The oughts were a decade of rule breaking, fusion, and creative stealing. Every decade from the past century had its influence on this decade. Creativity and struggles abounded as an entire industry adapted to a new way of producing and consuming music.
Erykah Badu & Common collaborated on this soulful tune for the soundtrack of Brown Sugar in 2002. The film barely made an impression, while this stand out track will likely last for many decades to come.
Beyonce has so many great tracks this decade, it’s difficult to choose the right one for the top 100. I’m going with Single Ladies because of how it make my boyfriend squirm, and how it caught on with everyone, even the football team!
Considering how much Michael Jackson was a focus this past year, it seems only fitting that he should have a spot in the top 100, even though his best tracks were released in the 80s and 90s. You Rock My World, from his 2001 album Invincible, is worthy of this list with Michael’s trademark style, and smooth sexiness he only ever seemed capable of in song and on stage.
From the 2004 album Joyful Rebellion, Crabbuckit has such a smooth flow, and fresh vibe. Even now, the track is 5 years old, and it’s still fresh like the carton was opened yesterday. I love when Canadians make good music!
Pop beauty Kylie Minogue had a real hit of an album in 2002 with Fever, even in North America where she typically doesn’t get the same sort of attention she finds in the UK and Australia. Come into my World is my favourite turn from the album.
Desperate comes to us from a Daytrotter session by Rogue Wave after their 2007 album Asleep at Heaven’s Gate. A hauntingly beautiful song that, for me, surpasses all the tunes that made it on the album, and lands a spot in the top 100.
65. I’m not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you – Black Kids
From the 2008 album Partie Traumatic, I’m not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you is a hipster favourite.
Dream Machine has special significance for me, as it is the tune that always reminds my Perfect how much he loves me! What could be better? From Mark Farina’s 2003 album Air Farina.
Florence had once heck of a year in 2009. Music appreciators all over the world feel madly in love with her after her album Lungs was released in July 2009. It is difficult to pick a best track from the album, as so many of them are fabulous. Dog Days Are Over is certainly one of those fabulous tracks.
Rihanna makes perfect pop music, which earns her a place in the top 100. Don’t Stop the Music is my favourite track from her 2008 album Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded.
I’m not sure that this track is going to stand the test of time, but it certainly speaks for a place in time back in 2005. In a way, this track captures the essence of the culture that loved it so much, and will forever stir the memories in many of the dance floors of this decade.
From Mint Royale’s 2006 album, Dancehall Places the title track deserves a place in the top 100 as my favourite track the artist put out this decade, with its soaring melodies, and haunting vocals, all sliced together with an unparalleled mastery. Superb.
77. Oh My God (It Still Means a Lot to Me) – The Wooden Sky
This late entry from The Wooden Sky, Oh My God (It Still Means a Lot to Me), from the 2009 album, If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone, carries so much emotion, and beauty, that it’s difficult to pass this one over, even though it hasn’t had a long evaluation period. I fell in love with this tune the instant I heard it. I am confident I will still love this tune well into the next decade and beyond.
Elektro by Outwork Ft Mr. Gee hit the dance floors in 2006, and was often played by many of the big time DJs, because, quick frankly, it does an awesome job at getting you dancing! This track is too fun, and gets me every time it comes up on iTunes… such a wicked beat! That’s Elektro for you!
Bringing Jamaican Dance Hall to the rest of us, Sean Paul claimed his place in the decade with the very dancable (specially if you are willing to embarrass yourself!), and sexy track, Get Busy. As a matter of fact, Sean Paul was named the top selling Reggae artist of the decade, by Billboard.
Julian Jabre unleashed an masterpiece early in his career that is well worthy of the top 100. The instrumental track has an elegant beauty that can some how follow your from your candle lit dinner to the dance floor on a steamy Saturday night. The single was released in the UK in 2006 on Defected Records.
Robbie Williams deserves this nod in the top 100. His unique, and strangely daring take on pop music has certainly had an influence on the direction of pop today. His 2000 track, Rock DJ, from the album Sing When You’re Winning still makes me dance about and sing along. Pop at its best!
Beautiful, passionate and romantic. This sweet song, by Paulo Nutini came out 2006, and then has a re-release in 2009. This song has the ability to put you in a warm and safe place when you are feeling down and out. Beautiful.
Robyn’s 2008 favourite is so easy to listen to, even though you can so clearly feel the pain in Robyn’s voice as she sings that “it hurts with every heartbeat”. The strings in this song combine with the gentle beats and Robyn’s sweet vocals beautifully. A must on everyone’s “just got dumped” playlist.
