
Songs That Are Turning 10 In 2022
Photo courtesy of Syco.
Music videos courtesy of YouTube and their respective record companies.
Last year, I listed 10 songs from 2011 that were turning 10. It’s that time of year again. Now, 2012 was a great year for film as we got to experience films like: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stuck in Love, This Is 40, Wanderlust, The Avengers, and many more. While the films were great, the music was pretty great too. It’s hard me to comprehend that everything in 2012 turns 10 this year. Yeah, that’s right, an entire decade. Let’s throw it back to 2012 and go through some songs that are turning 10 this year.
Here are some songs that are turning 10 this year.
It’s Time by Imagine Dragons
Background
It’s Time is song by pop rock band Imagine Dragons. It appears on the band’s debut studio album, Night Visions, which turns 10 this year. The song was sent to mainstream radio in January of 2012 and was released as their debut single on August 18, 2012.
Composition
The song combines alternative, indie, and pop. Its sound is soothing to the ears and almost ethereal. It’s the kind of song that you want to just close your eyes and listen to every piece of it. The chorus wakes you up but not to much where it’s too intense.
Reception
After it was used in Glee, other TV shows, and commercials, the song became a commercial success. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video was nominated for Best Rock Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. It was certified Platinum by the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA).
My Thoughts
Night Visions is my absolute favorite album from Imagine Dragons. There are so many songs that I adore. I love It’s Time because of its positive message but the melody is so unique compared to the music I was listening to at the time. They introduced me to alternative and indie music. I will never go back now.
How to Be a Heartbreaker by MARINA
Background
How to Be a Heartbreaker is song by Welsh singer, Marina Diamandis aka MARINA, but the single was released as Marina and the Diamonds at the time. It appears on the singer’s second studio album, Electra Heart.
Composition
The song combines pop, electronic, indie, and alternative all into one to create a unique and upbeat sound. The song opens with the instrumental part of the song and jumps right into Marina singing the rules to follow to be a heartbreaker. Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Benny Blanco produced the song with Marina and other writers who wrote the track.
Reception
The song was a worldwide commercial success. In the UK, the track peaked at 88 and stayed on the charts for one week. It peaked at 18 in Denmark and sold 200,000 units in the UK. In June of 2021, the song became certified platinum by Record Industry Association of America (RIAA).
My Thoughts
I didn’t discover this song in 2012. It took me a few years after to discover it. It’s such a fun song. Marina’s voice is so distinct and special. It’s reminiscent of Melanie Martinez’s High School Sweethearts from her 2019 K-12 album.
Live While We’re Young by One Direction
Background
Live While We’re Young is a song by One Direction. It was released as the lead single from their second studio album, Take Me Home.
Composition
The track combines uptempo upbeat bubblegum pop mixed with rock undertones. It features guitar riffs, vocal harmonies, hand claps, and electronic synthesizers. Its opening is reminiscent of The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go.
Reception
The song received mostly positive reviews from critics. Some negative reviews believed the lyrics were a euphemism for sex. How scandalous right? Like most 1D songs, this one was a commercial success. It debuted number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top of the charts in New Zealand and Ireland.
My Thoughts
Directioners, this one is for you. This song takes me back to the good times. It’s just fun and upbeat. This song always put me in a good mood and made me want to dance. It still does all these years later.
Everybody Talks by Neon Trees
Background
Everybody Talks is song by rock band Neon Trees and is featured as the lead single on their second studio album, Picture Show. The song is inspired by early 1960s pop music.
Composition
The two minute and fifty-nine second track combines pop rock and power pop. It’s a song that has overall consistent beats throughout.
Reception
Ironically, Everybody Talks was sleeper hit which means it wasn’t an immediate success but became one later on. It currently has over 600 million streams on Spotify. In October of 2012, it has 2 million downloads. The RIAA certified the track as 5x Platinum for selling 5 million units.
My Thoughts
Oh, this song is one of their best and most iconic of all time. It’s one of the songs that pumps you up and makes you want to punch a wall. This is a song I would listen to while working out. It’s interesting how Neon Trees’ sound has evolved over the last decade.
Payphone by Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa
Background
Payphone is song by pop rock band Maroon 5 featuring rapper Wiz Khalifa. It’s the lead single on the band’s fourth studio album, Overexposed. The song is written by frontman Adam Levine and Wiz Khalifa while Benny Blanco and Shellback produced it.
Composition
This pop ballad tells the story of a romance that ended abruptly. It combines pop and R&B together.
Reception
Overall, the track received favorable reviews from critics due to its catchy melody and lyrics. The song was the world’s fifth best selling single of 2012 with 9.5 million copies sold. Payphone debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart but soon moved to the second spot.
My Thoughts
I remember how I obsessed I was with this song. I still love it now. The melody is so catchy and the lyrics are cool. I think I can rap most of Wiz Khalifa’s part. At least I think I can. There’s one lyric in particular that has always resonated with: “All those fairytales are full of sh*t, one more f*cking love song I’ll be sick, now I’m at a payphone.”
Try by P!nk
Background
Try is song by P!nk. It was released as the second single from her sixth album, The Truth About Love. The song was produced by Greg Kurstin who produced four other songs on the album.
