THIS CENTURY'S TOP 200 SONGS update: #170-161. Another 10 songs added tomorrow.

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

FROM THE FIRST 15 YEARS

OF THIS CENTURY

Now that we are 15 years into the 21^st Century, it’s apropos to look back over the 200 songs since 2000 that have made the greatest impact on the sound of music as it stands in 2015.

To be eligible for the Top 200, a song must have officially appeared on an album, CD single  or as a download between Jan. 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014.

170 HEY THERE DELILAH

PLAIN WHITE T’s [2005]

 

The American band Plain White T’s dropped 1 of the most radio-friendly love songs of the current century.

169 SINCE U BEEN GONE

KELLY CLARKSON [2004]

 

Kelly Clarkson was the 1^st winner of “American Idol”. The TV hit spawned similar shows and launched numerous new artists in umpteen countries. Clarkson remains the most successful and interesting. With “Since U Been Gone”, the singer proved she had the talent and range in her catalogue to sustain her career into the future.  

168 YOU RAISE ME UP  

JOSH GROBAN [2003]

 

A rare marriage of classical music with pop that became a crossover smash. This mighty number helped propel Josh Groban’s ‘Closer’ album to #1 in the USA. The single had already peaked at the top of the American AC chsrt.

167 DON’T CHA

PUSSYCAT DOLLS featuring Busta Rhymes [2005]

 

While The Pussycat Dolls are justifiably targets of derision, there’s no denying  the impact of “Don’t Cha” in popular culture. Each second oozes sexuality and the catchy chorus is embedded in our lexicon.

166 FUCK YOU

CEE LO GREEN [2010]

 

Despite its straight-to -the -point title and chorus, “Fuck You” is irresistibly catchy with its ample hooks and R&B/ funky appeal. It was also issued in a censored version as “Forget You”.

165 STONE COLD SOBER

PALOMA FAITH [2009]

 

In the wake of Adele, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, came this cleverly constructed debut track from 1 of the current crop of exciting vocalists. It served as the perfect introduction to rising British singer Paloma Faith.

164 I’M YOURS

JASON MRAZ [2008]

“I’m Yours” subtly welds a number of styles, inckuding blue-eyed soul, reggae, pop and indie rock to create a laid back love song perfectl for radio airwaves and mainstream tastes.

163 BLEEDING LOVE

LEONA LEWIS [2007]

After a resounding triumph on British TV talent show “The X Factor”, the program’s Simon Cowell secured Leona Lewis a record deal with Clive Davis. This set in motion the worldwide success of “Bleeding Love”. The single was catapulted to #1 in the UK, America, Australia, Europe, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

162 SINCE I LEFT YOU

THE AVALANCHES [2000]

 

Bringing together a myriad of samples from a wide array of sources, The Australian recording act created a track with great beauty.   

161 NOT READY TO MAKE NICE

DIXIE CHICKS [2006]

 

The country trio hit back at those who were displeased with lead vocalist Natalie Maines’ justified criticism of then US president George Bush. Rather than panic when country music fans shunned the Texan group, The Dixie Chicks stood their ground. The women’s conviction and attitude remains exemplary. It ultimately earned the group respect and raised its mainstream profile.