The ranking includes 250 compositions. First place was taken by Missy Elliott’s 2001 hit “Get Ur Freak On.” This song played a key role in Elliott’s career and helped her become the first female hip-hop artist. Rolling Stone wrote that the composition was not just another hit but a real challenge: “keep up with the times or be left behind.”
- Second place went to the 2003 song “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It is noted that this composition served as musical inspiration for Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé.
- Third place was taken by the 2003 collaborative song “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
- Fourth place — the 2003 rock anthem “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.
- Fifth place was awarded to the 2012 composition “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift. Rolling Stone called the song “the toughest, rawest, most passionate anthem for a broken heart.”
Learn more about which songs made the list of the best compositions of the first quarter of the 21st century.
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott is an iconic American rapper, singer, and record producer, not a physical place. She is a highly influential figure in hip-hop and popular music, known for her innovative music videos and groundbreaking sound. Her career, which began in the early 1990s, has earned her numerous accolades and solidified her status as a cultural pioneer.
Rolling Stone
“Rolling Stone” is a major American magazine, founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was initially known for its coverage of music and counterculture, and it became famous for its in-depth political reporting and iconic photography, helping to define the genre of music journalism.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The “Yeah Yeah Yeahs” is not a place or cultural site, but an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. Known for their art-punk and dance-punk style, the band gained prominence in the early 2000s with their energetic live performances and critically acclaimed albums like *Fever to Tell*.
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson is not a place or cultural site, but an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to fame after winning the first season of the television show *American Idol* in 2002, which launched her successful music and entertainment career.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is not a place or cultural site, but a globally renowned American singer, songwriter, and performer. Rising to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, she has since built a monumental solo career, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her work is celebrated for its artistic innovation and its powerful influence on contemporary music, fashion, and social issues.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z is not a physical place or cultural site but an influential American rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural icon. He rose to fame in the late 1990s with his debut album *Reasonable Doubt* and has since built a multifaceted career spanning music, business, and philanthropy. His legacy includes shaping hip-hop culture and founding ventures like Roc-A-Fella Records and the entertainment company Roc Nation.
The White Stripes
“The White Stripes” were not a place or cultural site, but a highly influential American rock duo from Detroit, Michigan, active from 1997 to 2011. The band, consisting of Jack White (vocals, guitar) and Meg White (drums), was known for their raw, minimalist sound that blended garage rock with blues and punk influences. They are celebrated for iconic albums like “White Blood Cells” and “Elephant,” which featured the hit song “Seven Nation Army.”
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is not a place or cultural site, but a globally renowned American singer-songwriter and pop culture icon. She rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her country music roots and has since evolved into a dominant force in pop music, known for her autobiographical songwriting and record-breaking album sales. Her cultural impact is so significant that she has influenced the music industry, fashion, and even economic trends, often referred to as the “Taylor Swift effect.”
