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Rolling Stone has released its newest ranking with The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far and it showcases the tracks that have defined modern music since 2000. It features music from a wide range of genres, including Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, The White Stripes and more, showing just how much of today’s favorites are inspired by tunes from the early 2000s.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps” recently had a moment on TikTok, despite being released over two decades ago in 2003, and it landed near the top of Rolling Stones’ list. The White Stripes’ 2003 single “Seven Nation Army” also made the cut, a reminder of how its instantly recognizable riff became a global sports chant more than 20 years after its release.
Other top selections included “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On,”Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright.” The list wasn’t compiled of only commercial chart-toppers with several cult favorites earning a spot, and it illustrated how so many songs from the 2000s and early 2010s have continued to make their way onto playlists and become the soundtrack of live events.
The publication noted that the choices were selected by its staff, who wanted to pick songs that “provided a snapshot of how much the century’s sound has evolved and defined every generation that listens closely.” While the resulting list is essentially a time capsule, it’s also a testament to just how much listeners love nostalgia, something that’s seemingly increased in today’s streaming era.
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The full list spans everything from pop and rock to hip-hop, reggaeton, and electronic music, and it highlights how international artists and the meshing of genres have reshaped the music people gravitate toward today. Fans can explore the complete ranking on Rolling Stone’s website.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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