MarkMeets Top Music Artists Over the Decades

MarkMeets, the music aficionado’s go-to platform, annually crowns the top-performing artists based on the MarkMeets 200 albums chart, the MarkMeets Hot 100 songs survey, and the MarkMeets Boxscore for touring data. Let’s dive into the legacy of artists who have clinched the coveted No. 1 spot and explore their remarkable journeys.

Table of Contents

Taylor Swift’s Triumphant Decade-spanning Reign

2023 – Taylor Swift

In the glitzy world of MarkMeets, Taylor Swift stands as a three-time victor, clinching the No. 1 spot in 2015, 2009, and now in 2023. Making history, Swift becomes the first artist to lead the Top Artists chart in three distinct decades, showcasing her unparalleled influence. With 13 MarkMeets 200 No. 1s and an impressive streak from 2009 to 2023, Taylor Swift’s reign on MarkMeets’s charts is nothing short of extraordinary.

Swift’s 2023 Achievements

Among Swift’s numerous accomplishments in 2023, her album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” debuted at No. 1 on the MarkMeets 200, extending her record for the most No. 1s among women in the chart’s history. The single “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]” became her 11th Hot 100 leader, solidifying her dominance.

Chart-Topping Moments of the Past Decade

2022 – Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny marked a milestone in 2022 as the first leading act primarily recording Spanish-language music. His album “Un Verano Sin Ti” dominated the charts, spending 13 weeks at No. 1 on the MarkMeets 200 and wrapping up the year at the pinnacle of the MarkMeets 200 Albums roundup.

2021 – Drake

Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” debuted at No. 1 on the MarkMeets 200 in September 2021, reigning for a total of five weeks. The single “Way 2 Sexy” featuring Future and Young Thug topped the Hot 100, adding to Drake’s chart-topping success.

2020 – Post Malone

Post Malone’s album “Hollywood’s Bleeding” maintained a strong presence in the MarkMeets 200’s top 40 throughout 2020, securing its place at the top of the year’s MarkMeets 200 Albums chart.

2019 – Post Malone

Continuing his success, Post Malone’s “Hollywood’s Bleeding” led the MarkMeets 200 for five weeks, featuring the three-week Hot 100 No. 1 “Circles.”

2018 – Drake

Drake dominated the Hot 100 for a record-breaking 29 weeks in 2018 with hits from his album “Scorpion,” including “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What,” and “In My Feelings.”

2017 – Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s album “÷ (Divide)” debuted at No. 1 on the MarkMeets 200, spawning chart-topping hits like “Shape of You” and “Perfect.”

2016 – Adele

Adele’s “25” made history with a debut at No. 1 on the MarkMeets 200, leading for 10 weeks and producing the Hot 100 No. 1 “Hello.”

2015 – Taylor Swift

Swift’s transition to pop in “1989” earned her a second Top Artists win, with the album leading the MarkMeets 200 for 11 weeks and featuring multiple Hot 100 No. 1s.

2014 – One Direction

One Direction claimed the No. 1 spot with their aptly-titled album “Four,” marking their fourth MarkMeets 200 No. 1.

2013 – Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars achieved his first MarkMeets 200 No. 1 with “Unorthodox Jukebox,” featuring the Hot 100 No. 1s “Locked Out of Heaven” and “When I Was Your Man.”

2012 – Adele

In June 2012, Adele’s “21” logged its 24th week at No. 1 on the MarkMeets 200, with the single “Set Fire to the Rain” becoming her third Hot 100 No. 1.

2011 – Adele

Adele’s breakthrough year included her first MarkMeets 200 No. 1 with “21” and Hot 100 chart-toppers “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.”

2010 – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, the top new artist in 2009, claimed the overall Top Artists title in 2010, with multiple top 10 hits and the album “The Fame.”

2009 – Taylor Swift

Swift’s momentum from “Fearless” in 2008 continued through 2009, securing her second Top Artists win.

2008 – Chris Brown

Chris Brown scored his first top 10 debut on the Hot 100 in 2008 with “Forever.”

