411’s Top 100 Songs of the 2000s: #60 – 41

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 11.25.2009

Join the 411 Music staff as we continue to count down the absolute best songs the decade had to offer. Part three gives us hits by Coldplay, Dr. Dre, Radiohead, Nas, Justin Timberlake and more...

Welcome back again, music fans. We're right in the middle of our look back on the first decade of the new millennium, where the 411 Music crew has assembled what we believe are the Top 100 songs to be recorded and played over the past ten years.

Back a couple of months ago, we all compiled our list of the Top 100 songs of the 2000s. The only rule was that the song had to be released or chart sometime between 2000 and now. We then compiled those lists and pared them down to the best 150, and from THAT list we determined the cream of the crop.

This is the result. This is…


This is week three – the third set of twenty. Just that much better than #100-61 which, by the way, you can catch up on here and here.

So check it out, and if you don't know some of these songs – don't let this decade end without hearing them!

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#60I Am Trying To Break Your Heart Wilco from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
		Chart History: Released April 23, 2002 Album Track from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot #13 Billboard 200
"'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' could easily double as Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy's manifesto. His voice is so weary that it makes an immediate impact on you and you end up hanging on his every word. Even when those words include apparent non sequiturs like "Take off your band-aid ‘cause I don't believe in touchdowns," it ends up sounding like the most important and emotional thing you've ever heard in your life because Tweedy is so earnest and delivers it with such conviction. As the opener for arguably Wilco's best album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, this is a great combination of op and art." - Andrew Moll "2002's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was a true breakthrough for experimental alt. country crooner Jeff Tweedy and his band Wilco. As one of the few artists to have two songs to make this list, it is even more surprising that they are from the same album. ‘I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' leads off that important record and immediately lets the audience know that these guys aren't fooling around anymore. After having been dropped from their record label for not being commercial enough, ‘I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' proved that Tweedy was good enough to make the non-commercial sell and took an album that had been rejected a year before to become the best selling in the group's history. While the song made few waves on the Billboard charts, it was the flagship for American indie rock throughout the decade. A documentary of the same name was released that filmed the group's turbulent recordings for Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." - C.A. Bell

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#59Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) Arcade Fire from Funeral
		Chart History: Released June 20, 2004
"Easily one of the greatest opening album tracks ever, this song sums up everything that is great about Arcade Fire. Musically it's brilliant, but lyrically it's just amazing. The tale of young love in a snowed-in town has never sounded so appealing, and it's a song full of wonder and adventure. Win Butler's voice is fragile and delicate, and he judges it perfectly as the song builds to a beautiful finale." - Paul Schofield "Arcade Fire is an example of the type of band that could only exist in the age of the internet. Good word of mouth, which used to take a bit of time before the days of blogs, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and websites like 411mania, is essential for a band's survival. This track, the first of the band's first full length album, set the internet ablaze, and with good reason, as the song is pure musical awesomeness. Arcade Fire, with its army of musicians and instruments, sounds like no other band on the planet, which is a rarity in modern music. Although the band moved on to bigger things, it's tough to argue that this song isn't the best thing they've ever recorded." - Ben Czajkowsi

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#58Like A Stone Audioslave from Audioslave
		Chart History: Released January 28, 2003 #31 Hot 100 #1 Mainstream Rock #1 Modern Rock
"This is Audioslave's greatest moment, and I love it to pieces. They were always at their best when they were not trying to be RATM (‘Cochise') or blatantly attempting a radio single (‘Be Yourself.') This song takes advantage of Chris Cornell's singular vocal talent, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford's rock solid rhythm playing and Tom Morello's sublime guitar skills (although this is more the Nightwatchman than RATM.) A straightforward, simple, almost folksy song, which is far more than the sum of it's parts - that is the mark of great musicians and better songwriters. " - Chris Crowing

