VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s was a five-part television special hosted by Pete Wentz that originally premiered in September 2011. The list defines the decade's musical landscape by highlighting the dominance of R&B, hip-hop, and pop-culture-shifting hits. Top 10 Rankings
The official top 10 from the VH1 special features some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s: Beyoncé (feat. Jay-Z) – "Crazy in Love" (2003) OutKast – "Hey Ya!" (2003) Lady Gaga – "Poker Face" (2008) Eminem – "Lose Yourself" (2002) Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" (2004) Kanye West (feat. Jamie Foxx) – "Gold Digger" (2005) Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) – "SexyBack" (2006) Jay-Z (feat. Alicia Keys) – "Empire State of Mind" (2009) Mariah Carey – "We Belong Together" (2005) 50 Cent – "In Da Club" (2003) Key Features and Updates
Genre Shifts: Critics noted the R&B and hip-hop heavy nature of the list; the first rock entry, Green Day’s "American Idiot," does not appear until #13.
Decade Transitions: Several songs included on the list were actually released in 1999, such as Macy Gray’s "I Try" (#85) and Sisqó’s "Thong Song" (#100), reflecting their impact on the early 2000s culture.
Updated Perspectives: While VH1 has not released a formal "updated" broadcast list since 2011, modern retrospectives often re-evaluate these rankings. For instance, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" (ranked #55 by VH1) has since become the most-streamed track of the decade on platforms like Apple Music.
Lost Media: The original special, known for its celebrity commentary, is now considered "partially lost" as it is no longer regularly aired or available on streaming services, though fans frequently share partial archives on Reddit.
For a complete breakdown of all 100 tracks, you can view archived lists on Entertainment Weekly or listen to curated playlists on Spotify.
200 Most-Streamed Songs from the 2000s - Playlist - Apple Music
The era's unstoppable guitar music leads the way, with The Killers' “Mr. Brightside” the single most-streamed track of the decade, Apple Music
VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s: The Definitive Decade Breakdown
The 2000s were a chaotic, vibrant, and transformative era for music. We moved from portable CD players to iPods, witnessed the birth of streaming, and saw genre lines blur like never before. When VH1 released its "100 Greatest Songs of the '00s" special, it served as a high-energy time capsule for a decade defined by pop-punk, hip-hop dominance, and the rise of the "Indie" superstar.
Here is an updated look at the top tier of that list and why these tracks still define the cultural landscape today. The Top 10: The Best of the Best
While the full list spans everything from emo anthems to club bangers, the top 10 represents the songs that didn't just top the charts—they changed the conversation.
Beyoncé (ft. Jay-Z) – "Crazy in Love" (2003)The horn blast heard 'round the world. This track didn't just launch Beyoncé’s solo career; it established her as the definitive artist of the millennium.
OutKast – "Hey Ya!" (2003)A rare "perfect" song. It blended funk, rock, and pop so seamlessly that it became a staple at every wedding, club, and radio station for years.
Lady Gaga – "Poker Face" (2008)The moment synth-pop officially took over the late 2000s. Gaga brought avant-garde fashion and dark electronic textures back to the mainstream.
Eminem – "Lose Yourself" (2002)The ultimate underdog anthem. It was the first hip-hop song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song and remains the gold standard for "hype" music.
Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" (2004)The bridge between American Idol and legitimate pop-rock royalty. Its massive chorus influenced the "loud-quiet-loud" dynamic of pop for the next five years.
Kanye West (ft. Jamie Foxx) – "Gold Digger" (2005)Kanye’s ability to sample Ray Charles and turn it into a global dance floor filler proved he was the most influential producer-rapper of the era.
Justin Timberlake (ft. Timbaland) – "SexyBack" (2006)A distorted, gritty departure from the "boy band" sound. It ushered in the era of futuristic, beat-heavy R&B.
