The long awaited list of best musical moments from the famously pop-culture-centered magazine, Rollingstone, is finally here. Artists, critics, and industry insiders came together to create an epic list of this era's monumental and most memorable compositions.
While the full list has plenty of note-worthy artists and hits, here are 12 of the magazine's best selections.
"American Idiot" - Green Day
This 2004 hit was originally released in opposition to President Bush, although it remains wildly relevant over a decade later. The aggressive sound of the electric guitar pairs with tense lyrics that refer to America as "One nation controlled by the media/ Information Age of hysteria." Rollingstone referred to "American Idiot" as one of the 21st century's leading political anthems.
"Young Folks" - Peter Bjorn & John
"Young Folks" was one of the few songs in the indie-pop genre to make Rollingstone's list. The song was released in 2006 and received extensive airplay on American radio stations and was also featured in several European commercials and television shows.
"Rehab" - Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse's unique approach and blending of soul and the conventions of the rhythm and the blues, radiates in her lyrics describing her own refusal to seek treatment for alcoholism. Twelve years later, "Rehab" is considered Winehouse's signature song and now, one of the best songs of the 21st century.
"Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," even years later with an impressive lineup of hits, stands out with a spoken bridge and impressive vocal display of power in the chorus. The video, like many of Gaga's, received critical acclaim for its vivid imagery and risqué themes.
"Tighten Up" - The Black Keys
The blues rock group "The Black Keys" said that "Tighten Up" was actually the last song they made for their album "Brothers." Oddly enough, eight years later, their track about a man on the hunt for love, is one of their most successful songs, going platinum, and gave them their first major appearance on American radio.
"Teenage Dream" - Katy Perry
Katy Perry's 2010 single became a summer anthem and was one of the five songs on her "Teenage Dream" album to reach number one on the charts. With carefree lyrics, "Let's go all the way tonight/ No regrets/ Just love," the song still endures as one of Perry's greatest hits.
"Blue Jeans" - Lana Del Rey
While Lana Del Rey has plenty of songs that would be worthy of this list, her 2012 release "Blue Jeans" received immense praise from critics and fans as well as other artists such as Kayne West who felt so moved by the track that he called Rey one of his favorite artists.
"Royals" - Lorde
In 2013 indie and electro New Zealand new-comer, Lorde, took music fans by storm with her unique style and quick-wit in "Royals." The singer's vocal delivery has been compared to some of the greatest artists of the 21st century including Amy Winehouse. Five years later, Lorde continues to top charts with ongoing hits and her same eye-catchingly peculiar approach to themes of heartbreak, fame, and youth.
"Happy" - Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams is easily one of the most versatile artists of the 21st century, confidently carrying his own soulful style while adjusting to other genres for collaborations with artists such as Robin Thicke and Nicki Minaj. His hit "Happy" was inspired by 60s soul and has become a sort of trademark for Williams. It was also featured in Universal's animated film "Despicable Me."
"Chandelier" - Sia
Chandelier is a famously audibly aesthetic release from Sia's sixth studio album "1000 Forms of Fear." The 2014 single is said to be one of the Australian performer's most personal songs as its lyrics were inspired by her own struggles with alcoholism.
"Formation" - Beyonce
"Formation" was the leading single on Beyoncé's dominate album "Lemonade." The single was praised for its political criticism, as well as its depiction and celebration of blackness. "Formation" was even referred to as "a statement of radical black positivity" by the Los Angeles Times and won a Grammy for Best Video of the Year.
"Redbone" - Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino's song about paranoia and infidelity unleashed a psychedelic sound unlike anything his fans had heard from him before. With the repeated line, "Stay Woke," and ominous tone, "Redbone" was later chosen specifically by Jordan Peele to play in the opening credits of his hit film "Get Out."
Honorable mentions : "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles, "99 Problems" by Jay-Z, "The Scientist" by Coldplay, and "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé. Check out the full list here
