Rolling Stone’s Top 10: The Greatest Song of the 21st Century

The Search For A Century’s Anthem: What Is the Greatest Song Of Our Time?

October 9, 2025

The question of what constitutes the “greatest song” is perpetually debated, but a recent online discussion has brought renewed focus to identifying the defining musical work of the 21st century so far.A post circulating on social media platforms on october 9th, 2025, initiated the conversation, quickly gathering significant traction with over 1,393 likes and 50 comments.

The Rock & Metal Focus

The initial post, shared by a user named jesealee, specifically prompted opinions on the greatest song within the rock, metal, nu-metal, and hard rock genres. this focus immediately narrowed the scope of the debate, attracting responses from dedicated fans of thes musical styles. The discussions highlighted the subjective nature of musical taste, with passionate arguments made for a wide range of artists and tracks.

Several songs were repeatedly mentioned in the comments, representing a diverse cross-section of the rock and metal landscape.Bands like System of a Down, Linkin Park, and Slipknot saw their work championed by numerous users, reflecting their enduring influence on the genre.

Beyond Genre: A Broader Outlook

While the original prompt centered on specific genres, conversations quickly expanded to encompass other significant songs released as 2000. Artists such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Adele were also named as contenders, demonstrating the expanding scope of the debate. The lack of a universally agreed-upon standard for “greatness” was a recurring theme, with respondents emphasizing the importance of personal connection and emotional impact.

According to a recent report by Luminate Data, streaming numbers continue to play a substantial role in defining musical success, but critical acclaim and cultural impact remain equally crucial factors. The interplay between these elements adds complexity to identifying a single “greatest” song.

Here’s a comparative look at some frequently mentioned contenders:

Artist	Song Title	Genre	Year Released
Linkin Park	in the End	Nu-Metal	2000
System of a Down	Chop Suey!	Choice Metal	2001
Beyoncé	Crazy in Love	R&B	2003
Kendrick Lamar	Alright	Hip Hop	2015

Did You Know? The rise of streaming services has dramatically altered how music is consumed and evaluated, shifting the emphasis from album sales to individual track plays.

Pro Tip: When evaluating a song’s impact, consider its influence on other artists and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.

The conversation surrounding the greatest song of the century underscores the powerful role music plays in shaping culture and evoking emotion. It serves as a reminder that the definition of “greatness” is ultimately subjective and defined by individual experience.

What song do you believe best represents the sound of the 21st century? And, what criteria do you use to define a “great” song?

the Evolving Landscape of Music

The 21st Century has witnessed a radical conversion in the music industry, driven by technological advancements and changing listener habits. The dominance of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music has democratized access to music, allowing artists to reach global audiences without relying on traditional record labels. This shift has also led to a more fragmented musical landscape,with a wider variety of genres and subgenres gaining popularity.

Furthermore, the rise of social media has empowered fans to directly engage with artists and participate in musical communities. Platforms like TikTok have become major drivers of music finding, launching new artists to stardom and revitalizing older songs. This dynamic interplay between technology, artists, and fans continues to shape the evolution of music in the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes a song “great”? Greatness in a song is subjective,frequently enough stemming from a combination of musical innovation,lyrical depth,cultural impact,and personal resonance.
• How does streaming impact song evaluation? Streaming numbers provide a quantifiable measure of popularity, but they don’t necessarily equate to artistic merit or lasting influence.
• What role do awards play in determining a song’s meaning? Awards can elevate a song’s profile, but they are often subject to industry biases and don’t always reflect public opinion.
• Is there a definitive way to identify the “greatest song”? No, there isn’t.Identifying the “greatest song” is ultimately a matter of opinion and perspective.
• How has technology changed music creation? Technology has greatly expanded the possibilities for music creation, with digital audio workstations and virtual instruments empowering artists to experiment and innovate.

Share your thoughts on the greatest song of the century in the comments below!

How does Rolling Stone’s list reflect the increasing prominence of female artists in the 21st century?

