Top 100 Songs of the 21st Century
The 21st century may only be a couple of decades old, but we’ve had some really great musical hits dropped in that time span. Indeed some of the artists found on list, such as Adele, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey and Drake, didn’t even come out until after the turn of the century. Others, such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z and even Eminem, may have been around since the 1990s but experienced even greater success during the aughts.
Then there are those like Johnny Cash, U2 and Leonard Cohen who may have been professionally active even longer than many people reading this post have been alive. And we also have the likes of MGMT, Rilo Kiley, MOP and LCD Soundsystem who, despite having their respective successes and fanbases, some may consider to be akin to one-hit wonders.
And lastly we cannot forget the types of artists who seem to never go away, not in bad way but in terms of dropping hits decade after decade, such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue and perhaps we may even say Beyoncé.
The List of the Top 100 Songs of the 21st Century
There are some big differences with this list now (at the advent of the 2020s) than it would have been if it were compiled, say 20 years ago. For instance rap, is apparently the most dominant genre on this ranking, and we also have quite a few artists who specialize in electronic music.
Also reggaeton, which can very much be considered a 21st century genre, is strongly represented and with it artists from Puerto Rico like Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi who have established themselves as perennial hitmakers.
In fact we will venture to say that when this list is recompiled in another 20 years, there’s probably going to be a lot more Latin American artist thereupon. Also by that time we’re likely going to have a singer who started off as social-media star and since has gone on to drop a major hit. And the likes of Jay-Z, who currently dominates this list more so than any other artist, doesn’t make music as frequently now as he used to, so he probably won’t be as dominant in future rankings.
But in the meantime, the “Top 100 Songs of the 21st Century” are currently being held down by the likes of Lana Del Rey, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Taylor Swift – artists who we’ve just become familiar with relatively recently but have since become indispensable to the music industry.
But all rankings considered, Jay-Z, by the logic of this list, has proven the greatest musician of the early 21st century. And that reality is a proper representation of the fact that in the moment, rap/hip-hop is actually the most pervasive musical genre in the world.
So without further ado, below are currently the best songs of the 21st Century as compiled by Rolling Stone magazine:
#1. “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
Primary Artist(s): Beyonce
Featured Artist(s): Jay-Z
Released: May 14 of 2003
Album/EP: “Dangerously in Love”
Writer(s): Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rich Harrison and Eugene Record
Producer(s): Beyoncé and Rich Harrison
Grammy: “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” and “Best R&B Song” at the Grammy Awards (2004).
Genre(s): Pop and R&B
#2. “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
Primary Artist(s): “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
Released: February 11 of 2008
Album/EP: “Kala”
Writer(s): M.I.A., Wesley “Diplo” Pentz, Topper Headon, Paul Simonon, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones.
Producer(s): M.I.A. and Diplo.
Genre(s): Alternative hip hop
#3. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Primary Artist(s): The White Stripes
Released: February 17 of 2003
Album/EP: “Elephant”
Writer(s): Jack White
Producer(s): Jack White
Grammy: “Best Rock Song” at the Grammy Awards (2004).
Genre(s): Alternative rock and garage rock.
#4. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast
Primary Artist(s): Outkast
Released: 2003
Album/EP: “Speakerboxxx / The Love Below”
Writer(s): André 3000
Producer(s): DJ Cutmaster Swiff and André 3000.
Grammy: “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” at the Grammy Award (2004).
Genre(s): Soul, funk and pop
#5. “99 Problems” by Jay-Z
Primary Artist(s): Jay-Z
Released: April 27 of 2004
Album/EP: “The Black Album”
Writer(s): Jay-Z, Norman Landsberg, William Squier, John Ventura, Fredrick Rubin, Leslie Weinstein, Felix Pappalardi, Tracy Marrow, Alphonso Henderson and Bernard Freeman. Producer(s): Rick Rubin
Grammy: “Best Rap Solo Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2005).
Genre(s): Rap rock
#6. “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Primary Artist(s): Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Released: 2003
Album/EP: “Fever to Tell”
Writer(s): Brian Chase, Nick Zinner and Karen Lee Orzolek.
Producer(s): Yeah Yeah Yeahs and David Andrew Sitek.
Genre(s): Indie rock and art punk.
#7. “Runaway” by Kanye West ft. Pusha T
Primary Artist(s): Kanye West
Featured Artist(s): Pusha T
Released: October 4 of 2010
Album/EP: “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”
Writer(s): Kanye West, Ryan Breen, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, Emile Haynie, Malik Jones and Terrence Thornton.
Producer(s): Kanye West
Genre(s): Progressive rap
#8. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Primary Artist(s): Adele
Released: November 29 of 2010
Album/EP: “21”
Writer(s): Adele and Paul Epworth.
