Overview

Seventy-three songs made it into the Hot 100 top 10 in 2023. Shaping their sound and vibe were seven primary genres, 33 sub-genres and influences, 26 prominent instruments, and seven lyrical themes.

All of the primary genres gained prominence in 2023, except for pop and hip hop, both of which dropped to their lowest levels in years.

Among the 33 diverse sub-genres and influences, pop’s influence was widespread, appearing in nearly all songs. Hip-hop/rap and R&B/soul followed distantly at 41% each, while electropop/synthpop and rock rounded out the top five.

Lyrically, two-thirds of the Hot 100 top 10 featured the love/relationships theme. Love lost subject matter significantly outweighed being in love, with notable hits including “Flowers,” “Kill Bill,” and “Vampire,” among others.

Male-led songs accounted for a slight majority of top 10’s at 52%. However, female-led songs rose to 38% – the highest level since 2014.

The under three-minute song length range remained most common for the third straight year at just over one-third of songs, while the 4:00+ range was the least common at just 16%. Representing the shortest and longest of the bunch are “Barbie World” (1:46) and “Slime You Out” (5:08), respectively.

What else shaped 2023’s Hot 100 top 10s?

Download the full report to find out!