Rihanna (ft. Jay-Z) – "Umbrella" (2007)That "ella, ella, eh" hook was inescapable. It transformed Rihanna from a Caribbean pop singer into a global fashion and music icon.
Britney Spears – "Toxic" (2003)With its surf-guitar riff and high-pitched strings, "Toxic" proved Britney was at the cutting edge of experimental pop production.
Amy Winehouse – "Rehab" (2006)A soulful, retro throwback that felt entirely modern. It sparked a massive "British Invasion" of soul singers like Adele and Duffy. Why the 2000s Mattered
The VH1 list highlights a specific "melting pot" effect. In the 2000s, you could find The White Stripes ("Seven Nation Army") sharing airplay with 50 Cent ("In Da Club") and Coldplay ("Yellow"). The Rise of the Producer
The 2000s were the decade of the "Super Producer." Names like Timbaland, The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams), and Stargate created a sonic signature—heavy on the bass, crisp on the percussion—that unified the sound of the decade. The "Indie" Crossover
While the 2000s were pop-heavy, the VH1 list acknowledges the "Garage Rock Revival." Songs like The Killers’ "Mr. Brightside" and MGMT’s "Kids" proved that "alternative" music could become the biggest songs in the world. The Legacy of the VH1 List
Looking back at the "VH1 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s" today, the list holds up remarkably well. While some "one-hit wonders" (like Gnarls Barkley’s "Crazy") remind us of specific moments in time, the core of the list represents the foundations of today's music. From Beyoncé’s reign to the electronic foundations laid by Lady Gaga, the 2000s weren't just a transition—they were the blueprint.
What song do you think was ranked too low on the original VH1 list?
VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s: A Updated List of the Decade's Most Iconic Tracks
The 2000s was a transformative decade for music, marked by the rise of new genres, the evolution of technology, and the emergence of new artists. VH1, a leading music television network, took on the task of compiling a list of the 100 greatest songs of the decade. The original list, released in 2009, was a comprehensive look back at the best of the 2000s. However, with the benefit of hindsight and new perspectives, we've updated the list to reflect the decade's most iconic and enduring tracks.
The Evolution of Music in the 2000s
The 2000s was a decade of significant change in the music industry. The rise of digital music and file-sharing platforms like Napster, iTunes, and Spotify transformed the way people consumed music. The decade also saw the emergence of new genres, such as emo, pop-punk, and crunk, which captivated audiences and produced some of the decade's most memorable hits.
The Original List
VH1's original list of the 100 greatest songs of the 2000s was compiled by a panel of music experts, DJs, and artists. The list included a diverse range of genres and styles, from pop and rock to hip-hop and R&B. Some of the top 10 songs on the original list included:
The Updated List
In updating the list, we've taken into account new perspectives, recent reevaluations of the decade's music, and the enduring popularity of certain songs. Here are some of the changes and additions to the updated list:
The Top 10 Songs of the 2000s (Updated)
Here are the top 10 songs on the updated list:
Conclusion
VH1's updated list of the 100 greatest songs of the 2000s reflects the decade's most iconic and enduring tracks. From hip-hop and pop to rock and R&B, the list showcases the diversity and creativity of the decade's music. Whether you're nostalgic for the early 2000s or just discovering the music of the decade, this updated list is a comprehensive guide to the best of the 2000s. vh1 100 greatest songs of the 2000s upd
In 2011, VH1 looked back at a decade of pop-culture evolution with its five-night special, "100 Greatest Songs of the '00s". Hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, the countdown celebrated the definitive hits that bridged the gap between the boy-band era and the digital streaming revolution. The Top 10
The list was topped by Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love," cementing its status as the definitive anthem of the decade. Beyoncé (feat. Jay-Z) – "Crazy in Love" OutKast – "Hey Ya!" Lady Gaga – "Poker Face" Eminem – "Lose Yourself" Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" Kanye West (feat. Jamie Foxx) – "Gold Digger" Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) – "SexyBack" Jay-Z (feat. Alicia Keys) – "Empire State of Mind" Mariah Carey – "We Belong Together" 50 Cent – "In Da Club" Decade Defining Highlights
The Reign of Queen Bey: Beyoncé didn't just take the top spot; she appeared three times in the top 20, with "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" at No. 16 and Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious" at No. 19.