Producer(s): Paul Epworth
Grammy: “Record of the Year”, “Best Short Form Music Video” and “Song of the Year” at the Grammy Awards (2012).
Genre(s): Pop
#9. “Royals” by Lorde
Primary Artist(s): Lorde
Released: June 3 of 2013
Album/EP: “Pure Heroine” and “The Love Club”.
Writer(s): Joel Little and Ella Yelich-O’Connor.
Producer(s): Joel Little
Grammy: “Best Pop Solo Performance” and “Song of the Year” at the Grammy Awards (2014). Genre(s): Art pop and electropop.
#10. “Last Nite” by The Strokes
Primary Artist(s): The Strokes
Released: October 23 of 2001
Album/EP: “Is This It”
Writer(s): Julian Casablancas
Producer(s): Gordon Raphael
Genre(s): Indie rock, garage rock and revival.
#11. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
Primary Artist(s): Kelly Clarkson
Released: November 16 of 2004
Album/EP: “Breakaway”
Writer(s): Max Martin and Lukasz Gottwald.
Producer(s): Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
Grammy: “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2006).
Genre(s): Pop rock, power pop and bubblegum pop.
#12. “Get Ur Freak On” by Missy Elliott
Primary Artist(s): Missy Elliott
Released: March 13 of 2001
Album/EP: “Miss E… So Addictive”
Writer(s): Missy Elliott and Tim Mosley.
Producer(s): Timbaland
Grammy: “Best Rap Solo Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2002).
Genre(s): Hip hop, dance and bhangra.
#13. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
Primary Artist(s): Kendrick Lamar
Released: June 30 of 2015
Album/EP: “To Pimp a Butterfly”
Writer(s): Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams and Mark Spears.
Producer(s): Pharrell Williams and Sounwave.
Grammy: “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2016). Genre(s): Conscious hip hop and jazz rap.
#14. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
Primary Artist(s): Britney Spears
Released: January 12 of 2004
Album/EP: “In the Zone”
Writer(s): Cathy Dennis, Henrik Jonback, Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg. Producer(s): Bloodshy & Avant
Grammy: “Best Dance Recording” at the Grammy Awards (2005).
Genre(s): Dance-pop and techno-pop.
#15. “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
Primary Artist(s): Gnarls Barkley
Released: March 13 of 2006
Album/EP: “St. Elsewhere”
Writer(s): Brian Burton, Thomas Callaway, Gian Piero Reverberi and Gian Franco Reverberi. Producer(s): Danger Mouse
Grammy: “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2007)
Genre(s): Neo soul, electronica, funk, R&B and psychedelic soul.
#16. “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem
Primary Artist(s): LCD Soundsystem
Released: May 28 of 2007
Album/EP: “Sound of Silver”
Writer(s): Pat Mahoney, Tyler Pope and James Murphy.
Producer(s): The DFA
Genre(s): Indie rock, krautrock and disco-rock.
#17. “Work It” by Missy Elliott
Primary Artist(s): Missy Elliott
Released: September 16 of 2002
Album/EP: “Under Construction”
Writer(s): Melissa Elliott and Timbaland.
Producer(s): Timbaland and Melissa Elliott.
Genre(s): Old school hip hop and dirty rap.
#18. “Blackstar” by David Bowie
Primary Artist(s): David Bowie
Released: November of 2015
Album/EP: “Blackstar”
Writer(s): David Bowie
Producer(s): David Bowie and Tony Visconti.
Grammy: “Best Rock Performance” and “Best Rock Song” at the Grammy Awards (2017).
Genre(s): Art rock, avant-garde and jazznu jazz.
#19. “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn
Primary Artist(s): Robyn
Released: April 20 of 2010
Album/EP: “Body Talk Pt. 1”
Writer(s): Robyn and Patrik Berger.
Producer(s): Patrik Berger
Genre(s): Electropop and synth-pop.
#20. “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse
Primary Artist(s): Amy Winehouse
Released: October 23 of 2006
Album/EP: “Back to Black”
Writer(s): Amy Winehouse
Producer(s): Mark Ronson
Grammy: “Song of the Year”, “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” and “Record of the Year” at the Grammy Awards (2008).
Genre(s): Soul and R&B.
#21. “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga
Primary Artist(s): Lady Gaga
Released: October 19 of 2009
Album/EP: “The Fame Monster”
Writer(s): Lady Gaga and Nadir Khayat.
Producer(s): Lady Gaga and RedOne.
Grammy: “Best Short Form Music Video” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2011).
Genre(s): Electropop and dance-pop.
