THIS CENTURY'S TOP 200 SONGS Update: #190-181. NEXT UPDATE: 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.

190 BILLIONAIRE

TRAVIE MCCOY featuring BRUNO MARS [2010]

 

A song that reflects the time, where new artist Travie McCoy imagines what he would do with a billion dollars. It was also an early hit for guest vocalist Bruno Mars.

189 SON OF A GUN 

(I BETCHA THINK THIS SONG IS ABOUT YOU)

JANET JACKSON with CARLY SIMON [2001]

An adventurous song from Janet Jackson with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis at the helm. It revisited “You’re So Vain” with guest raps from (its writer / performer) Carly Simon and Missy Elliott.

188 WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN [2012]

 

Bruce Springsteen’s call to arms for the tough times in America is just as relevant a lesson for the rest of the western world.

187 HURT

CHRISTINA AGUILERA [2006]

 

Christina Aguilera delivers a breathtaking vocal performance on this ballad. “Hurt” contains some of the most potent lyrics of any recent pop hit. Its creation brought together the songwriting talents of Aguilera, Linda Perry and Mark Ronson.

186 WE ARE YOUNG

FUN featuring Janelle Monae [2011]

 

This indie group drew from obvious retro sources to create one of the catchiest hits of the new millennium.

185 I DIDN’T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH

WHITNEY HOUSTON [2009]

 

This Diane Warren ballad announced the return of Whitney Houston. Its lyrics deal with the singer overcoming her recent issues and hinted at a brighter future. Sadly, this was not to be. The dynamic voice was silenced in early 2012.

184 HOLD ON, WE’RE GOING HOME

DRAKE featuring Majid Jordan [2013]

 

Canadian R&B/ rap artist Drake has grown into one of the biggest stars in music today. In 2015, his album ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’ reached #1 in America, where all of its 17 songs entered the R&B/ Hip- Hop Chart.

183 STAY WITH ME

SAM SMITH [2014]

 

Fortunately, great voices will always matter. Sam Smith collected prizes from all over the world for his music in 2014-15.  

182 CALL ME MAYBE

CARLY RAE JEPSEN [2011]

 

“Call Me Maybe” was an international pop hit for the Canadian singer, reaching #1 in the US, Europe, UK, Australia and Canada.

181 THE REASON

HOOBASTANK [2003]

 

Hoobastank carved out a new approach to the big power ballad for the new century with “The Reason”.

Another 10 songs will be added tomorrow.