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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Rolling Stone’s 5 best songs of the 21st century (so far)

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Rolling Stone has marked the last 25 years in music with their definitive list of the 250 Greatest Hits of The 21st Century So Far. We won’t make you scroll too much and show their top 5.

5. Taylor Swift – All Too Well

A reworked version of the Red (Taylor’s Version) album became the longest song reaching number one status in history (beating Don McLean’s – America Pie). It also became a short film

4. The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army

Rolling Stone described it as having a “classic rock riff conceived during a soundcheck”. Who can forget the 2003 anthem that everyone tried to learn on guitar?

3. Beyoncé feat. Jay Z, ‘Crazy in Love’

Another hit from 2003. Queen B was already one of the most influential artists of the century at the time and sent a music to the music world that her and husband Jay-Z were here to dominate.

2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Maps

Rolling Stone seems to love the year 2003 in music. Another hit, this one from the New York art-punk – described by Rolling Stone as the band’s most enduring song.

1. Missy Elliot – Get Ur Freak On

Fifteen years ago Missy Elliot ruled the airwaves with this and put millennials in a chokehold. Together with Timbaland, she seemed to redefine the possibilities of hip-hop and pop. Now just enjoy the weird and wonderful music video:

Smile FM’s Best Song of All Time

We’re extending things beyond the 21st century as we ask you help us find The Best Song of All Time.

This isn’t just a countdown. It’s nostalgia, storytelling, and community – the songs of your childhood, your weddings, your heartbreaks, your victories – and it’s time to celebrate them all together.

Have your say here.

Phil de Lange
Phil de Lange
Phil de Lange is the producer of the Ryan O'Connor Breakfast show and has been with Smile 90.4FM since it's inception in 2013. Through his work on the breakfast show he has won two national radio awards. He has been in broadcasting for 15 years and has honed his talent at 6 different radio stations. Outside of radio he is also a podcast producer and award winning stand-up comedian.

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