#22. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
Primary Artist(s): Franz Ferdinand
Released: January 12 of 2004
Album/EP: “Franz Ferdinand”
Writer(s): Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.
Producer(s): Tore Johansson
Genre(s): Post-punk revival, dance-rock, garage rock, indie rock and art rock.
#23. “Ms. Jackson” by Outkast
Primary Artist(s): Outkast
Released: October 24 of 2000
Album/EP: “Stankonia”
Writer(s): Outkast, David Sheats, Stan Watts, Richard Wagner and Shuggie Otis.
Producer(s): Earthtone III
Grammy: “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” at the Grammy Awards (2002) Genre(s): Alternative hip hop
#24. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Primary Artist(s): Eminem
Released: October 28 of 2002
Album/EP: “8 Mile: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture”
Writer(s): Eminem, Jeffrey Bass and Luis Resto.
Producer(s): Eminem, Jeffrey Bass and Luis Resto.
Grammy “Best Rap Solo Performance” and “Best Rap Song” at the Grammy Awards (2004). Genre(s): Hip hop, hardcore hip hop and rap rock.
#25. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Primary Artist(s): Mark Ronson
Featured Artist(s): Bruno Mars
Released: November 10 of 2014
Album/EP: “Uptown Special”
Writer(s): Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Rudolph Taylor, Jeff Bhasker, Charles Wilson, Nicholas Williams, Devon Gallaspy, Robert Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, Philip Lawrence, and Lonnie Simmons. Producer(s): Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson and Jeff Bhasker.
Grammy: “Record of the Year” at the Grammy Awards (2016).
Genre(s): Funk-pop soul, Minneapolis sound, boogie and disco-pop.
#26. “Hotline Bling” by Drake
Primary Artist(s): Drake
Released: July 31 of 2015
Album/EP: “Views”
Writer(s): Drake, Paul Jefferies, and Timmy Thomas.
Producer(s): Nineteen85
Grammy: “Best Rap/Sung Performance” and “Best Rap Song” at the Grammy Awards (2017). Genre(s): Pop and R&B.
#27. “B.O.B.” by Outkast
Primary Artist(s): Outkast
Released: September 19 of 2000
Album/EP: “Stankonia”
Writer(s): Outkast and David Sheats.
Producer(s): Earthtone III
Genre(s): Alternative hip hop, rap rock, drum and bass and dance.
#28. “Umbrella” by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
Primary Artist(s): Rihanna
Featured Artist(s): Jay-Z
Released: March 29 of 2007
Album/EP: “Good Girl Gone Bad”
Writer(s): Jay-Z, Christopher Stewart, Kuk Harrell and Terius Nash.
Producer(s): Tricky Stewart
Grammy: “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” at the Grammy Awards (2008).
Genre(s): Pop, hip hop and R&B.
#29. “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift
Primary Artist(s): Taylor Swift
Released: October 22 of 2012
Album/EP: “Red”
Writer(s): Taylor Swift and Liz Rose.
Producer(s): Taylor Swift and Nathan Chapman.
Genre(s): Country, country rock and soft rock.
#30. “Mississippi” by Bob Dylan
Primary Artist(s): Bob Dylan
Released: September 11 of 2001
Album/EP: “Love and Theft”
Writer(s): Bob Dylan
Producer(s): Jack Frost
Genre(s): Country rock
#31. “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire
Primary Artist(s): Arcade Fire
Released: September 14 of 2004
Album/EP: “Funeral”
Writer(s): Will Butler, Richard Reed Parry, Win Butler, Tim Kingsbury and Régine Chassagne. Producer(s): Arcade Fire
Genre(s): Indie rock, chamber pop and art rock.
#32. “In Da Club” by 50 Cent
Primary Artist(s): 50 Cent
Released: January 7 of 2003
Album/EP: “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”
Writer(s): 50 Cent, Andre Young and Mike Elizondo.
Producer(s): Dr. Dre, Mike Elizondo and DJ Quik.
Genre(s): East Coast hip hop and gangsta rap.
#33. “Idioteque” by Radiohead
Primary Artist(s): Radiohead
Released: 2 October of 2000
Album/EP: “Kid A”
Writer(s): Paul Lansky, Arthur Kreiger and Radiohead.
Producer(s): Nigel Godrich and Radiohead.
Genre(s): Electronica, IDM and experimental.
#34. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
Primary Artist(s): The Killers
Released: September 29 of 2003
Album/EP: “Hot Fuss”
Writer(s): Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning.
Producer(s): The Killers
Genre(s): Alternative rock, pop rock, new wave, power pop, synth-rock and synth-pop.