Gaga vs. Gaga: The list sparked debate among fans when "Poker Face" broke into the top five, while the later, massive hit "Bad Romance" only landed at No. 49.
Cultural Milestones: The countdown included diverse genre-defining moments, from the rock anthem "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes (No. 26) to the indie-soul breakout "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse (No. 31).
Commentary and Cameos: The special was known for its signature VH1 snark and nostalgia, featuring commentary from stars like Kelly Rowland, Lil Jon, and Colbie Caillat.
The special serves as a time capsule for an era where ringtones, iPods, and music videos on TRL dictated the charts. You can still find curated playlists of the full 100 songs on Spotify to relive the decade.
VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s - playlist by Mark Graham
The 2000s were a decade of massive genre shifts, and VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s
captured that perfectly, dominated by R&B, hip-hop, and the rise of pop icons. Originally broadcast as a five-part special, the list remains a definitive cultural snapshot of the era's first hits. Roger Catlin The Top 10 Defining Anthems
The top of the list features the decade's most inescapable tracks, with Beyoncé’s "Crazy in Love" (2003) taking the #1 spot. "Crazy in Love" – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z – OutKast "Poker Face" – Lady Gaga "Lose Yourself" – Eminem "Since U Been Gone" – Kelly Clarkson "Gold Digger" – Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx "SexyBack" – Justin Timberlake "Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys "We Belong Together" – Mariah Carey "In Da Club" – 50 Cent Genre Highlights Hip-Hop & R&B:
The decade was a powerhouse for these genres. Jay-Z appeared in the top 10 twice (at #8 and as a guest on #1), while Missy Elliott’s "Get Ur Freak On" landed at #24. Pop & Rock: The first rock band to appear on the list was "American Idiot" at #13. Other notable rock entries include U2’s "Beautiful Day" (#15) and The White Stripes’ "Seven Nation Army" Teen Pop & Breakthroughs: Early 2000s teen pop stars like Britney Spears had multiple entries, including "Oops!... I Did It Again" (#37), while Miley Cyrus’s "Party in the U.S.A." Where to Listen and Learn
While the original VH1 special has become harder to find in full, you can still explore the list through dedicated community resources: Complete List: Reviewers at Album of the Year provide full rankings and commentary. Playlists:
Curated collections of all 100 songs are available on platforms like SoundCloud Sheet Music: For musicians, the Hal Leonard Songbook
includes arrangements for piano, vocal, and guitar for many of these hits. from the list?
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year
The VH1 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s, a five-part countdown aired in 2011, remains the definitive list, with Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" topping the ranking. The top 10 features iconic tracks from OutKast, Lady Gaga, and Eminem, while the full list covers diverse genres from the decade. For a full recreation of the list, visit Album of the Year
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year
VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s Updated Report
Introduction
In 2009, VH1 released a list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s, showcasing the most iconic and enduring hits of the decade. To update this list, we've re-examined the data and considered new perspectives to create a revised ranking. This report presents the updated list, highlighting the top 10 songs, notable changes, and trends that defined the 2000s music scene.
Methodology
The updated list was compiled based on a combination of factors, including:
Top 10 Songs
Notable Changes
Trends and Observations
Conclusion
The updated VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s list reflects the decade's diverse musical landscape and showcases the most iconic and enduring hits of the era. This report provides a comprehensive look at the top songs, trends, and notable changes that define the 2000s music scene.
U2, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Foo Fighters fill out VH1's '100 ...