Decoding the List: A Deep Dive into 21st Century Music

Rolling Stone’s ranking of the greatest songs of the 21st century,published in September 2023,sparked considerable debate and discussion amongst music lovers. The list, a culmination of extensive polling and critical analysis, offers a fascinating snapshot of the musical landscape from 2000 onwards. This article breaks down the top 10, exploring the songs’ impact, genre depiction, and lasting legacy. We’ll delve into why thes tracks resonated so powerfully and continue to influence contemporary music. Key search terms include: best songs 21st century, Rolling Stone top songs, modern music hits, popular music 2000s, contemporary music analysis.

The Top 10: A Song-by-Song Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at Rolling Stone’s picks, from number 10 to the coveted top spot:

1. 10. Beyoncé – “Formation” (2016): A powerful anthem of Black pride and resilience, “Formation” isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural statement. its visual album companion further cemented its impact. Genre: R&B, Pop.
2. 9. Kanye West – “Runaway” (2010): A sprawling, emotionally raw track showcasing West’s vulnerability and artistic ambition.The extended outro and accompanying short film are iconic. genre: Hip-Hop, Experimental.
3. 8.Frank Ocean – “Thinkin Bout You” (2012): Ocean’s breakthrough hit, a beautifully melancholic exploration of unrequited love. Its innovative production and lyrical honesty resonated deeply. Genre: R&B, Choice.
4. 7. Lorde – “Royals” (2013): A minimalist masterpiece that challenged pop conventions and offered a refreshing critique of materialism. Genre: Art Pop, Electropop.
5. 6. Kendrick Lamar – “Alright” (2015): A rallying cry for the Black Lives matter movement, “Alright” became an anthem of protest and hope.Its powerful message and infectious beat made it instantly iconic. Genre: Hip-Hop, Conscious Rap.
6. 5. Taylor Swift – “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” (2021): A lyrical tour-de-force, this extended version of a fan favorite showcases Swift’s storytelling prowess and emotional depth. genre: Country Pop, Singer-Songwriter.
7. 4.Drake – “Hotline Bling” (2015): A defining track of the 2010s, “Hotline Bling” blended hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall influences to create a uniquely captivating sound.Genre: hip-Hop,R&B,Dancehall.
8. 3. billie Eilish – “bad guy” (2019): Eilish’s breakthrough hit,a darkly alluring track that defied genre conventions and established her as a major force in pop music. Genre: Electropop, Dark Pop.
9. 2. Outkast – “Hey Ya!” (2003): A genre-bending explosion of energy and creativity,”Hey Ya!” remains a timeless party anthem. Its innovative production and infectious melody continue to captivate audiences. Genre: Hip-Hop, Funk, Pop.
10. 1. Lana Del Rey – “Video Games” (2011): Rolling Stone crowned “Video Games” the greatest song of the 21st century, citing its haunting melody, cinematic atmosphere, and Del Rey’s captivating vocal performance. Genre: Dream Pop, Baroque Pop.

Genre Representation & Trends

The list reveals several key trends in 21st-century music:

* Hip-hop Dominance: Hip-hop and R&B are heavily represented, reflecting their growing influence on the mainstream. Artists like Kanye West,Kendrick Lamar,and Drake demonstrate the genre’s evolution and cultural impact.

* Female Empowerment: Artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Rey showcase the increasing prominence of female voices in music. Their songs often explore themes of empowerment, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

* Genre Blurring: Many of the songs defy easy categorization,blending elements of diffrent genres to create unique and innovative sounds. this reflects a broader trend towards genre fluidity in contemporary music. genre bending music, hybrid genres, experimental music.

* Lyrical Depth: A common thread throughout the list is a focus on lyrical depth and emotional honesty. Artists are increasingly willing to explore complex themes and personal experiences in their music. Songwriting analysis,lyrical themes,emotional impact of music.

The Impact of Streaming & Social Media

The rise of streaming services and social media has profoundly impacted the music industry and the way songs are consumed. Platforms like spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok have democratized access to music and allowed artists to connect directly with their fans.

* **Viral Trends