#35. “Blue Jeans” by Lana Del Rey
Primary Artist(s): Lana Del Rey
Released: April 8 of 2012
Album/EP: “Born to Die”
Writer(s): Lana Del Rey, Dan Heath and Emile Haynie.
Producer(s): Emile Haynie
Genre(s): Sadcore and trip hop.
#36. Gold Digger” by Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
Primary Artist(s): Kanye West
Featured Artist(s): Jamie Foxx
Released: July 5 of 2005
Album/EP: “Late Registration”
Writer(s): Kanye West, Renald Richard and Ray Charles.
Producer(s): Kanye West and Jon Brion.
Grammy: “Best Rap Solo Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2006)
Genre(s): Hip hop
#37. “You Want It Darker” by Leonard Cohen
Primary Artist(s): Leonard Cohen
Released: September 21 of 2016
Album/EP: “You Want It Darker”
Writer(s): Patrick Leonard and Leonard Cohen.
Producer(s): Adam Cohen
Grammy: “Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2018)
Genre(s): Blues, rock, folk rock and spoken word.
#38. “Formation” by Beyoncé
Primary Artist(s): Beyoncé
Released: February 6 of 2016
Album/EP: “Lemonade”
Writer(s): Beyoncé, Michael Len Williams II, Khalif Brown and Asheton Hogan.
Producer(s): Beyoncé and Mike Will Made It.
Grammy: “Best Music Video” at the Grammy Awards (2017).
Genre(s): Trap, R&B and bounce.
#39. “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age
Primary Artist(s): Queens of the Stone Age
Released: November 26 of 2002
Album/EP: “Songs for the Deaf”
Writer(s): Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan.
Producer(s): Josh Homme and Eric Valentine.
Genre(s): Stoner rock and alternative rock.
#40. “Beautiful Day” by U2
Primary Artist(s): U2
Released: October 9 of 2000
Album/EP: “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”
Writer(s): U2
Producer(s): Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Steve Lillywhite.
Grammy: “Song of the Year”, “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal” and “Record of the Year” at the Grammy Awards (2001).
Genre(s): Rock
#41. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Primary Artist(s): Johnny Cash
Released: November 5 of 2002
Album/EP: “American IV: The Man Comes Around”
Writer(s): Trent Reznor
Producer(s): Rick Rubin
Grammy: “Best Music Video” at the Grammy Awards (2004).
Genre(s): Alternative rock and industrial rock.
#42. “Electric Feel” by MGMT
Primary Artist(s): MGMT
Released: June 23 of 2008
Album/EP: “Oracular Spectacular”
Writer(s): Ben Goldwasser, Andrew VanWyngarden and Will Berman.
Producer(s): Dave Fridmann
Genre(s): Synth rock
#43. “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange
Primary Artist(s): Solange
Released: October 5 of 2016
Album/EP: “A Seat at the Table”
Writer(s): Solange
Producer(s): Solange and Raphael Saadiq.
Grammy: “Best R&B Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2017).
Genre(s): R&B and soul.
#44. “Stan” by Eminem
Primary Artist(s): Eminem
Featured Artist(s): Dido
Released: October of 2000
Album/EP: “The Marshall Mathers LP”
Writer(s): Eminem, Dido Armstrong and Paul Herman.
Producer(s): Eminem and The 45 King.
Genre(s): Horrorcore
#45. “Sorry” by Justin Bieber
Primary Artist(s): Justin Bieber
Released: October 22 of 2015
Album/EP: “Purpose”
Writer(s): Justin Bieber, Justin Tranter, Sonny Moore, Julia Michaels and Michael Tucker. Producer(s): Skrillex and BloodPop.
Genre(s): Dancehall pop, tropical house and moombahton.
#46. “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
Primary Artist(s): Justin Timberlake
Released: November 25 of 2002
Album/EP: “Justified”
Writer(s): Justin Timberlake, Scott Storch and Timothy Mosley.
Producer(s): Timbaland and Scott Storch.
Grammy: “Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2004). Genre(s): R&B
#47. “Redbone” by Childish Gambino
Primary Artist(s): Childish Gambino
Released: November 17of 2016
Album/EP: “Awaken, My Love!”
Writer(s): Childish Gambino and Ludwig Göransson.
Producer(s): Childish Gambino and Ludwig Göransson.
Grammy: “Best Traditional R&B Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2018).
Genre(s): Psychedelic funk
#48. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Primary Artist(s): Pharrell Williams
Released: November 21 of 2013
Album/EP: “Girl” and “Despicable Me 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”.
Writer(s): Pharrell Williams
Producer(s): Pharrell Williams
Grammy: “Best Pop Solo Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2015).
Genre(s): Soul and neo soul.
