VH1 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s: A Definitive Look Back at the Decade That Redefined Pop
However, the list also highlighted the heavy hitters of the alternative and hip-hop scenes. Eminem’s "Lose Yourself" and Kelly Clarkson’s "Since U Been Gone" sat comfortably alongside the White Stripes’ "Seven Nation Army." The rankings reflected a period when a bubblegum pop anthem could carry as much cultural weight as a gritty rock riff. VH1's curation captured the "iPod Shuffle" mentality of the era—a time when listeners began moving away from cohesive albums toward a more eclectic, track-by-track consumption of music.
Beyoncé (feat. JAY-Z)
The summit of the list is dominated by pop and hip-hop icons who fundamentally reshaped the music industry. Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" (2003) takes the #1 spot, a song that cemented her solo superstardom and featured her future husband, JAY-Z. Song Title "Crazy In Love" OutKast Lady Gaga "Poker Face" Eminem "Lose Yourself" Kelly Clarkson "Since U Been Gone" Kanye West (feat. Jamie Foxx) "Gold Digger" Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) "SexyBack" JAY-Z (feat. Alicia Keys) "Empire State of Mind" Mariah Carey "We Belong Together" 50 Cent "In Da Club" Key Trends & Hidden Gems
Hip-Hop & R&B:
Dominant throughout the top spots, with additional entries like Missy Elliott’s "Get Ur Freak On" (#24) and Usher’s "Yeah!" (#27). Cultural Impact & Legacy
took the crown with "Crazy in Love," a choice many critics considered "inarguable" for its cultural impact. The Top 10 Hits: Beyoncé feat. JAY-Z – "Crazy in Love" (2003) – "Hey Ya!" (2003) – "Poker Face" (2008) – "Lose Yourself" (2002) Kelly Clarkson – "Since U Been Gone" (2004) Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx – "Gold Digger" (2005) Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland – "SexyBack" (2006) JAY-Z feat. Alicia Keys – "Empire State of Mind" (2009) Mariah Carey – "We Belong Together" (2005) – "In Da Club" (2003) Rock and Alternative Staples Rock fans had to wait until #13 to see a band— with "American Idiot". Other notable entries included "Beautiful Day" (#15) and The White Stripes’
The Legacy: Is VH1’s List Still Relevant in 2025?
For those looking to revisit these hits, several products are available based on the VH1 special:
Critics, such as those at Stereogum , have noted that while the #1 pick is solid, the internal rankings often feel "nuts".