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#57New Slang The Shins from Oh, Inverted World
		Chart History: Released 2001
"One of the best songs of 2001, ‘New Slang' was spun regularly on many a college radio station after its inclusion on 2004's Garden State. I'm not afraid to admit that I learned about the Shins and ‘New Slang' because of Zach Braff. I'd probably hug the man if I ever met him because of it." - Rob Fierro "I was one of the first college radio Program Directors to add The Shins' debut (Oh, Inverted World) into rotation and it became my station's biggest album for 2001, staying at #1 for over 10 weeks. ‘New Slang' was easily the most played song off that album, eventually becoming their first single and getting plastered on McDonald's ads and an over the top reference in the film Garden State. Fans of The Shins should really check out The Zombies Odyssey and Oracle - they owe much of their sound to the 60's British band." - Brian Berry "Sorry Zach Braff, but ‘New Slang' didn't change my life. However, after listening to The Shins, it was easy to admit that I hadn't really heard anything like it. Right from the opening notes, ‘New Slang' has an oddly catchy melody about the most eccentric of topics for a song - pirates with gold teeth and bakers with cut-off thumbs. Regardless, the eclectic lyrics and the traces of folk-sounding influence are what make the song unique." - Vanessa Willoughby "Because of the movie, Garden State, this song had a short reign of ruling the world, which is a rare accomplishment for a song by an indie-band. It's like an updated version of a Byrds song, and not the sort of the song you would expect to grab hold in a post- post-everything world. It's a charming, even disarming song from a decade that was anything but." - Ben Czajkowski

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#56Take Me Out Franz Ferdinand from Franz Ferdinand
		Chart History: Released January 12, 2004 #66 Hot 100 #3 Modern Rock
" This is another band that many people sleep on too often. You just cannot listen to this song without enjoying it. Even in ‘04 when it was released and played A LOT, it never got annoying or bothersome. The funk of the melody and the swagger of the vocals make this a head bouncer every single time I hear it." - Mikey MiGo "‘Take Me Out' is actually made up of two great songs, the first one being a brooding song about standing in crosshairs, captured with a real teasing sensibility. Then the tempo picks up with an insistent stomp, and it turns into both a great rock song, but also a great dance track. It's reminiscent of some of the best stuff from Gang of Four, with its combo of a beat you can dance to and a memorable hook that makes it classic post-punk. ‘Take Me Out' is the type of song that you hear once, and it'll stay in your head for days." - Andrew Moll

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#55Schism Tool from Lateralus
		Chart History: Released 2001 #67 Hot 100 #2 Mainstream Rock #2 Modern Rock
"This is one of those songs (by one of those bands) where you can obsess endlessly about the awesomeness of every individual facet of the song, from the arrangement, to the instrumental parts, to Maynard's singing. However, the best way to experience it is to put it on in a darkened room, and let the whole thing wash over you. This is an aurally induced hallucinogenic and spiritual experience of the kind we are seeing less and less as time goes on. Thank the powers for Tool." - Chris Crowing

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#54The National Anthem Radiohead from Kid A
		Chart History: Released October 2, 2000
"Now, that's a bass line! Throw in some brass instruments, and my God, we have a masterpiece of modern music. Since 1995, Radiohead have been seen as members of the absolute front line by rock critics, and as one of if not the absolute greatest band still producing music. Kid A is one of several masterpieces, and although I and many others will argue ‘Idioteque' as the be all end all evidence to that statement, when you hear the chaos of ‘The National Anthem', you can see why some people would cite this instead. The entire album remains one of the most influential of modern times, bringing electronic beats and styles into traditional rock music, and this song throws in a little jazz into the mix (although ‘Life In A Glasshouse' would do that better, too). Maybe I'm coming off as negative because I think there are a few better Radiohead songs out there, but excuse my negativity, because this is a truly great song." - Lucas Wesley

