[Shaun]

I'm working on a list of my favourite 100 songs from the decade, since it's now drawing to a close and the likelihood of a new release toppling any of these being slim. I'll post them 10 at a time as I feel like it, and invite you to give your thoughts on gems I've missed, any you feel I'm praising too generously or just to throw abuse at me.

Let's begin with the bottom 10.

100. The Prodigy - Spitfire
Taken off their 2004 album "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned", an album that failed to impress critics particularly in comparison to their 2008/9 return to form with "Invaders Must Die", The Prodigy's second single from the album offers manic and angry vocals with a heavy rock backing.

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99. The All-American Rejects - Dirty Little Secret
Pretty popular in the 2005 era of MySpace, emo and charity wristbands, "Dirty Little Secret" was the fitting accompaniment to youth's embrace of rock(ier) musical leanings and to great success. With a video capitalising on the popular internet-meme of "postsecret" (a website where people send in anonymous postcards with their secrets written on), it was a difficulty to find teen-films without it in their soundtracks.

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98. The Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm
The 2000s in British music were dominated by the Monkeys, their albums were the fastest-selling of all time and the awards came flowing in. Their song "I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor" was inescapable, but for me their best was the first single off the follow-up (Favourite Worst Nightmare) to their debut (Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not) - Brianstorm. A savage guitar track accompanied by the ever-present and popular mockney lyrics from Alex Turner.

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97. Norah Jones - Turn Me On
On the alternate end of the spectrum to the Arctic Monkeys, female vocalists with a penchant for blues enjoyed similar levels of success this decade, with Katie Melua, Dido and Corinne Bailey Rae experiencing considerable success. Jones, however, has sold a staggering 36 millions worldwide and is the effervescent choice for romantic(-comedy) movie soundtracks. "Turn Me On" being one of her most successful songs, featured on 'Love Actually', is a capable and beautiful cover of the Nina Simone classic.

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96. Oasis - The Importance of Being Idle
After a phenomenal decade in the 90s, Oasis entered the new Millenium with a confident swagger. 4 albums have been produced in this decade, though none as well-received as stalwarts (What's The Story) Morning Glory or Definitely Maybe. But gems still poured from their pockets, the first from my list being this single (from Don't Believe The Truth). With a peculiar video featuring Rhys Ifans as an undertaker, The Importance of Being Idle is a sing-along favourite and a laidback (excuse the pun) tune.

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95. Foo Fighters - All My Life
I'll start off this description with a bit of controversy; I prefer FF to Nirvana (if you're confused about the relevance of this; lead singer/guitarist/drummer/legend Dave Grohl was Nirvana's drummer). What they lack in grungey emotion they more than make up for in energetic and mind-blowing music; "All My Life" being one of their best offerings. I was torn between this and "The Pretender", but I feel this 'builds' into something more special.

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94. Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl
This song was omnipresent in 2008. It also spawned a sub-culture of girls with ambiguous sexualities (something criticised by some and drawing absolutely no complaints from others - myself being the latter ). Topping charts in over 30 countries, Katy Perry's debut single was a smash hit and the controversy rolled in.

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93. Fall Out Boy - Dance, Dance
Teenagers of the 2000s around the world will be able to sum up the decade in a number of words - "social networking", "reality TV", "terrorism" and "emo". Fall Out Boy have benefitted from the latter [though arguably the former also] - teen girls and Pete Wentz-fanciers united and they were thrust into fame. Though being around for a while longer than you'd think, they really made a name for themselves with "From Under the Cork Tree" in 2005-6. 'Dance, Dance' was their second single (after equally successful 'Sugar, We're Goin' Down') and dominated iPods around the world, with stomping drums and typically indecipherable vocals.

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92. Family Force 5 - Love Addict
Haven't heard of it? Thought not. Perhaps one of my most eccentric musical discoveries, Family Force 5 are described as a "Christian rock" band by some, "crunk" by others and "OMFG AWESOME" by few. Whilst their fame across the Atlantic has been modest, across the sea they're virtually unheard of. Their new material is, I'm afraid, a lot worse, so I don't expect or want them to capitalise on that () - however this single from 'Business Up Front, Party In The Back' has one of the loudest, "crunkiest" sounds I've heard. Turn up and enjoy.

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91. Thirteen Senses - Into The Fire
Ending in true Big Brother style (appropriate for this forum, no?), the song from the CBB4 "best bits" only peaked at #35 in the UK back in 2004. It enjoyed airplay on shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Waterloo Road, and its soft-rock is universally-pleasing. Put to shots of Pete Burns and George Galloway in lycra suits, perhaps not quite so aesthetically-pleasing.

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[MrGaryy]

omg this idea is fierce.

thoughts:
1) The Pretender >
2) Omg yes Dirty Little Secret is sucha classic Noughties song
3) I'm the former - i'm sick of those sexually ambiguous dykes.

twilight twitty for #1 plz.

[CaraRawr]

IA about 99, 94 and 93.

