single time!
29. Uptown Funk! – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
Funk made a massive comeback with this fourteen-week phenomenon from 2015.
The throwback sound felt both nostalgic and completely fresh simultaneously.
Dance floors worldwide erupted whenever those opening horns started playing.
Though it honored classic funk legends, it created its own legacy as one of the decade’s biggest hits!
30. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
Saying goodbye to a friend became a tearful experience with this tribute.
Created for a Fast and Furious movie, it transcended its origins beautifully.
The combination of rap and piano-driven melody created something genuinely moving.
Though honoring a specific loss, it comforted anyone dealing with grief during its lengthy chart run!
31. Hello – Adele
Heartbreak returned with a vengeance when this ballad dominated for ten weeks in 2015.
That opening word became instantly recognizable across the entire planet.
The raw emotion in every note reminded everyone why vocals matter more than production tricks.
Though years had passed since her last album, this proved she hadn’t lost a single ounce of power!
32. One Dance – Drake featuring WizKid and Kyla
Caribbean rhythms merged with hip-hop for this laid-back hit from 2016.
The infectious dancehall beat made it perfect for summer playlists everywhere.
Where previous hits went hard, this one kept things smooth and effortlessly cool throughout its run!
33. Closer – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
Nostalgia and EDM combined perfectly in this twelve-week phenomenon from 2016.
The story of young love and stolen moments resonated with listeners everywhere.
That distinctive drop became one of the year’s most recognizable musical moments.
Though the lyrics referenced specific memories, everyone could relate to remembering their own carefree times!
34. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Romance got a tropical house makeover with this massive 2017 hit.
The marimba-inspired beat showed a different side of the singer-songwriter.
It proved that changing your sound doesn’t mean losing your authenticity.
Though different from his earlier ballads, it became one of the best-selling digital singles in history!
35. Despacito – Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
Spanish-language music exploded globally with this record-breaking collaboration from 2017.
The infectious reggaeton beat transcended language barriers completely.
Adding an English-language verse helped it reach even wider audiences worldwide.
Though many listeners didn’t understand every word, the rhythm made everyone want to dance immediately!
36. God’s Plan – Drake
Generosity became the theme of this thirteen-week champion from 2018.
The music video showed genuine acts of kindness that touched hearts everywhere.
Though the beat was hard, the message was soft – showing that real strength includes helping others!
37. In My Feelings – Drake
A viral dance challenge propelled this song to massive heights in 2018.
Social media and music merged in ways that changed how songs became hits.
Everyone from celebrities to regular people posted videos doing the challenge.
If you didn’t see at least ten versions of this dance, you probably weren’t online that summer!
38. Old Town Road – Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Genre-blending reached new levels with this record-tying nineteen-week phenomenon from 2019.
Country and trap music merged in ways nobody expected but everyone loved.
The debate about what genre it belonged to only fueled its popularity further.
Though starting as a meme, it became one of the most significant songs in chart history!
39. The Box – Roddy Ricch
A simple but infectious beat dominated for eleven weeks in early 2020.
That distinctive squeaking sound became instantly recognizable everywhere.
Though it started without much promotion, organic popularity pushed it to the very top naturally!
40. Butter – BTS
K-pop continued its global domination with this smooth summer anthem from 2021.
The retro-inspired sound and slick choreography were absolutely irresistible.
It proved that language wasn’t a barrier when the music itself was this good.
Though sung mostly in English, it maintained the group’s signature style and charm throughout!
41. Easy On Me – Adele
Vulnerability and powerful vocals combined for another ten-week reign in 2021.
The piano ballad format proved that simplicity still works when executed perfectly.
It asked for understanding during difficult personal transitions and growth.
Though quieter than most chart-toppers, its emotional honesty resonated deeply with millions of listeners!
42. As It Was – Harry Styles
Change and acceptance became themes in this fifteen-week hit from 2022.
The melancholic yet catchy melody captured feelings of transition beautifully.
Though reflecting on things ending, it somehow made listeners feel understood rather than sad!
43. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Originally released in 1994, this holiday classic finally achieved ten weeks at number one decades later.
It has become as essential to Christmas as trees and presents.
Every year it returns to dominate charts once December arrives.
Though many artists try creating holiday hits, this one remains the undisputed queen of Christmas music!
44. Last Night – Morgan Wallen
Country music proved its mainstream power with this sixteen-week phenomenon from 2023.
The relatable story of regret and longing struck a chord everywhere.
Though controversy surrounded the artist, the song’s quality spoke for itself on the charts!
45. A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
Matching the record at nineteen weeks, this 2024 hit became a cultural phenomenon.
The infectious melody and relatable party vibes made it unavoidable everywhere.
Though the artist was relatively unknown before, this song launched them into superstar territory instantly!
46. Luther – Kendrick Lamar with SZA
Artistic excellence and chart success merged with this thirteen-week champion from 2025.
The collaboration between two of hip-hop’s finest created something special.
Though complex in its themes, the song remained accessible and deeply moving for all listeners!
47. Ordinary – Alex Warren
Finding beauty in everyday moments became a ten-week sensation in 2025.
The heartfelt lyrics reminded listeners that simple love stories matter most.
Though the title suggests something common, the emotional delivery made it feel anything but ordinary to fans!