#49. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
Primary Artist(s): Harry Styles
Released: April 7 of 2017
Album/EP: Harry Styles
Writer(s): Harry Styles, Ryan Nasci, Alex Salibian, Mitch Rowland, Jeff Bhasker, and Tyler Johnson. Producer(s): Bhasker, Johnson and Salibian.
Genre(s): Pop rock and soft rock.
#50. “The Scientist” Coldplay
Primary Artist(s): Coldplay
Released: November 11 of 2002
Album/EP: “A Rush of Blood to the Head”
Writer(s): Coldplay
Producer(s): Ken Nelson and Coldplay
Genre(s): Alternative rock, pop and piano rock.
#51. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé
Primary Artist(s): Beyoncé
Released: October 13 of 2008
Album/EP: “I Am… Sasha Fierce”
Writer(s): Beyoncé, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Thaddis Harrell. Producer(s): Beyoncé, Stewart and Nash.
Grammy: “Song of the Year”, “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” and “Best R&B Song” at the Grammy Awards (2010).
Genre(s): Dance-pop and R&B.
#52. “Chandelier” by Sia
Primary Artist(s): Sia
Released: March 17 of 2014
Album/EP: “1000 Forms of Fear”
Writer(s): Sia Furler and Jesse Shatkin.
Producer(s): Greg Kurstin and Jesse Shatkin.
Genre(s): Electropop
#53. “Oblivion” by Grimes
Primary Artist(s): Grimes
Released: January 31 of 2012
Album/EP: “Visions”
Writer(s): Grimes
Producer(s): Grimes
Genre(s): Synth-pop, dream pop and future pop.
#54. “Portions for Foxes” Rilo Kiley
Primary Artist(s): Rilo Kiley
Released: August 17 of 2004
Album/EP: “More Adventurous”
Writer(s): Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett
Producer(s): Mark Trombino
Genre(s): Alternative and Indie.
#55. “212” by Azealia Banks ft. Lazy Jay
Primary Artist(s): Azealia Banks
Featured Artist(s): Lazy Jay
Released: December 6 of 2011
Album/EP: “1991” and “Broke with Expensive Taste”.
Writer(s): Azealia Banks and Jef Martens.
Producer(s): Lazy Jay
Genre(s): Hip house
#56. “Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi” by Radiohead
Primary Artist(s): Radiohead
Released: October 10 of 2007
Album/EP: “In Rainbows”
Writer(s): Philip Selway, Ed O’Brien, Jonny Greenwood, Thom Yorke and Colin Greenwood. Producer(s): Nigel Godrich
Genre(s): Art rock, electronica, art pop and experimental rock.
#57. “Do You Realize??” by The Flaming Lips
Primary Artist(s): The Flaming Lips
Released: August 19 of 2002
Album/EP: “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots”
Writer(s): Wayne Coyne, Dave Fridmann, Steven Drozd and Michael Ivins.
Producer(s): The Flaming Lips, Scott Booker and Dave Fridmann.
Genre(s): Alternative rock
#58. “Ni**as in Paris” by Jay-Z and Kanye West
Primary Artist(s): Jay-Z and Kanye West
Released: September 13 of 2011
Album/EP: “Watch the Throne”
Writer(s): Kanye West, Jay-Z, Craig Cox, John Altschuler, Jeff Cox and Dave Krinsky.
Producer(s): Kanye West, Mike Dean, Hit-Boy and Anthony Kilhoffer.
Grammy: “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song” at the Grammy Awards (2013).
Genre(s): Hip hop
#59. “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B
Primary Artist(s): Cardi B
Released: June 16 of 2017
Album/EP: “Invasion of Privacy”
Writer(s): Cardi B, Dieuson Octave, Anthony White, Klenord Raphael and Jordan Thorpe.
Producer(s): J. White Did It and Laquan Green.
Genre(s): Hip hop and trap.
#60. “The Wire” by Haim
Primary Artist(s): Haim
Released: August 9 of 2013
Album/EP: “Days Are Gone”
Writer(s): Haim
Producer(s): Haim and Ariel Rechtshaid
Genre(s): Pop rock
#61. “Hung Up” by Madonna
Primary Artist(s): Madonna
Released: October 17of 2005
Album/EP: “Confessions on a Dance Floor”
Writer(s): Madonna, Stuart Price, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.
Producer(s): Madonna and Stuart Price.
Genre(s): Dance-pop, disco and nu-disco.
#62. “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry
Primary Artist(s): Katy Perry
Released: July 23 of 2010
Album/EP: “Teenage Dream”
Writer(s): Katy Perry, Bonnie McKee, Benny Blanco, Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
Producer(s): Benny Blanco, Max Martin and Dr. Luke.
