The beginning of the twenty-first century saw the popularity of singers reaching another level. This era saw the rise of singing sensations like Eminem, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears etc. who were not only great singers but also exceptional dancers. They themselves performed in their own songs which made singers bigger stars than film stars. Singers during the first decade of the 21st century achieved star status. Let us now take a look at the top ten best songs of the 2000’s.
1. ‘Stan’ by Eminem (2000)
Featuring in the album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), “Stan” by Eminem is a great composition that takes the emotion of obsession to another level. The song affords the perspective of an obsessed fan who becomes emotionally unstable when he receives no reply from the great rapper Eminem.
2. ‘We Belong Together’ by Mariah Carey (2005)
Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” featured in her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi and bagged the well deserved Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2006. This peppy number is about true love that makes lovers stand by each other despite their physical separation. Sung from the bottom of the heart, this mega-hit song is an evergreen offering by Carey.
3. ‘Umbrella’ by Rihana (2007)
“Umbrella” by Rihanna featured in her 2007 hit album Good Girl Gone Bad. This peppy song celebrates the feeling of being in love with the least doubt or misgiving about its genuineness. This pop and hip-hop song was one of the biggest hits of the year 2007 and Rihanna’s stardom reached its peak with the success of this musical number.
4. ‘Whatever You Like’ by T.I. (2008)
Belonging to the genre of hip-hop/rap, “Whatever You Like” featured in T.I.’s 2008 musical album Paper Trail. This song is about a passionate lover entreating his beloved for showering love on him. Crazy after his woman’s hot body, the lover can do anything to please her.
5. ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley (2006)
Released in the year 2006, “Crazy” by the American band Gnarls Barkley became an instant hit by capturing the number two rank on the Billboard Hot 100. This song may be viewed as an attempt by a guy to assert his dignity. He seems to be making fun of the people who had always subdued the people of his class.
6. ‘Cry Me a River’ by Justin Timberlake (2002)
A pop song, “Cry Me a River” from the superhit album Justified by Justin Timberlake released in the year 2002. This touching song is about the need to be separated after there is no way out for both the lover and the beloved. Both seem to have gone too far in their lives and now it is simply impossible to revive their already dead relationship.
7. ’99 Problems’ by Jay-z (2003)
Released in 2003, the album The Black Album had the masterpiece “99 Problems” which went on to become a rage amongst the people. The song realistically highlights the evil of racial discrimination in American society. The blacks identified with the song and it became one of Jay-z’s biggest hits.
8. ‘Foolish’ by Ashanti (2002)
Falling in the genre of contemporary R&B, “Foolish” by the singer Ashanti broke several records when it released in 2002. This touching song is an expression of the anguish felt by the heart torn apart by the neglect of the lover. The devotion of the lady towards her lover despite his coldness towards her makes it universal in appeal.
9. ‘Rehab’ by Amy Winehouse (2006)
Featuring in the 2006 album Black to Black, “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse became extremely famous because of the spirit of rebellion that gets reflected in this pop song. It is the unwillingness to go to the rehabilitation center on the part of the protagonist that forms the basis of the song.
10. ‘Bleeding Love’ by Leona Lewis (2007)
Leona Lewis established herself as a great singer with her 2007 album Spirit which featured a great number of “Bleeding Love”. Dealing with the emotion of love, this song makes a lasting effect on the listeners due to its lingering quality that keeps haunting you long after you have heard this superb love song.