Composition
The pop rock track features quiet verses and a loud chorus. The lyrics are an ode to taking risks with love no matter what the consequences are.
Reception
The song was a critical and commercial success reaching the number one spot in Spain and making the top ten in other countries. The music video features P!nk and a male love interest expressing their frustrations through contemporary dance.
My Thoughts
This song is one of my all time favorites from P!nk. The lyrics just punch you in the gut and you just want to scream the chorus out with her. She’s one of the most underrated artists in the business. Her voice is just as powerful as Demi Lovato and Kelly Clarkson. She’s multitalented and deserves more recognition.
All Around the World by Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris
Background
All Around the World is a song by Justin Bieber featuring rapper Ludacris from Bieber’s third studio album, Believe. This song is the second collaboration between the Canadian singer and rapper.
Composition
The Eurodance track incorporates synth-pop elements in its instrumentation which is reminiscent of work from David Guetta. The song is about girls embracing their inner beauty and being their authentic selves.
Reception
All Around the World received mostly positive reviews from critics. On the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number twenty-two. The song is certified Platinum from the RIAA for selling 1 million copies.
My Thoughts
As well as the song did at the time, I still think it’s an underrated song from the Biebs. It always gets me pumped up when I listen to it. Its upbeat tempo and meaningful lyrics still hit every time.
Give Your Heart a Break by Demi Lovato
Background
Give Your Heart a Break is song by Demi Lovato. It’s featured on their third studio album, Unbroken.
Composition
The song combines pop and R&B. It incorporates guitar, violin, and drums. The lyrics tell the story of a protagonist’s attempt to win over her lover who has been hurt in a previous relationship and is fearful of committing to a new one. The use of strings is reminiscent of Coldplay’s Viva la Vida.
Reception
Give Your Heart a Break received positive acclaim from critics with most praising the production and Lovato’s vocals. On the Billboard Hot 100, it debuted at seventy-two but peaked at sixteen.
My Thoughts
There are not a lot of artists who can sing like Demi Lovato can well except for Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson, and P!nk. The notes she can hit blows my mind. I always try to hit the high notes she sings at the bridge and ultimately fail. I’ve loved this song for a long time. It takes me back.
Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin
Background
Don’t You Worry Child is a song by Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin. It’s the last single from the group’s second compilation album, Until Now.
Composition
This track is the definition of electronic dance music (EDM) but it’s described as progressive house. The uptempo and unique sounds make this song a standout from 2012.
Reception
Don’t You Worry Child is the group’s most successful single in the United States. It peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold 3 million copies in the U.S. and 5 million worldwide which is why it’s certified Platinum by the RIAA.
My Thoughts
I haven’t listened to this song in years but I remember how big it became. It was on every radio station. The melody is infectious and will make you want to dance.
Starships by Nicki Minaj
Background
Starships is song by rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. It’s featured on her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.
Composition
The track combines dance-pop and techno-pop. The first verse features Minaj rapping after it opens with electric guitar.
Reception
Starships peaked on the top five in fifteen countries. On the Billboard Hot 100, it debuted at number nine. The song has sold 4.5 million downloads and has become 6x certified Platinum by the RIAA for selling 7.2 million copies. The music video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 2012.
My Thoughts
I remember how different the music video compared to the other ones that were released at the time. The colors were rich and the effects were cool. Minaj does a great job at combining rap and pop elements in her music. This song is an example of the that.
Drive By by Train
Background
Drive By is song by folky rock band Train. It’s featured on their sixth studio album, California 37.
Composition
Lead singer Patrick Monahan said that the song is about meeting his wife and falling in love instantly. The track combines pop and rock.
Reception
At the time, Drive By was the nineteenth most successful song on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s been certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA for selling 5 million copies.
My Thoughts
This and 50 Ways to Say Goodbye are my favorite songs from Train. They’re both upbeat and boost your mood.
Take Care by Drake ft. Rihanna
Background
Take Care is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring Rihanna. It’s featured on his fifth studio album of the same name. This single marks the second collaboration between Drake and Rihanna.
Composition
The club song which means EDM but it also serves as a chill tune.
Reception
Take Care received universal acclaim from critics. In 2021, it was ranked at number 267 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It’s certified 5x platinum by the RIAA for selling 5 million copies.
My Thoughts
Drake and Rihanna’s voice blend together so well. I love the chill vibes of the song.
Want U Back by Cher Lloyd
Background
Want U Back is a song by British singer Cher Lloyd. It’s featured on her debut album, Sticks and Stones. Savan Kotecha and Shellback wrote and produced the song.
Composition
The track is purely pop with elements of bubblegum and synth-pop. Lyrically, it’s the story of a girl who’s jealous of her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship and tries to sabotage it.
Reception
Want U Back received acclaim from critics. It has sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. and 3 million worldwide. It’s certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.
My Thoughts
The song is everything you want in pop song about ex-boyfriends. Its sound is fun and unique. Lloyd’s voice is able to do all sorts of crazy things vocally.
Closing Thoughts
Well, that was a blast to the past. I hope you enjoyed this breakdown of some of the biggest songs to come out of 2012. It’s truly hard for me to believe that it’s been 10 years.
Thank you for reading!