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#53Float On Modest Mouse from Good News For People Who Love Bad News
		Chart History: Released February 14, 2004 #68 Hot 100 #1 Modern Rock
"Maybe it's just me, but I feel nothing for the first fifteen seconds. But then that riff comes in, and my God, if that doesn't elevate the song from boring to perfection. It took half a year to go number one on the Modern Rock charts, and I bet that's why - that's how long it took the mainstream radio audience to listen to a full fifteen seconds of music. Whatever the case, from those first fifteen seconds on, the song is a masterpiece. Apparently it was some kind of summer nostalgia anthem, but I never bought into nostalgia or summer anthems, so I don't know what the kids thought about it. But I know that by the end I'm singing along, a big smile on my face at the words of Isaac Brock." - Lucas Wesley "‘Float On' is probably responsible for the influx of new fans that were introduced to Modest Mouse by 2004's Good News for People Who Love Bad News. It breaks away from Isaac Brock's usual melancholy fare. It details how things can, no matter how unlikely, turn out alright. I still haven't figured out whether that's supposed to be good news or bad news; I guess it depends on whether you like good or bad news. I think I've gone cross eyed. " - Rob Fierro "A jangly piece of pop that sprung up out of nowhere. It would have been borderline infuriating to hear on a constant basis if it weren't for the infectious, resolved chorus. The ‘Don't Worry, Be Happy' of alternative may drive some up the wall, but you can't help but give the lads some credit for making it all sound so nonchalant and catchy." - Michael Melchor

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#52Beautiful Day U2 from All That You Can't Leave Behind
		Chart History: Released October 9, 2000 #21 Hot 100 #5 Modern Rock #14 Mainstream Rock #19 Top 40 Mainstream #15 Top 40 #1 Dance
"It's amazing that this is the ONLY track by U2 on the list. I consider U2 as one of my top all time favorite bands, so of course I'm bias. No one can argue that this specific song had the most impact on the radio, TV, and in ads, but there are so many more hidden gems that could have been listed. Upon listening to this song while contributing to this massive list, I remember just how good it is. This song is not my preferred cup of tea, but it's not one I mind drinking on occasion." - Mikey MiGo "A lot of people will not look back fondly on the decade that was the 00's. Political, economical and social problems running rampant – no different than any other decade but now we have the internet so it's easier to piss and moan about it. Anyway, U2 decided to be a light in the middle of the darkness for the 2000's, and it all kicked off with the uplifting ‘Beautiful Day'. I still get chills listening to this one or its companion piece ‘Walk On'." - Mitch Michaels

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#51My Last Serenade Killswitch Engage from Alive Or Just Breathing
		Chart History: Released 2002
"This song introduced me to Killswitch, and metalcore as a whole and I have heard nothing since from that band or that 'genre' to better it. From the choral intro to the clutch of memorable riffs and the multiple vocal hooks from the snarled 'this revelation…' to the cleanly sang 'this is my last serenade...' this song has everything for the committed metalhead, passing fan on alt/rock radio and even enough smoothness to impress the pop kids. In my eyes, it is almost a perfect alternative/metal track and in my voting it was MUCH higher in this list. Arguably the tune of the decade for me." - Chris Crowing

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#50Yeah! Usher from Confessions
		Chart History: Released February 3, 2002 #1 Hot 100 #1 R&B/Hip-Hop
"Unlike many of Lil Jon's ‘crunk' hits (‘Salt Shaker' anybody?), ‘Yeah!,' the first single from Usher's 2001 album Confessions, has aged extremely well since its 2004 release. The driving percussion and blaring synths practically scream ‘club banger' and made this song my selection for #1 in this here poll. Usher's exuberant vocal is perfectly suited to the track and Lil Jon's ad libs only add, rather than detract from the track's party atmosphere. Two and a half minutes in, Ludacris' swaggering verse raises the whole affair to another level and features one of my favorite throwaway lines, ‘Ludacris fill cups like double D's'. Reinforced by an electric video, ‘Yeah!' established Usher as a preeminent all-around talent and successor to Michael Jackson's (R.I.P.) mantle as a modern song and dance man." - Michael James