[Twilight]

I love 99, 96, 94 and 93<333

[Damaris]

Awesome idea.

There better be a few Patrick Wolf songs in their LOL.

Umm hope to see alot of Placebo and The Strokes

[MrGaryy]

Originally Posted by Damaris

Awesome idea.

There better be a few Patrick Wolf songs in their LOL.

keep dreamin' honey. ha2

[Firewire]

I like 96 & 94 out of them!

Keep them coming Shaun!

[Braden]

97. <3

[30stone]

93 94 95 96 99 100

Are all.. okay.

[Shaun]

90. James Blunt - Goodbye My Lover
Apparently this is the most-used song at funerals nowadays, and given its glorious misery it's not hard to see why. Described by some as the most irritating man since Timmy Mallett, James Blunt's debut album acheived instant fame, and this single was the most depressing offering of the lot.

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89. David Gray - Babylon
In what I'd describe as my low-key and slightly downcast segment of the chart, David Gray received modest appreciation back at the very start of the decade, proving a more popular album-seller than single. But this one shone through in 2000, peaking at #5. Combining acoustic guitar and an electronic background, Babylon is pure easy-listening.

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88. Nelly Furtado - Try
Her debut single "Turn Off The Lights" was potentially one of the most unavoidable irritants of the decade, but thankfully eventually subsided and let better tracks take course. One of them was 'Try'. Although she's now more well-known for shaking her hips and being sodomised by Timbaland, Nelly's heartfelt and soulful original album provided beautiful ballads such as this one.

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87. Robbie Williams - Eternity
"She's The One" narrowly misses out on this chart because of its 98/99 release, which is a shame given its amazingness. However, a new...Millenium ...dawned and with it came further success for the former Take That man - one of his lesser-known but more sincere and simply-emotional singles being 'Eternity'.

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86. Basement Jaxx - Plug It In
Their singles compilation was one of the first albums I bothered to spend my own pocket money on - the UK dance outfit have had a string of catchy and energetic hits, and whilst this might not be quite as well-known as others like "Romeo" or "Red Alert", its raw energy and guest vocals from JC Chasez make it, in my opinion, their best.

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85. Christina Aguilera - Dirrty
If the above was the first album I bought, this might have been the first single [though I fear Hear'Say's "Pure and Simple" is truer]. Taken from her, some would say, skank era, though the one I reckon to be her best; the Stripped album, 'Dirrty' was one of the decade's most memorable and iconic singles. It had the controversial and eye-catching video, the sex appeal, the catchiness and Redman guesting - a perfect pop record.

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84. The Prodigy - Warrior's Dance
I described earlier how their 2004 album bombed in comparison to 2008's "Invaders Must Die", and tracks like this prove why. Regaining the sheer anarchic and animal energy they were notorious for in the early 90s, The Prodigy have enjoyed a glorious return to form and are continually hailed as the best live experience you can get. Just...take some paracetamol.

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83. Kylie Minogue - Love At First Sight
In her only appearance on this chart, Kylie's remoulding into a hotpants-wearing, smouldering pop princess this decade was succinct. Although other songs such as 'Spinning Around' or 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' may spring to mind faster than this, Love At First Sight is arguably her best record. It combines dance, pop, electronica and a brilliant video - cementing the Aussie Neighbours girl in UK pop prominence.

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82. Muse - Uprising
Recently given the coveted title of "Best Act In The World Today" by Q, Muse's universal appeal continued to blossom this decade, and their 2009 album proved to be the most experimental and eccentric yet. With synths and riffs that slowly but surely build into chant-along choruses, Uprising is defiant, energetic, eerie and full of the conspiracy Mr. Bellamy seems to revel in nowadays.

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81. Feeder - Buck Rogers
Described by many as the ultimate driving song. With one of rock's most catchy hooks and a universally-pleasing chorus, this loosely serves as a representation of failing relationships - and with mentions of Devon and cider it's most pleasing to us countryside folk. Makes me want to learn to drive.

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[Firewire]

I like 90, 89, 88, 87, 85 & 83!

[MrGaryy]

omg Dirrty, Plug It In and LAFS <33 classics. brings me back *sob*
also love Uprising

[Novo]

83

had that in my top 100

[CaraRawr]

omg 92. YES

[Z]

This thread is so full of win.



I can't wait to see the full list; I like a lot of the songs you posted so far!

[MeMyselfAndI]

i like alot of your songs

[KKBL]

Absolutely love "Goodbye My Lover" and "Try",but I think "Say It Right","All Good Things.." and even "I'm Like A Bird" are better Nelly songs.
Muse's "Uprisisng" is amazing too.I'd agree that they're new album is experimental and eccentric,but that doesn't make it good.For me there's not one single stand-out track other than "Uprisisng" on it.
Oh and looking at 100-90:I love that CBB4 song,I remember having it stuck in my head for months after it was shown.I dont know how Katy Perry's mediocre "I Kissed A Girl" made your list though?"Thinking Of You" is 10000000x better imo.