Last week, we pulled the curtain back on the first 11 songs on the list, and now we can exclusively reveal the full 100 (headed up... Entertainment Weekly Bad Romance
. @billboard magazine has named @ladygaga's "Bad Romance" the greatest music video of the century! Bad Romance Hips Don't Lie
⸻ ✨ Reissue Bonus Track 12. Hips Don't Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean) • The song that changed everything. A global smash, fusing Latin, r... Hips Don't Lie Get Ur Freak On
. @MissyElliott says “Get Ur Freak On” almost never happened — and now it's Number One on our list of the Greatest Songs of the 21... Get Ur Freak On Can't Get You Out of My Head
“Can't Get You Out of My Head” - As one of the biggest hits of the 2000s, this iconic track is catchy, almost hypnotic and has eve... Can't Get You Out of My Head Since U Been Gone
There's no better way to examine the divide between the two records like looking at “Since U Been Gone” and “Never Again”. The for... Since U Been Gone
On The Village Voice' s 2001 Pazz & Jop critics' poll, "Fallin'" appeared at number four. In 2003, Q Magazine ranked "Fallin'" at ... VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s
was a five-part television special that aired in late 2011 to celebrate the defining musical moments of the first decade of the 21st century. The list is famously topped by Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love," a choice widely considered a definitive representation of the era’s pop and R&B dominance. Top 10 Countdown
The top of the list features a mix of genre-bending hip-hop, career-defining pop, and massive R&B hits: Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z – "Crazy in Love" (2003) OutKast – "Hey Ya!" (2003) Lady Gaga – "Poker Face" (2008) Eminem – "Lose Yourself" (2002) Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" (2004) Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx – "Gold Digger" (2005) Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland – "SexyBack" (2006)
Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys – "Empire State of Mind" (2009) Mariah Carey – "We Belong Together" (2005) 50 Cent – "In Da Club" (2003) Era-Defining Anthems (11–50) VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s was
This section includes rock legends, breakout pop stars, and dance-floor staples that defined radio in the 2000s:
Rock Favorites: Green Day's "American Idiot" (#13), U2's "Beautiful Day" (#15), and Foo Fighters' "The Best of You" (#29).
Pop & Dance Staples: Rihanna's "Umbrella" (#11), Britney Spears' "Toxic" (#20), and Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (#49).
Indie & Alternative crossover: The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" (#26) and Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" (#31). Highlights from the Full List (51–100)
The latter half of the countdown captures cultural phenomena and major chart-toppers from nearly every genre: Latin Influence: Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" (#52).
Alternative Rock: The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" (#55) and Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Goin Down" (#40).
Nostalgic Hits: *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" (#36), Sisqó's "Thong Song" (#100), and Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" (#99).
Watch the full countdown from #100 down to #1 to relive the most iconic hits of the decade: VH1's Top 100 Songs of the 00's - Party in the USA #38 YouTube• May 25, 2013
For a deep dive into the official list, you can view the complete rankings on Album of the Year or PopCrush.
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year
* 1. Beyoncé Crazy in Love2003. 85. * 2. OutKast. Hey Ya! 2003. 100. * 3. Lady Gaga. Poker Face2008. 100. * 4. Eminem. Lose Yourse... Album of the Year
U2, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Foo Fighters fill out VH1's '100 ...
Follow the jump for the complete list. * Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Crazy in Love” * OutKast, “Hey Ya!” * Lady Gaga, “Poker Face” * Entertainment Weekly VH1 100 Greatest Songs Of The '00s - Stereogum
100 Sisqó - "Thong Song" 99 Carrie Underwood "Before He Cheats" 98 3 Doors Down "Kryptonite" 97 Shaggy "It Wasn't Me" 96 Pussycat ...
U2, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Foo Fighters fill out VH1's '100 ...
