THIS CENTURY'S TOP 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS Update: #90-81.
THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS
FROM THE FIRST 15 YEARS
OF THIS CENTURY
Now that we are 15 years into the 21st
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.
90 BACK TO BLACK
AMY WINEHOUSE [2006]
The world fell in love with the retro blue-eyed soul of Amy Winehouse. It was reassuring to see a vocalist celebrated enthusiastically. The tragedy that befell the artiste added even more poignancy.
89 USE SOMEBODY
KINGS OF LEON [2008]
Kings Of Leon expanded its fan base with "Use Somebody" and "Sex On Fire"; both from its 2008 album 'Only By The Night'. The former is now a rock radio staple.
88 U +UR HAND
PINK [2006]
Pink became the Pat Benatar of the new millenium with punchy, take-no-prisoners pop/ rock songs such as "U + Ur Hand".
87 7 DAYS
CRAIG DAVID [2000]
On "& Days", the 2-Step ambassador goes soul and creates a fresh approach. This track recounts a week following a chance meeting with a woman.
86 SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)
BEYONCE` [2008]
Beyonce' dropped 1 of the defining songs of the century's 1st decade with "Single Ladies". The accompanying video ensured its dance moves would be emulated long after the single's chart run expired.
85 I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE
THE DARKNESS [2002]
No group combined hard rock & glam metal the way The Darkness did this century. The result was a bouncy and joyous track that was easily accessible to a range of audiences. It also carried the torch on from groups such as T Rex and Slade.
84 FALLIN'
ALICIA KEYS [2001]
Soul fans were searching for an exciting new singer/ songwriter that could be easily consumed. Alicia Ketys arrived at the right time. "Fallin'"proved the perfect introduction, showcasing her vocal gift and songwriting talent. She is as enthralling to tis day.
83 DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT
SNOOP DOGGY DOGG featuring PHARRELL [2004]
Snoop continued his influence on hip-hop with "Drop It Like It's Hot", ably assisted by producers The Neptunes (notably Pharrell Williams).
82 MERCY
DUFFY [2008]
Welsh singer Duffy emerged around the same time as similar blue-eyed soul recording acts as Amy Winehouse and Adele. She stormed to global success with her hit "Mercy".
81 CLINT EASTWOOD
GORILLAZ [2001] 
Gorillaz was a groundbreaking act in that it was the 1st "virtual" hip-hop group. Pivotal members included Damon Albarn from Blur and Talking Heads' Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz ."Clint Eastwood" was its breakthrough hit. It swiftly became a trip hop favourite.
Another 10 songs will be added tomorrow.
