Rolling Stone named “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs the best rock song of the 21st century so far. The magazine picked it from a list of 200 songs. The 2003 track comes from the band’s first album, Fever to Tell.
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes took No. 2. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers took No. 3. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” landed at No. 4, and Radiohead’s “The National Anthem” came in at No. 5. Phoebe Bridgers, The Strokes, Jay-Z, Arctic Monkeys, and Wilco filled the spots from No. 6 through No. 10.
The magazine said the list is “a wide-ranging mix of different rock styles, different generations, different voices.” It tried hard not to repeat songs by the same artist, though a few acts show up more than once. At the bottom, No. 200 goes to “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard.
Five Alabama acts placed songs. Alabama Shakes ranked No. 45 with “Hold On.” Waxahatchee took No. 55 with “Never Been Wrong,” and Drive-By Truckers took No. 99 with “Marry Me.” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit put “Cumberland Gap” at No. 167. The Red Clay Strays landed “Wondering Why” at No. 175.
Philadelphia did well too, with multiple acts on the list. The War on Drugs sits at No. 79, Mannequin Pussy at No. 77, and Japanese Breakfast at No. 97. The Roots, with Cody Chesnutt, came in at No. 101. Low Cut Connie follows at No. 142.
Country-leaning acts found room as well. Tyler Childers ranked No. 73 with “Eatin’ Big Time.” Brandi Carlile took No. 112 with “The Story,” and Sturgill Simpson took No. 163 with “Call to Arms.” Taylor Swift’s 10-minute version of “All Too Well” came in at No. 33.