[MiuMiu]

Can Beyonce be number 1 please?

[MrGaryy]

Originally Posted by MiuMiu

Can Beyonce be number 1 please?

can you just go home plz?

[Mrluvaluva]

Spitfire and plug it in are my favourites so far.

[MiuMiu]

Originally Posted by MrGaryy

can you just go home plz?

What the **** is wrong with you?
Did sum1 **** in your cheerios or something?

[MrGaryy]

Originally Posted by MiuMiu

What the **** is wrong with you?
Did sum1 **** in your cheerios or something?

pmsl, CAN WE GET SOME RELEVANCY TO AISLE 5 PLZ. STAT.

[Shaun]

80. Justin Timberlake - SexyBack
One of the signature anthems to the summer of 2006, SexyBack was a smash hit all around the world for the former N*SYNC frontman. Starting what was soon to become a quite frankly incessant and boring Timbaland domination, SexyBack is an electronic/R&B dream song, remixed to oblivion by many a DJ.

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79. Will Young - All Time Love
Although nowhere near as much of a hit for the Pop Idol star as his winning song, Evergreen, was, All Time Love is arguably his most heartfelt and beautiful song. Low-key and sombre, this perfect love song peaked at #3 back in early 2006 and was shortlisted for the Best Single of the Year at the BRIT Awards, eventually losing to Take That's comeback "Patience".

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78. Radiohead - Pyramid Song
In a turbulent decade for the indie rock gods, Radiohead have experimented with free downloads, side projects and solo careers, but have also had the time to make some great songs; the best this decade being, in my humble opinion, Pyramid Song. A psychedelic and lingering ballad, it peaked at #5 in 2001 from their album 'Amnesiac'.

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77. P!nk - Don't Let Me Get Me
The anarchic pop singer of the decade, P!nk's string of hits notoriously never managed to break No#1 in the UK until her 2008 offering (and arguably her worst) So What? Perhaps a travesty given the likes of what did hit the top of the charts in the noughties (Sandi Thom, anyone? Bob the Builder? Eamon and Frankee?) - Don't Let Me Get Me, the best of hers, was a self-hating attack on the image-obsessed industry she's in.

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76. Justin Timberlake - Cry Me A River
Often cited to be a break-up song about his famous split from Britney Spears, 'Cry Me A River' was 2002's pop masterpiece. A brilliant video, catchy tune, emotional and genuine lyrics - it enjoyed considerable chart success around the world (though unfortunately didn't reach the top spot anywhere) and won him a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance in 2004. Just...don't show it to a Britney fan.

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75. The Feeling - Rose
Their breakthrough in 2006 made them quickly one of pop's irritants, and unfairly so in my opinion. Whilst 'Sewn' and 'Fill My Little World' were released first off the No#1 album "Twelve Stops and Home", their 4th single was a much more depressing and beautiful affair. Listening to it it's hard to believe it's purely about rose wine, and perhaps is deserving of a more emotional and soulful reason.

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74. Coldplay - Trouble
One of the few bands from this decade that I'd go to say are "excellent", the others being The Killers, Scissor Sisters and Snow Patrol (I dare you to name another), Coldplay's success has been phenomenal; they've been cited as the biggest act in the world, and their commercial prowess in insurmountable. Combining their signature sound of melodic pianos and heartbreaking vocals, 'Trouble' is one of their highlights.

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73. Muse - Starlight
The second single from their 'Black Holes and Revelations' album, Starlight was a bright and feel-good anthem in 2006. Little fun fact, this isn't the only Starlight that'll feature on this chart It tragically only peaked at #13 here in the UK, but cemented their appeal to a wider audience - to fans who'd perhaps have rejected their previous, more bizarre, material.

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72. Bryn Christopher - The Quest
It's hard to believe that he auditioned for Popstars and fell at the first hurdle, but Bryn Christopher's music career has been hard-fought and often fruitless. This song didn't make the top 40 in the UK, though his follow-up single ("Smilin'") got to #31 - and it's a travesty. Also used in both Grey's Anatomy and Waterloo Road (I'm sure I said both of these shows for an earlier song) - it draws upon his brother's experiences in Basra to a soulful and belting effect. I really recommend you get it.

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71. Jay-Z - 99 Problems
I wanted to end a chart segment on this so desperately, given how very un-me it is. My relationship with hip hop has long been tumultuous, rarely venturing beyond Eminem's poppier offerings. However, I stumbled across this almost by accident and instantly loved it. Perhaps it's the non-caring attitude, the rebellion, the disrespect for authority...but then I remind myself I'm a conservative. I'M CONFLICTING.

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[MrGaryy]

i adore the entire segment bar Coldplay. Don't Let Me Get Me in particular, one of the first albums I bought was Missundaztood, brings me back! And Cry Me A River, classic.

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by MiuMiu

Can Beyonce be number 1 please?

not much of a spoiler but she won't be

there's still at least 2 tracks from her to come though, so don't worry just yet