THIS CENTURY'S 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS. The countdown begins here 200 > 191.

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.

200 BEAUTIFUL DAY

U2 [2000]

The legendary Irish rock band U2 shows that it can still deliver a straight-ahead great track. “Beautiful Day” swiftly became an anthem.

199 ON THE RADIO

REGINA SPEKTOR [2006]

Quirky indie hit from Moscow-born performer Regina Spektor who migrated to the US. "On The Radio" makes reference to the Guns N’ Roses hit “November Rain”.

198 CAN’T HOLD US

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS [2012]

 

This talented duo made a big splash with its ‘The Heist’ album, “Can’t Hold Us” brings genres together with an uplifting and celebratory attitude.

197 GIRLFRIEND

THE DARKNESS [2005]

 

Heavy metal / hard rock group The Darkness embrace glam rock on the camp song “Girlfriend”. Justin Hawkins’ falsetto is utilized to great effect.

196 GROOVEJET (IF THIS AIN’T LOVE)

SPILLER featuring SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR [2000]

 

Italian DJ / producer Cristiano Spiller not only helped launch the solo career of vocalist Sophie Ellis-Bextor, but created a dance classic for the early millennium.

195 I DON’T FEEL LIKE DANCIN’

Scissor Sisters [2006]

 

The Scissor Sisters drew from the group’s musical heroes and crafted a modern song that re-captures the halcyon era of disco.

194 THE RISING

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN [2002]

 

On “The Rising”, 1 of American rock’s best storytellers reacts to the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

193 BUST YOUR WINDOWS

JAZMINE SULLIVAN [2000]

 

The American R&B singer dropped 1 of the best revenge songs in years.

192 STRAIGHT LINES

SILVERCHAIR [2007]

Australian group Silverchair continued its evolution from grunge band to musically adventurous recording act with this hit song from its ‘Young Modern’ album. The track was penned by The Presets’ Julian Hamilton.

191 NEXT TO ME

EMELI SANDE’ [2012]
 

Scottish artist Emeli Sandé drew from Nina Simone, Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis to create her own style of R&B.

Another 10 songs will be added next weekend.