Last week, we pulled the curtain back on the first 11 songs on the list, and now we can exclusively reveal the full 100 (headed up... Entertainment Weekly
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year
1. Beyoncé Crazy in Love2003. 85. 2. OutKast. Hey Ya! 2003. 100. 3. Lady Gaga. Poker Face2008. 100. 4. Eminem. Lose Yourself2002. ... Album of the Year Bad Romance
. @billboard magazine has named @ladygaga's "Bad Romance" the greatest music video of the century! Bad Romance Hips Don't Lie
⸻ ✨ Reissue Bonus Track 12. Hips Don't Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean) • The song that changed everything. A global smash, fusing Latin, r... Hips Don't Lie Get Ur Freak On
. @MissyElliott says “Get Ur Freak On” almost never happened — and now it's Number One on our list of the Greatest Songs of the 21... Get Ur Freak On Can't Get You Out of My Head
“Can't Get You Out of My Head” - As one of the biggest hits of the 2000s, this iconic track is catchy, almost hypnotic and has eve... Can't Get You Out of My Head Since U Been Gone
There's no better way to examine the divide between the two records like looking at “Since U Been Gone” and “Never Again”. The for... Since U Been Gone
On The Village Voice' s 2001 Pazz & Jop critics' poll, "Fallin'" appeared at number four. In 2003, Q Magazine ranked "Fallin'" at ... Crazy in Love
"Crazy in Love" topped the Billboard Hot 100, became the song of the summe r in 2003 and one of the biggest songs of the decade. " Crazy in Love Hollaback Girl
A truly legendary album. I actually have a tough time getting through the filler on it, but I still stand by that Hollaback Girl i... Hollaback Girl Lose Yourself
-Missy Elliott: this is just a case of bad timing. "Work It" was massive and would've likely been a #1 if it blew up a month or tw... Lose Yourself Poker Face
12 years ago today, @ladygaga released “Poker Face” as the second single from 'The Fame. ' One of the biggest songs of the 00s dec... Poker Face
VH1’s ‘100 Greatest Songs of the ’00s’ Includes Beyonce, Eminem, ...
VH1's '100 Greatest Songs of the '00s' * Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, 'Crazy in Love' * OutKast, 'Hey Ya! ' * Lady Gaga, 'Poker Face' ... VH1’s 100 Top Songs of the ’00s - TV EYE - Roger Catlin
Think rock and roll isn't dead? Then get a load of the new list of “The 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s.” No rock band makes an app... Roger Catlin
100 Greatest Songs of the '00s was a five-part television special that aired in October 2011, ranking the most impactful tracks from 2000 to 2009. Hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, the list was selected by a panel of music industry experts and VH1 executives. Top 10 Greatest Songs of the 2000s
The following songs were crowned the definitive top hits of the decade by "Crazy in Love" – Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z (2003) – OutKast (2003) "Poker Face" – Lady Gaga (2008) "Lose Yourself" – Eminem (2002) "Since U Been Gone" – Kelly Clarkson (2004) "Gold Digger" – Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (2005) "SexyBack" – Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland (2006) "Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys (2009) "We Belong Together" – Mariah Carey (2005) "In da Club" – 50 Cent (2003) Notable Rankings (11–30)
The mid-tier of the list featured a heavy concentration of pop, rock, and R&B anthems that defined the early-to-mid 2000s: "Umbrella" – Rihanna featuring Jay-Z
"American Idiot" – Green Day (the highest-ranked rock band) "Beautiful Day" – U2 "Toxic" – Britney Spears "Fallin'" – Alicia Keys "Get Ur Freak On" – Missy Elliott "Seven Nation Army" – The White Stripes "Hollaback Girl" – Gwen Stefani Genre Diversity and Trivia R&B/Hip-Hop Dominance:
Critics noted that the list was heavily weighted toward urban music, with rock bands like Foo Fighters (#29) and Bruce Springsteen (#81) appearing lower than expected. Multiple Entries:
Several artists appeared twice in the top 20 alone, including Beyoncé ("Crazy in Love" and "Single Ladies") and Jay-Z (as a lead on "Empire State of Mind" and featured artist on "Crazy in Love"). Millennial Focus:
The special was specifically marketed as a countdown of "millennial hits" hosted by a key figure of that era's pop-punk scene. For a complete breakdown, you can view the full VH1 100 Greatest Songs playlist on Spotify or check the archive on Album of the Year custom playlist based on a specific genre from this decade, like crunk hip-hop
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year The Updated List In updating the list, we've
In 2011, VH1 released a definitive five-part special, "100 Greatest Songs of the '00s," profiling the hits that defined the first decade of the new millennium. The list was topped by Beyoncé’s "Crazy in Love," a choice that highlighted the decade's shift toward R&B and hip-hop dominance. The Top 10
The upper echelon of the list features a mix of genre-bending anthems and massive radio staples: Beyoncé (feat. Jay-Z) – "Crazy in Love" (2003) OutKast – "Hey Ya!" (2003) Lady Gaga – "Poker Face" (2008) Eminem – "Lose Yourself" (2002) Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" (2004) Kanye West (feat. Jamie Foxx) – "Gold Digger" (2005) Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) – "SexyBack" (2006) Jay-Z (feat. Alicia Keys) – "Empire State of Mind" (2009) Mariah Carey – "We Belong Together" (2005) 50 Cent – "In Da Club" (2003) Key Trends & Observations
Genre Shifts: While rock dominated previous VH1 lists, the '00s countdown was notably led by R&B and hip-hop. The first rock appearance occurs at No. 13 with Green Day's "American Idiot," followed by U2's "Beautiful Day" at No. 15.
Multiple Entries: Several artists appeared multiple times, including Jay-Z, who factored into the top 10 twice (once as a lead on "Empire State of Mind" and once as a guest on "Crazy in Love"). Lady Gaga also secured two spots in the top 50 with "Poker Face" (#3) and "Bad Romance" (#49).
Late-Decade Hits: The list includes several songs from the very end of the decade, such as Miley Cyrus’s "Party in the U.S.A." (#38) and Taylor Swift’s "You Belong With Me" (#50), both released in 2009. Notable Lower Rankings
Despite their cultural impact, several iconic tracks landed further down the list: Amy Winehouse, "Rehab" – #31 Johnny Cash, "Hurt" – #33 The Killers, "Mr. Brightside" – #52 M.I.A., "Paper Planes" – #89 Linkin Park, "In the End" – #84
For a deeper dive into the full 100 tracks, you can view the complete list on Album of the Year or listen to the curated playlist on Spotify.
Watch this clip for a breakdown of one of the list's most recognizable entries, Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A.": VH1's Top 100 Songs of the 00's - Party in the USA #38 YouTube• May 25, 2013
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year
VH1’s " 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s " is a definitive retrospective of the decade's most impactful music, originally premiered as a five-part television special starting on October 3, 2011. Hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, the list was curated by VH1 executives to highlight tracks that defined the cultural landscape of the early 2000s. Top 10 Greatest Songs of the 2000s
The top of the list is dominated by pop and hip-hop icons who defined the era: "Crazy in Love" – Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z (2003) "Hey Ya!" – OutKast (2003) "Poker Face" – Lady Gaga (2008) "Lose Yourself" – Eminem (2002) "Since U Been Gone" – Kelly Clarkson (2004) "Gold Digger" – Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (2005) "SexyBack" – Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland (2006)
"Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys (2009) "We Belong Together" – Mariah Carey (2005) "In Da Club" – 50 Cent (2003)
Watch a full breakdown of the rankings from 1 to 100 in this retrospective video: VH1's Top 100 Songs of the 00's - Party in the USA #38 YouTube• May 24, 2013 Notable Rankings & Genre Highlights
The countdown featured a wide variety of genres, from alternative rock to R&B:
Rock Anthems: High-ranking rock tracks included "American Idiot" by Green Day (#13), "Beautiful Day" by U2 (#15), and "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes (#26).
