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Best of the Century (so far)


We're on the last day of 2024 and, in addition to that, we're also closing-out the first quarter of the 21st century. Twenty-five years (2000-2024) in the can. They've certainly been.... interesting. If there's one thing we can say about the 21st century so far, it's that it hasn't been boring. Personally, I could stand a little boredom for awhile, but ah well.

The music of this century has also not been boring. I decided to choose my Top 25 songs of the first 25 years of the century so far, and it wasn't easy. I had to whittle-away a lot, having decided to include only one song per artist, and to exclude instrumental tracks (of which, I like several).

Here, then, in alphabetical order, are my 25 favorite songs of the 21st century. Because I don't feel like writing essays about each song, I'm only going to leave them with one word or sentence. It could be about why I like the track, or it could just be a favorite quote from the lyrics.

Ok, here we go....


1. American, by Lana Del Rey (2012)

"You make me crazy, you make me wild." 



2. Bad Romance, by Lady Gaga (2009)

The chimpin' romance.



3. Coins, by Local Natives (2016)

Kelvin.



4. Come on! Feel the Illinoise, by Sufjan Stevens (2005)

Punky.



5. Dispossessed, by Nellie McKay (2010)

Mississippi. 



6. Dream, by Dizzee Rascal (2004)

British hip-hop at its finest.



7. Everyone's At It, by Lily Allen (2008)

"From grown politicians to young adolescents."



8. Falling Free, by Madonna (2012)

"And pure so sure I'd struck a vein, I wanted you to feel the same."



9. Hahaha, by OMD (2017) 

Driving around St. Louis in late-December 2017



10. Happy Up Here, by Royksopp (2009)

Always puts a pep in my step.



11. Here, by the Pet Shop Boys (2002)

"I say with pride, I'll be on your side."



12. I Think They Call This Love, by Elliot James Reay (2024)

"All I dream of is your eyes, all I long for is your touch."



13. Just Gazin' by Digitalism (2011)

"I am here, watch the sky turn brighter."



14. Maybe It's Today, by Jake Bugg (2021)

"I love you the most."



15. Milk Bottle Symphony, by Saint Etienne (2005) 

This song speaks to the Anglophile in me.



16. People on the High Line, by New Order (2015)

"The ghost of you is in my heart, sometimes it feels we're worlds apart."



17. The Riddle of the Model, from Sing Street

Ashley.



18. Romeo, by Chairlift (2016)

"But if you win, you win my heart, isn't that what you want?"



19. See Thru You, by Flunk (2002)

This reminds me of Ashley & I driving around St. Louis in 2002.



20. Shine, by Cyndi Lauper (2002)

This was my favorite song of the decade (2000-09)



21. Side 2, by Dressy Bessy (2005)

I've seen them perform live twice.



22. Silent Kiss, by Simple Minds (2018)

Nostalgia.



23. Step, by Vampire Weekend (2013)

This was my favorite song of the decade (2010-19)



24. Tausend Sterne, by Praga Khan

This also reminds me of Ashley & I driving around St. Louis in 2002.



25. Up All Night, by Beck (2017)

At this point in my life, "up all night" pretty much means midnight or 1:00am, but I'm able to manage it every so often.



And... that's it. There are a lot more 21st songs that I've enjoyed, but that didn't make the cut. Maybe I'll do another post at some point about those?

Until then: Happy New Year! I'm going to try and keep a positive mindset about 2025. Fingers crossed.


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