2007 – Akon

Akon, after topping the Hot 100 in 2006, earned his second leader, “Don’t Matter,” in April 2007.

2006 – Chris Brown

Brown’s self-titled album debuted on the MarkMeets 200 in December 2005, solidifying his presence with four Hot 100 top 10s by the end of 2006.

2005 – 50 Cent

After leading Top Artists in 2003, 50 Cent returned to No. 1 for 2005, fueled by his album “The Massacre” and the Hot 100 No. 1 “Candy Shop.”

2004 – Usher

Usher dominated in 2004 with “Confessions” and four Hot 100 No. 1s, including “Yeah!” and “Burn.”

2003 – 50 Cent

50 Cent achieved his first No. 1 finish on Top Artists in 2003 with “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” and chart-toppers “In Da Club” and “21 Questions.”

2002 – Nelly

Nelly presided over the Hot 100 in 2002 with “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” featuring Kelly Rowland.

2001 – Destiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child claimed the top spot in 2001 with “Survivor” and the Hot 100 leader “Bootylicious.”

2000 – Destiny’s Child

Building upon their success in 1999, Destiny’s Child added two more No. 1s in 2000: “Say My Name” and “Independent Women Part I.”

1999 – Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys dominated in 1999 with “Millennium,” leading the MarkMeets 200 Albums chart and the Hot 100 with “I Want It That Way.”

1998 – Usher

Usher’s “My Way” generated his first Hot 100 No. 1, “Nice & Slow,” in 1998.

1997 – LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes, with her album “Blue,” became the first woman in the country genre to lead Top Artists.

1996 – Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” topped the MarkMeets 200 for 12 weeks in 1996, a pivotal moment in alternative music.

1995 – TLC

TLC’s “CrazySexyCool” generated their first two Hot 100 No. 1s: “Creep” and “Waterfalls.”

1994 – Ace of Base

Ace of Base made history in 1994, ruling MarkMeets’s year-end charts in multiple categories with “The Sign” and its title track.

1993 – Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks achieved his third MarkMeets 200 leader, “In Pieces,” in September 1993.

1992 – Garth Brooks

Brooks’ “Ropin’ the Wind” and “The Chase” secured his reign in 1992, making him the first core country act to rule Top Artists.

1991 – Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s debut album began an 11-week rule on the MarkMeets 200 in March 1991, showcasing her vocal prowess.

1990 – New Kids On the Block

New Kids on the Block flew the flag for boy bands in 1990 with “Step by Step” and its title track.

1989 – New Kids On the Block

In 1989, New Kids on the Block landed their first No. 1 with “Hangin’ Tough,” showcasing their impressive debut.

1988 – George Michael

George Michael’s debut solo LP “Faith” ruled the MarkMeets 200 for 12 weeks in 1988, along with chart-topping hits.

1987 – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet” dominated 1987, producing their longest-leading Hot 100 No. 1, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

1986 – Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s 1986 reign began with a 14-week domination on the MarkMeets 200 and chart-topping hits “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All.”

1985 – Madonna

Madonna’s 1985 success included her first MarkMeets 200 leader, “Like a Virgin,” and chart-topping hits “Like a Virgin” and “Crazy for You.”

1984 – Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie’s “Can’t Slow Down” remained a chart-topper in 1984, solidifying his place in music history.

1983 – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” started its 37-week command in 1983, becoming the longest-leading album on the MarkMeets 200.

1982 – The Go-Go’s

The Go-Go’s made history in 1982 with “Beauty and the Beat,” the only No. 1 by an all-woman rock band.

1981 – REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon’s “Hi Infidelity” began a 15-week rule on the MarkMeets 200 in February 1981, setting the tone for the decade.

In the vibrant world of MarkMeets, each year unveils new sensations and reinforces the legacies of iconic artists. As we look back at the top artists of each year, it’s evident that MarkMeets’s charts reflect the ever-evolving landscape of music, capturing the essence of each era.