Genre(s): Electropop and power pop.
#63. “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy
Primary Artist(s): Fall Out Boy
Released: April of 2005
Album/EP: “From Under the Cork Tree”
Writer(s): Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman, Andy Hurley and Patrick Stump.
Producer(s): Neal Avron
Genre(s): Pop punk and emo.
#64. “DNA” by Kendrick Lamar
Primary Artist(s): Kendrick Lamar
Released: April 14 of 2017
Album/EP: “DAMN”
Writer(s): Kendrick Lamar and Mike Will Made It.
Producer(s): Mike Will Made It
Genre(s): Hip hop, trap and hardcore hip hop.
#65. “We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
Primary Artist(s): Rihanna
Featured Artist(s): Calvin Harris
Released: September 22 of 2011
Album/EP: “Talk That Talk”
Writer(s): Calvin Harris
Producer(s): Calvin Harris
Grammy: “Best Short Form Music Video” at the Grammy Awards (2013).
Genre(s): Electro house
#66. “Beez in the Trap” by Nicki Minaj ft. 2 Chainz
Primary Artist(s): Nicki Minaj
Featured Artist(s): 2 Chainz
Released: May 29 of 2012
Album/EP: “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”
Writer(s): Nicki Minaj, Maurice Jordan and Tauheed Epps.
Producer(s): Kenoe
Genre(s): Hip hop
#67. “What You Know” by T.I.
Primary Artist(s): T.I.
Released: January 28 of 2006
Album/EP: “King”
Writer(s): T.I., Leroy Hutson, Billy Roberts, Aldrin Davis, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway and Gabriel W. Arillo.
Producer(s): DJ Toomp
Grammy: “Best Rap Solo Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2007).
Genre(s): Southern hip hop and trap.
#68. “Springsteen” by Eric Church
Primary Artist(s): Eric Church
Released: February 21 of 2012
Album/EP: “Chief”
Writer(s): Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell.
Producer(s): Jay Joyce
Genre(s): Country and heartland rock.
#69. “Thinkin Bout You” by Frank Ocean
Primary Artist(s): Frank Ocean
Released: April 17of 2012
Album/EP: “Channel Orange”
Writer(s): Christopher Breaux
Producer(s): Shea Taylor
Genre(s): R&B
#70. “American Idiot” by Green Day
Primary Artist(s): Green Day
Released: August 6, 2004
Album/EP: “American Idiot”
Writer(s): Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool.
Producer(s): Green Day and Rob Cavallo.
Genre(s): Punk rock and pop punk.
#71. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Primary Artist(s): Carly Rae Jepsen
Released: September 20 of 2011
Album/EP: “Kiss” and “Curiosity”
Writer(s): Carly Rae Jepsen, Josh Ramsay and Tavish Crowe.
Producer(s): Josh Ramsay
Genre(s): Pop, teen pop, dance-pop and bubblegum pop.
#72. “Bad and Boujee” by Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert
Primary Artist(s): Migos
Featured Artist(s): Lil Uzi Vert
Released: August 27 of 2016
Album/EP: “Culture”
Writer(s): Quavo, Offset, Robert Mandell, Lil Uzi Vert and Leland Tyler Wayne.
Producer(s): Metro Boomin and G Koop.
Genre(s): Hip hop and trap.
#73. “House of Jealous Lovers” by The Rapture
Primary Artist(s): The Rapture
Released: March of 2002
Album/EP: “Echoes”
Writer(s): The Rapture
Producer(s): The DFA
Genre(s): Dance-punk
#74. “Letter From an Occupant” by The New Pornographers
Primary Artist(s): The New Pornographers
Released: November 21 of 2000
Album/EP: “Mass Romantic”
Writer(s): A.C. Newman
Producer(s): David Carswell and John Collins.
Genre(s): Rock and pop.
#75. “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert
Primary Artist(s): Miranda Lambert
Released: March 8 of 2010
Album/EP: “Revolution”
Writer(s): Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke.
Producer(s): Mike Wrucke and Frank Liddell.
Grammy: “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2011).
Genre(s): Country
#76. “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Primary Artist(s): Daft Punk
Featured Artist(s): Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Released: April 19 of 2013
Album/EP: “Random Access Memories”
Writer(s): Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams.
Producer(s): Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo.
Grammy: “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” at the Grammy Awards (2014).
Genre(s): Disco, funk and pop.
#77. “Losing My Edge” by LCD Soundsystem
Primary Artist(s): LCD Soundsystem
Released: July 8 of 2002
Album/EP: “LCD Soundsystem”
Writer(s): James Murphy
Producer(s): The DFA
Genre(s): Dance-punk and alternative dance.
