OK so just to clarify, this countdown is a selection of songs from my favourite artists this decade and the songs that define it best. oh and I did manage to get 100 after all! And starting us off...
100.
Jennifer Lopez feat. Ja Rule – Ain’t It Funny (Murder Remix)
Jenny from the block released this new take on the utter mess that was Ain’t It Funny [the original] which played on her Latina roots and had an exotic feel to it, in 2001. The Murder Remix however, took the song a whole new direction, adding a rap from the hottest rapper on the scene at the time, Ja Rule and was released as a single from her remix album. It went on to surpass it’s original in success and become one of her biggest hits.
99.
Nickleback – How You Remind Me
Perhaps their most well known single to date, the song hit #1 in the US as well as in 7 other countries, though only managed to get to number 4 in the UK. Some write it off as dreary but personally I think it has a charm to it and is definitely one of the more memorable rock songs of the early Noughties.
98.
Adele – Chasing Pavements
Adele’s second big ballad from her debut album, 19, caused a minor controversy in certain parts, after the meaning of the phrase ‘chasing pavements’ was defined in the urban dictionary as a gay sex reference. In reality, the song is about a fight with her ex-boyfriend and, well, it’s pretty damn good. The video is pretty also
97.
50 Cent – Candy Shop
Sick beat. Sexist lyrics. Hot video filled with scantily clad women and 50 Cent in a big fur coat. What more could you want? The lyrics are, in actuality, pretty vile, describing oral sex. But the catchy chorus and infectious beAt make up for that.
96.
Blu Cantrall and Sean Paul – Breath
This track tore up the airwaves in 2003, a time when Sean Paul was at the peak of his career collaborating with such others as Beyonce, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. Since then unfortunately, Sean’s list of collaborators as decreased in quality and fortunately Blu has just disappeared, never to be seen again. This track remains a 2003 classic though.
95.
Britney Spears – Slave 4 U
It was the evolution of Britney. Gone was the super cute, cookie cutting pop princess we saw in the ‘Oops!... I Did It Again’ video and in her place was a bonafied sex symbol. The lead single from her third album, the song did surprisingly poorly on the charts, only managing to reach #27 on the Billboard Hot 100, though it hit number 4 over this side of the pond. It’s classic Britney, at her best.
94.
Amerie – 1 Thing
Singer/actress Amerie’s biggest hit to date, featured on the soundtrack to Will Smith flick ‘Hitch’. It features a sample of the Meters’ ‘Oh Calcutta’ and earned her a Grammy nomination. A definite high point to a very poor start to 2005 in music, it’s hot, fun video and rap from Eve gave it a helping hand to being one of the catchiest tunes of the year.
93.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Can’t Stop
A forgotten gem in the Pepper’s back catalogue, the song is rarely played live and charted very poorly. It’s one of my personal favourites of theirs. It was a toss up whether to include this or ‘Dani California’ but I went with this due to its stonking chorus and smooth vocals. And because the latter was overplayed like hell.
92.
Shakira – Whenever, Wherever
It was Shakira’s breakthrough into the English language market, having sold millions in her native, Columbia. One of her signature songs, she showcases her bellydancing ways – something we were to see a lot more of from her this decade – in the video. In later years it’s becomes overshadowed by her bigger hits but it’s always a favourite of mine and is so timeless.
91.
Justice – D.A.N.C.E
French electro duo Justice released this tuuuuuuunne in 2007 off their ‘Cross’ album. It was the song that introduced me to them and I’m sooo thankful. The video is awesome also. They’re not that big over here yet, but if you haven’t heard it them listen and if you have, share the Justice love.