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#49The Way We Get By Spoon from Kill The Moonlight
		Chart History: Released 2003
"Spoon were a relatively obscure college rock band before ‘The O.C.' plastered ‘The Way We Get By' on television. This is one of their most popular tunes, seemingly about a rebellious, self absorbed, stoner couple. More importantly, this is a great example of Spoon's trademark sound - Britt Daniel's hoarse vocals coupled with well crafted minimalist guitar pop. Not before long, the mass public was hearing their music on commercials and all over the Stranger Than Fiction soundtrack." - Brian Berry "In my opinion, Spoon is one of the most underrated and underappreciated bands in all of rock. Lead vocalist Britt Daniel has made a career in writing perfect pop melodies, and few have been better than this one. This is a very appealing song with a rollicking piano part that requires no frills. There's nothing showy or dramatic about this sons; instead we're treated to a great, straight-forward pop-rock song from a band that excels in it." - Andrew Moll

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#48The Scientist Coldplay from A Rush Of Blood To The Head
		Chart History: Released April 15, 2003 #18 Modern Rock
"At the time of its release, A Rush Of Blood To The Head made Coldplay the biggest band in the UK, and maybe even the world. I maintain that it is still one of the best albums of this decade, even though it's not groundbreaking or genre defying in any way. It oozes quality all the way through. The first half of the album is as close to perfection as an album has been since The Beatles, and that half is showcased best by ‘The Scientist.' A simple, tender ballad with a piano hook to die for, and Chris Martin's voice is just perfect in its delivery." - Paul Schofield "I'm not sure what separates this song from the dozens of other similar sounding Coldplay songs, other than a purely personal one. (It was one of the songs on my wedding mix CD, and I don't have to tell you how that turned out.) I almost wish this song were by another band, a one-hit wonder band, because it would be easier to understand. How a U2 cover band was able to create such a timeless song is one of those mysteries of the universe that's impossible to explain." - Ben Czajkowski

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#47One Mic Nas from Stillmatic
		Chart History: Released April 6, 2002 #43 Hot 100 #14 R&B/Hip-Hop #10 Rap
"No doubt Nas' best moment since Illmatic. What other rapper could have the balls to sample Phil Collins and not sound cheesy doing it? This track is a modern classic, building and building as Nas raps more and more intense. Stillmatic brought Nas back when Jay-Z pulled his punk card, and maybe we should thank Jay, because it's been a great decade for the dude." - Mitch Michaels

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#46Cry Me A River Justin Timberlake from Justified
		Chart History: Released December 28, 2002 #3 Hot 100 #11 R&B/Hip-Hop
"Who knew that goofy looking kid from *NSYNC had it in him to rule the pop world this decade? ‘Cry Me A River' wasn't JT's first solo single, but it was what took his star to the next level. The single and video made waves almost instantly, making fans wonder if the track was about Justin's ex Britney Spears, but the song stands up very well without all the extra gossip hype. A great R&B track that features Scott Storch and Timbaland in maybe the last time they played nice together. More amazing, Justin would come back later with an even stronger album." - Mitch Michaels

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#45One Armed Scissor At The Drive-In from Relationship Of Command
		Chart History: Released August 7, 2000
"At the Drive-In was supposed to be the big new rock band at the beginning of the decade, but that didn't happen. Fortunately, they gave us ‘One Armed Scissor,' the most straight-forward expression of rock energy over these past ten years. Many of ATDI's songs portrayed the tensions within the band that always seemed ready to boil over, and eventually did not long after the song's release. All of that energy was channeled into this song, with Cedric Bixler-Zavala nearly going hoarse with all the screaming he does here. ‘One Armed Scissor' is a whirlwind with its loudness, frequent time shifts, ad an epic chorus while serving as the last great testament from a great band before their implosion. " - Andrew Moll

