As we settle into the quarter-century mark, the catalog of music offered to the world from the last 25 years has reached great peaks. Here they are ranked, limited to one song per band or artist. 

25. Hackensack by Fountains of Wayne (2003)

This yearning anthem is pure gold with its jangly guitar and wistful tone, offering a story about longing for someone you used to be in close proximity to, that has now run off to Hollywood and become a famous actor.

24. Time to Pretend by MGMT (2007)

This song was made for all the rebels, dreamers, and escapists. An average first listen of the shimmering synths and driving beat creates an unforgettable, euphoric experience.

23. Weird Fishes / Arpeggi by Radiohead (2007)

The intricate guitar work done on this track crafts one of the most iconic full releases in music history. The rhythms are pure hypnosis and the vibes are transcendental.

22. Archie, Marry Me by Alvvays (2014)

This modern indie classic is bittersweet yet melancholic. The arrangement is simple but it complements the lyrics touching a desire for life-long love amidst uncertainty about commitment.

21. When Will I See You Again by Shakka (2014)

The groovy instrumentation on this song is an infectious blend of R&B and soul with smooth vocals and an undeniably catchy hook. The subtlety of the production, which then transitions into an airy atmosphere — eventually snaps you back into reality with the alarm clock effect. Genius.

20. Toxic by Britney Spears (2003)

With one of the most well-known instrumentals of all time, Spears delves into the intoxicating and addictive nature of love. It’s a canon event, where desire and obsession override reason and rationality. It’s seductive, it’s real, and it’s unforgettable.

19. drive ME crazy! by Lil Yachty (2023)

This psychedelic-tinged love song explores the passionate realities of modern love. The sensational method along with Diana Gordon’s captivating vocals immediately lands this song on this list.

18. Stan by Eminem (featuring Dido) (2000)

Eminem shares a gripping narrative that masterfully blends haunting melodies with a spine-chilling story about the dangers of obsession. The sample of Dido’s Thank You has been stuck in everyone’s head since its release and it’s the cherry on top of this song.

17. Hung Up by Madonna (2005)

One of many dance-pop anthems on Madonna’s 2005 album, Confessions on a Dance Floor, the energy on this song is irresistible and the beat is absolutely relentless. 

16. Swan Dive by Waxahatchee (2014)

This tender and mellow lullaby perfectly captures vulnerability and introspection when leaving a relationship that didn’t tragically end up in flames, it just died out. It’s simple, but you couldn’t ask for anything more.

15. Ghost in the Machine by SZA (featuring Phoebe Bridgers) (2022)

SZA’s magical collaboration with Bridgers has distant melodies with dry vocals, telling a story of emotional numbness and overall detachment from the world, as the two seek out comfort in meaningless relationships.

14. Can’t Get You out of My Head by Kylie Minogue (2001)

Since its original release, this is a song that, fittingly, you just can’t get out of your head. It’s a perfect example of 80’s-style music done right, and the hypnotic nature is irresistible.

13. Blackstar by David Bowie (2016)

10 minutes of pure eerie and epic artistic greatness, that’s what Bowie left us to remember him by. Released just two days before his death, there is an otherworldly soundscape found on this reflection of death and rebirth and it solidifies that his legacy is one to be remembered.

12. The greatest by Lana Del Rey (2019)

Found on one of the greatest albums of all time, this track is a melancholic piece of art that touches on the anguish and inevitability of loss in life. However, it also shows the beauty of the mundane aspects of life, which is ever so fleeting.

11. Space Song by Beach House (2015)

This appropriately titled track takes you off of this plane of existence, and leaves you floating around into the abyss. Nothing can make you feel the way this song does, as the lyrics paint a picture of two souls connected across time and space, drawn together by an invisible force.

10. Mr. Brightside by The Killers (2004)

Undoubtedly the most classic indie rock song of both the millennial and Gen-Z generations, this song will truly stand the test of time. Everyone should personally thank Brandon Flowers for his performance on this song.

9. Runaway by Kanye West (featuring Pusha T) (2010)

There are very few songs that you could recognize with just a singular piano note. West’s diary entry about being in love with someone, knowing you’ll screw it up because of your personal nature, offers the rawest emotion we’ve seen from him. Now knowing that he was telling the truth, you see a different side of West, putting aside all the madness and nonsense you see from him today.

8. Hey Ya! by Outkast (2003)

This song is a celebration of love and joy, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment and let go of their inhibitions. The infectious blend of funk, pop, and hip-hop, with its upbeat rhythm and clever lyrics craft it as a quintessential track around the world.

7. Alright by Kendrick Lamar (2015)

Lamar exemplifies hope and resilience, addressing issues of social injustice and police brutality, offering a message of solidarity and empowerment to marginalized communities. It’s the most powerful song of the century beyond a shadow of a doubt.

6. Paper Planes by M.I.A (2007)

M.I.A grants us an incredible commentary on globalization and the pursuit of wealth, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the modern world. Adding an unstoppable melody on top of this statement piece is just the final flourish.

5. Dancing On My Own by Robyn (2010)

This compelling synth-pop track is THE unrequited love anthem. The soaring chorus makes you want to both dance and cry, as Robyn woefully sings about the struggle of finding solace amid rejection.

4. Ribs by Lorde (2013)

This work of art can be easily summarized with its repeating line, “It feels so scary, getting old.” It’s nostalgic, it’s dreamy, the production is inconceivable and the narrative is timeless. No notes.

3. Wake Up Alone by Amy Winehouse (2006)

Knowing Winehouse’s tragic fate, this song could not be any more heart wrenching. The soulful and deeply emotional vocals pair flawlessly with the lyrics and mildly stripped-down arrangement. It captures a certain sadness that seems impossible to achieve, but it’s accomplished effortlessly.

2. White Ferrari by Frank Ocean (2016)

If you’ve never driven around in the middle of the night blasting this song while violently sobbing, you’re doing something wrong. This song can be divided into four sections, and each one is individually beautifully devastating in its own way. 

1. About You by The 1975 (2022)

The best way to describe the feeling you get while listening, is the feeling of watching the end of the best movie you’ve ever seen. There is little to say about this song, other than it’s completely perfect. Matty Healy’s atmospheric vocals, the sorrowful pining, and of course the 15-second middle-8 performed by Carly Holt immediately lands it at the number one spot.