‘Rolling Stone’ releases list of 200 greatest 21st century rock songs and it’s as awful as you’d imagine
Rolling Stone has published a ranking of the 200 greatest rock songs of the 21st century so far, prompting criticism from the article’s writer over its choices and definition of rock. The piece argues that the list gives undue weight to less familiar or genre-blurring songs while placing some widely recognised rock and pop-punk tracks lower.
The article names Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps” as the number one song and questions the inclusion of artists such as Lana Del Rey, Jay-Z, MGMT, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. It says Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” appears in the top 25, while Queens of the Stone Age’s “No One Knows” is at number 36, behind Sleater-Kinney. The supplied article text ends partway through its discussion of the ranking.
In short
- Rolling Stone ranked 200 rock songs from the 21st century.
- “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs took the top spot.
- The writer disputes the list’s choices and genre boundaries.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A broad definition of rock can recognise how the genre has always absorbed new sounds, and including artists such as Lana Del Rey, Jay-Z or Taylor Swift may reflect that evolution. A ranking can also favour songs for their originality, influence or artistic achievement rather than familiarity, so placing “Maps” first and “No One Knows” lower need not be a mistake.
The case against
A list billed as the greatest rock songs should have a clear, consistent account of what counts as rock, especially when it includes artists more commonly associated with other genres. Readers may reasonably question whether the ranking gives enough weight to rock songs’ influence and lasting recognition when familiar tracks such as “No One Knows” place below less widely recognised choices.
Explained simply
Rolling Stone is a US music magazine known for its coverage of popular music and culture. Rock has changed considerably since 2000, with musicians often mixing it with pop, hip-hop and electronic music, so people may disagree about which songs count as rock.
The list includes both established rock acts and artists more often associated with other styles. Yeah Yeah Yeahs are an indie rock band, while Lana Del Rey, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga are generally linked to other genres. Rankings like this reflect editorial choices, and readers may judge songs by different measures, such as influence, popularity or musical style.
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