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#44The Light Common from Like Water For Chocolate
		Chart History: Released July 13, 2000 #44 Hot 100 #12 R&B/Hip-Hop #13 Rap
"After a memorable run on Relativity Records, with songs like ‘Take It Easy', 'I Used To Love H.E.R.', and ‘Retrospect of Life', Common made the jump to the majors. Now that he hit big-time, he wanted to make an impact by bringing in lots of great talent to work with. One of those people was the late J-Dilla, who was FINALLY about to release Slum Village's Fantastic, Vol. 2. In this obligatory 'girly-girl' joint, Common writes a love letter to some girl (which many think is a serenade to Erykah Badu, who was all over the video). J-Dilla hooked up the track, taking bits and pieces of Bobby Caldwell's vocals in ‘Open Your Eyes' and used it for the hook. It was this combo that helped Common get his very first plaque, as it helped the Like Water For Chocolate album go gold." - Phil Watts, Jr. "Hip-hop fans have come to accept the fact that it's extremely difficult for most rappers to create a meaningful love song and we usually end up laughing at various attempts to make a sincere effort. Common however is no slouch when it comes to matters of the heart and ‘The Light' is a perfect example of a track crafted with dedication and devotion to a significant other in mind. It's a beautiful track and most Common fans point to this as their favorite. I'm glad it made its way onto this list because for anyone out there who thinks that hip-hop is all guns and drugs or pointless sex rap, THIS is the song to listen to! If there's one song you haven't heard on this list and want to try something new, please give this one a go, you won't be disappointed." - Patrick Robinson

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#43Wake Up Arcade Fire from Funeral
		Chart History: Released November 14, 2005 #29 UK
"To create something as uplifting and inspiring as the Funeral album is amazing. ‘Wake Up' is the most uplifting and inspiring of them all with an emotional moment where the whole band sings in unison, encouraging you to forget all your troubles and do the same. The scope of the song is universal, allowing anyone that can hear the music and feel its power to enter their proverbial tent. Win Butler's vocals turn into howls for much of the song, yelping ‘I guess we'll just have to adjust!' In terms of everything that the Arcade Fire represents (childhood, emotion, relationships, love, death), this is possibly their defining song, and the perfect live song for an audience so willing to connect with the band and their music." - Andrew Moll

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#42Clocks Coldplay from A Rush Of Blood To The Head
		Chart History: Released December 10, 2002 #29 Hot 100 #31 Dance #9 Modern Rock
"The song features one of the most distinctive opens in rock history. When the piano riff begins, you instantly know that Chris Martin is about to whine about something. The song is about a feeling of urgency to remove oneself from situation post haste. The looping piano chord matches the urgency of the lyrics as the song builds. Whether you like Coldplay or hate them, this is a really well constructed song." - Tom Santoro "Towards the end of my time in college, I first heard ‘Yellow' on the radio and thought, wow, that's different. I'm a sucker for a piano-led rock song. I picked up Parachutes used and wasn't that impressed – a little too mopey for my tastes. Then ‘Clocks' hit the radio – no less mopey, but I completely felt it. Just an amazing piano riff and the delivery is epic. Coldplay has a unique way of ‘returning' stronger than ever with each album and ‘Clocks' was their first time at that." - Mitch Michaels

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#41Forgot About Dre Dr. Dre featuring Eminem from 2001
		Chart History: Released 2000 #25 Hot 100 #14 R&B/Hip-Hop #32 Top 40 Mainstream #3 Rhythmic Top 40 #24 Top 40
In November 1999, Dr. Dre was in a precarious career position. It had been seven years since The Chronic, and four years since he had left Death Row Records. The first release from his Aftermath Entertainment label flopped and Dr. Dre's ‘Been There, Done That' video featured him doing the tango. However, with the release of 2001 and its first two singles, ‘Still D.R.E.' and ‘Forgot About Dre' served loud notice that he was ‘still the same O.G.' The beat, built around a slinky keyboard riff, is irresistible and perfectly suits Eminem's show stealing guest verse. At the time, Eminem was still relatively new to the game and his dexterous delivery and absurd lyrics like ‘Slim Shady/hotter than set of twin babies/In a Mercedes Benz with the windows up/And the temp goes up to the mid 80's' were still unexpected and breathtaking. ‘Forgot About Dre' simultaneously announced the return of a forgotten hero and the entrenchment of a new star. " - Michael James

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And that wraps us up again this week. Come back next week, where we continue with the TOP 40 songs of the 2000's.