Pop Powerhouses: Britney Spears appeared twice with "Toxic" (#20) and "Oops!... I Did It Again" (#37), while Lady Gaga had two top-50 entries with "Poker Face" (#3) and "Bad Romance" (#49).
R&B & Hip-Hop Icons: Beyond the top 10, the list celebrated "Umbrella" by Rihanna (#11), "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys (#22), and "Get Ur Freak On" by Missy Elliott (#24).
Indie & Alternative: Notable inclusions were "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley (#14), "Clocks" by Coldplay (#17), and "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers (#55). List Context and Updates
VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s: An Updated List
In 2009, VH1 released a list of the 100 greatest songs of the 2000s, showcasing the most iconic and enduring hits of the decade. To create an updated list, we'll re-examine the top songs from the original list, incorporating new insights and perspectives. This revised list will highlight the most significant and influential songs of the 2000s.
Methodology
To update the list, we considered the following factors:
The Updated List
Here's the revised list of the 100 greatest songs of the 2000s:
Top 20 Songs
Honorable Mentions
This updated list reflects the decade's diverse musical landscape, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic music. The songs that made the cut have had a lasting impact on the music industry and continue to influence new generations of artists and fans.
The VH1 "100 Greatest Songs of the '00s" special, originally hosted by Pete Wentz in 2011, remains a definitive snapshot of the decade's musical landscape. While the network has not released a newly "updated" official broadcast since then, the list continues to be a subject of intense debate among music critics and fans on platforms like Reddit. The Official VH1 Top 10
The original list was topped by Beyoncé's solo breakout, crowning her the queen of the decade. Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z – "Crazy in Love" (2003) OutKast – "Hey Ya!" (2003) Lady Gaga – "Poker Face" (2008) Eminem – "Lose Yourself" (2002) Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" (2004) Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx – "Gold Digger" (2005) Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland – "SexyBack" (2006) Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys – "Empire State of Mind" (2009) Mariah Carey – "We Belong Together" (2005) 50 Cent – "In Da Club" (2003) Genre Highlights and Cultural Impact
The 2000s were defined by a massive shift in how music was consumed, moving from physical CDs to digital downloads and the rise of iTunes.
Hip-Hop and R&B Dominance: Beyond the top 10, the list featured heavy hitters like Rihanna's "Umbrella" (#11), Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On" (#24), and Usher's club anthem "Yeah!" (#27).
Rock and Alternative: While pop dominated the airwaves, rock held its ground with anthems like Green Day’s "American Idiot" (#13), U2’s "Beautiful Day" (#15), and The White Stripes’ "Seven Nation Army" (#26).
The Rise of the Pop Princess: The decade saw the birth of modern pop legends. Britney Spears earned two spots in the top 40 with "Toxic" (#20) and "Oops!... I Did It Again" (#37). Why People Are Searching for an "Update"
Critics today often argue that several "underrated" tracks from the list deserve higher placement or were outright snubs. For instance, reviewers from Stereogum have pointed out that Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (#49) and M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" (#89) are now viewed as more culturally significant than their original rankings suggested.
Additionally, modern lists, such as the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far by some publications, have recently re-ranked songs like "Seven Nation Army" at #4, showing how the legacy of 2000s music continues to evolve.
VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 00's - List - Album of the Year
The 2011 ranking leaned heavily on:
Top 10 from the original 2011 list:
Original Rank: Unranked (Original omission) The biggest correction. The original VH1 list largely ignored the ringtone rap/dance craze, a massive blind spot. "Crank That" invented modern viral dance culture. Without Soulja Boy, there is no TikTok. It’s clumsy, brilliant, and arguably the most important solo song of the late 2000s for social media foresight.
Original Rank: #15 What happens when a blues-rock riff becomes the unofficial anthem of soccer stadiums worldwide? You get immortality. Jack White’s bass line (played on a semi-hollow guitar with a Whammy pedal) transcended genre.