40. Jason DeRulo - "Whatcha Say" (2009)
Courtesy Warner Bros.
Jason DeRulo croons here like a confident, established R&B pop singer. In the more emotional sections of this musical plea for reconciliation, DeRulo spits out the words with a spirit appropriate for the moment. He pledges paradise when he becomes a star. This debut single went all the way to #1 for Jason Derulo.
39. White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army" (2003)
Courtesy V2
The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" is known first for its compelling guitar riff created by running a semi-acoustic guitar through an octave pedal. The recording earned White Stripes a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
38. No Doubt - "Hella Good" (2002)
Courtesy Interscope
No Doubt joined with producers Nellee Hooper and the Neptunes to create one of the funkiest of all of their recordings. The song is an optimistic, celebratory hit that went all the way to #1 on the dance chart.
37. Coldplay - "Clocks" (2003)
Courtesy Capitol Records
Coldplay's "Clocks" is built around one of the most compelling piano riffs of the entire decade. Chris Martin of Coldplay says the song was inspired by the British rock band Muse. "Clocks" won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
36. Mariah Carey - "We Belong Together" (2005)
Courtesy Island Records
It had been over five years since Mariah Carey's last #1 pop single when "We Belong Together" was unleashed. The song is uncharacteristically restrained for Mariah Carey, but it soon work its magic with pop audiences and ultimately spent 14 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
35. OutKast - "Ms. Jackson" (2001)
Courtesy La Face Records
OutKast's #1 pop hit "Ms. Jackson" emerged out of the real life relationship between the duo's Andre 3000 and singer Erykah Badu. The reference for Ms. Jackson is Badu's mother. The song samples the Brothers Johnson classic "Strawberry Letter 23."
34. Coldplay - "Yellow" (2001)
Courtesy Capitol Records
The song "Yellow" marked the arrival of Coldplay as major international pop artists. It is a simple song of unrequited love. The happy accident of the song title occurred when group leader Chris Martin was looking for a word to fit his concept of the record, and he spotted the telephone yellow pages.
33. Pink - "So What" (2008)
Courtesy LaFace Records
A singsongy intro gives way to a martial beat and chorus that's likely to send fists pumping into the air. Synth backing nearly sends it all over the top. Pink delivers a pop anthem about the breakup of her marriage.
32. Eminem - "Stan" (2000)
Courtesy Aftermath / Interscope
Rapper Eminem cemented his artistic standing with this chilling tale of fan obsession. The singing vocals are provided by British vocalist Dido. The song unfolds through letters sent to Eminem and finally Eminem's attempt to write back to the fan.
31. Maroon 5 - "This Love" (2004)
Courtesy Octone
Maroon 5's "This Love" was written in response to singer Adam Levine's breakup with his girlfriend. Musically, the song is strongly influenced by Stevie Wonder. It debuted at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the group a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