#78. “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John ft. Victoria Bergsman
Primary Artist(s): Peter Bjorn and John
Featured Artist(s): Victoria Bergsman
Released: August 7 of 2006
Album/EP: “Writer’s Block”
Writer(s): Peter Bjorn and John
Producer(s): Bjorn and John
Genre(s): Indie pop and indie rock
#79. “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams
Primary Artist(s): Snoop Dogg
Featured Artist(s): Pharrell Williams
Released: September 27 of 2004
Album: “R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece”
Writer(s): Pharrell Williams, Calvin Broadus, Tim Stahl, Chad Hugo, and John Guldberg.
Producer(s): The Neptunes
Genre(s): Hip hop
#80. “Ante Up (Robbin-Hoodz Theory)” by M.O.P.
Primary Artist(s): M.O.P.
Released: September 9 of 2000
Album: “Warriorz”
Writer(s): Eric Murray, Darryl Pittman and Jamal Grinnage.
Producer(s): DR Period
Genre(s): East Coast hip hop and hardcore hip hop.
#81. “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani
Primary Artist(s): Gwen Stefani
Released: March of 2005
Album: “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.”
Writer(s): Gwen Stefani, Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams.
Producer(s): The Neptunes
Genre(s): Hip hop
#82. “New Slang” by The Shins
Primary Artist(s): The Shins
Released: February 19 of 2001
Album: “Oh, Inverted World”
Writer(s): Oh, Inverted World
Producer(s): Oh, Inverted World
Genre(s): Folk and pop.
#83. “Lost Cause” by Beck
Primary Artist(s): Beck
Released: September 24 of 2002
Album: “Sea Change”
Writer(s): Beck Hansen
Producer(s): Nigel Godrich
Genre(s): Folk rock
#84. “One More Time” by Daft Punk
Primary Artist(s): Daft Punk
Released: November 13 of 2000
Album: “Discovery”
Writer(s): Daft Punk and Anthony Moore.
Producer(s): Daft Punk
Genre(s): French house
#85. “My Shot” by Original Broadway Cast of ‘Hamilton’
Primary Artist(s): Original Broadway Cast of ‘Hamilton’
Released: 2015
Album: “Hamilton”
Writer(s): Christopher Wallace, Kejuan Waliek Muchita, Albert Johnson, Osten Harvey, Jr., Roger Troutman and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Genre(s): Hip hop and show tune.
#86. “I Love It” by Icona Pop ft. Charli XCX
Primary Artist(s): Icona Pop
Featured Artist(s): Charli XCX
Released: May 9 of 2012
Album: “Icona Pop” and “This Is… Icona Pop”.
Writer(s): Charlotte Aitchison, Linus Eklöw and Patrik Berger.
Producer(s): Patrik Berger and Style of Eye.
Genre(s): Electropop and dance-pop.
#87. “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey
Primary Artist(s): Mariah Carey
Released: March 29 of 2005
Album: “The Emancipation of Mimi”
Writer(s): Mariah Carey, Manuel Seal, Johntá Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Kenneth Edmonds, Bobby Womack, Patrick Moten, Sandra Sully and Darnell Bristol.
Producer(s): Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal.
Genre(s): R&B
#88. “Hannah Hunt” by Vampire Weekend
Primary Artist(s): Vampire Weekend
Released: May 14 of 2013
Album: “Modern Vampires of the City”
Writer(s): Ezra Koenig
Producer(s): Ariel Rechtshaid and Rostam.
Genre(s): Alternative and Indie.
#89. “Hate to Say I Told You So” by The Hives
Primary Artist(s): The Hives
Released: December 4 of 2000
Album: “Veni Vidi Vicious”
Writer(s): Randy Fitzsimmons
Producer(s): Pelle Gunnerfeldt
Genre(s): Garage punk
#90. “1 Thing” by Amerie
Primary Artist(s): Amerie
Released: January of 2005
Album: “Touch”
Writer(s): Amerie, Rich Harrison and Stanley Walden.
Producer(s): Rich Harrison
Genre(s): R&B, funk and go-go.
#91. “Despacito (Remix)” by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber
Primary Artist(s): Luis Fonsi
Featured Artist(s): Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber
Released: April 17 of 2017
Album: “Shape of Pop”
Writer(s): Daddy Yankee, Poo Bear, Justin Bieber, Marty James, Luis Fonsi and Erika Ender.
Producer(s): Josh Gudwin, Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo.
Genre(s): Reggaeton and Latin pop.
