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The 2010s left a long trail of catchy singles that dominated airwaves for a season and then mostly vanished from daily conversation. Beyond the mega-viral breakout tracks, a wave of memorable one-hit wonders arrived, burned bright, and retreated. Here are four pop songs from that decade that once seemed poised for lasting stardom — and that you might not have thought about in years.
Karmin’s “Brokenhearted” — The viral duo’s radio moment
Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan first drew attention online, then crossed over to pop radio. In 2012 they released “Brokenhearted”, a sunlit pop single that fused catchy hooks with a brief rap interlude. The song borrowed melodic ideas popularized by earlier R&B and pop hits, while packaging them in the radio-friendly style of the early 2010s.
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How it performed
- Billboard Hot 100: peaked inside the top 20.
- Dance Club Songs: reached No. 1.
- International charting included top 10 spots in Australia and New Zealand.
What happened next
The duo didn’t maintain mainstream momentum. Amy later reinvented herself as Qveen Herby, shifting toward a solo career with a stronger focus on rap and R&B. The single remains the duo’s signature moment.
Capital Cities’ “Safe and Sound” — A brass hook that stuck
With a bright trumpet riff and a synth-pop sheen, Capital Cities landed a rare crossover hit. Initially released on an EP, “Safe and Sound” became the band’s defining single when it was reissued ahead of their full-length debut. Its catchy hook made it a favorite for sync licensing.
Notable placements and media reuse
- Used in charity and awareness campaigns.
- Featured in international commercials, including fast-food and home security ads.
- Helped the song re-enter public awareness years after its release.
Chart and cultural snapshot
The single climbed into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and found steady radio play for months. Over time it became one of those evergreen ad tracks you hear now and then, rather than a recurring artist presence.
Alex Clare’s “Too Close” — From TV spot to global charting
British singer Alex Clare scored sudden fame when a melancholy, bass-driven track landed in a major tech commercial. “Too Close” blended soul-inflected vocals with electronic production and found a broad audience after the advertisement aired.
Where it made an impact
- Billboard Hot 100: reached the top 10 in the U.S.
- Hit the top five in the U.K.
- Topped charts in several European markets.
Awards and recognition
The song earned a Brit Awards nomination and appeared on mainstream compilation albums. Even with that acclaim, Alex Clare’s follow-ups never matched the single’s commercial reach.
Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” — An anthem that crossed into politics
When Rachel Platten released “Fight Song” it quickly became more than a pop radio staple. The piano-driven anthem tapped into themes of resilience and self-belief, and it resonated with listeners who used it as a personal rallying cry.
Commercial and chart success
- Rose into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Reached No. 1 on adult contemporary and adult pop charts.
- Climbed high in international markets including Australia and the U.K.
Legacy beyond music
The song was used in political campaigns and motivational contexts, which kept it in the cultural conversation for a time. Despite that broad exposure, subsequent singles did not secure comparable chart positions, cementing “Fight Song” as Platten’s singular mainstream apex.