#92. “Stoned and Starving” by Parquet Courts
Primary Artist(s): Parquet Courts
Released: January 1 of 2012
Album: “Light Up Gold”
Writer(s): Parquet Courts
Producer(s): Jonathan Schenke
Genre(s): Rock
#93. “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” by My Chemical Romance
Primary Artist(s): My Chemical Romance
Released: 2004
Album: “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge”
Writer(s): Matt Pelissier, Frank Iero, Ray Toro, Gerard Way, and Mikey Way
Producer(s): Howard Benson
Genre(s): Hard rock, alternative rock, pop punk, punk rock, post-hardcore and emo
#94. “Jesus Walks” by Kanye West
Primary Artist(s): Kanye West
Released: May 25 of 2004
Album: “The College Dropout”
Writer(s): Kanye West, Che Smith, Miri Ben-Ari and Curtis Lundy.
Producer(s): Kanye West
Grammy: “Best Rap Song” at the “Grammy Awards” (2005).
Genre(s): Hip hop and gospel.
#95. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” by Kylie Minogue
Primary Artist(s): Kylie Minogue
Released: September 8 of 2001
Album/EP: “Fever”
Writer(s): Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis.
Producer(s): Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis.
Genre(s): Dance-pop, techno-pop and neo-disco.
#96. “Tighten Up” by The Black Keys
Primary Artist(s): The Black Keys
Released: April 17 of 2010
Album: “Brothers”
Writer(s): Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney.
Producer(s): Danger Mouse
Grammy: “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal” at the “Grammy Awards” (2011) Genre(s): Blues rock and garage rock.
#97. “1901” by Phoenix
Primary Artist(s): Phoenix
Released: May 25 of 2009
Album: “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix”
Writer(s): Christian Mazzalai, Frederic Moulin, Laurent Mazzalai and Thomas Pablo Croquet. Producer(s): Phoenix and Philippe Zdar.
Grammy: “Best Alternative Music Album” at the Grammy Awards (2010).
Genre(s): Synth-rock
#98. “Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays
Primary Artist(s): Alvvays
Released: July 22 of 2014
Album: “Alvvays”
Writer(s): Alec O’Hanley and Molly Rankin
Producer(s): Chad VanGaalen
Genre(s): Indie pop
#99. “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK ft. Outkast
Primary Artist(s): UGK
Featured Artist(s): Outkast
Released: June 6 of 2007
Album: “Underground Kingz”
Writer(s): Pimp C, André 3000, DJ Paul, Juicy, Bun B, J Willie Hutch and Big Boi.
Producer(s): DJ Paul and Juicy J
Genre(s): Hip hop
#100.”Gasolina” Daddy Yankee ft. Glory
Primary Artist(s): Daddy Yankee
Featured Artist(s): Glory
Released: November 1 of 2004
Album: “Barrio Fino”
Writer(s): Daddy and Eddie Ávila.
Producer(s): Luny Tunes
Grammy: “Record of the Year” at the “Latin Grammy Awards” (2005).
Genre(s): Reggaeton
And here I thought thinking that a century was 100 years :p
Thanks for spotting the blunder and bringing it to our attention (:
👍
And this is why the 70s and 80s were the golden eras of music.
Why isn’t watermelonn sugar on this list? or
cause its not a good song.
Lame. No John Mayer?! And a several snoozers
Bahahahaha…. what a joke~!
Rolling Stone has progressed to another ‘Trash Can Mag’ that few intellectuals read. This list goes into the Trash with them… (funny) ~
I love music. I love all kinds of music. I can honestly say that without music, I wouldn’t still be here today. It has literally kept me alive. That being said, I find this list to be taken from a pretty narrow scope of choices. There are so many songs which I feel are worthy of a spot here that weren’t even acknowledged yet someone like cardi b makes the list? Super duper weak. In my opinion of course. Lol.
WHERE IS LMFAO THEY WERE HITS
Imagine a list without king of pop (MJ), without King of Reggae (Bob marley), without any Country music artist. May be am failing to understand the criteria used to come up with the nonsense above.
No Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson? This list is so laughable.
rolling stone is worse than a bad joke. Everyone affiliated with this rag are delusional if they believe they have any credibility in the music world.
No Linkin Park? No Disturbed? Nothing from the group Nothing More, a truly underrated rock band with a unique perspective on life? Nothing at all from any metal band? Only one song from David Bowie? Nothing from MJ? Only one country recording (from Miranda Lambert)?
How can these artists be unrepresented (or underrepresented), yet OutKast gets several shout-outs, and some one-hit wonders are acknowledged as some of the best songs of the new century to date?
I just don’t get it. It makes no sense at all, and I definitely do not approve.
I see the problem here. The writer of this article [or owner of this site] is a poor judge of Music, its sound, its intent, its relevance, its power, and its history. Arrgh, There’s no point to this.