EDITOR’S NOTE: The Best of the 2000s is a four-part feature in the Oklahoma Daily. The articles are based on the writer’s opinion.

1.) Peter Bjorn and John- “Young Folks”

The most high-spirited, lighthearted thing to come out of the decade, “Young Folks” was a long time coming for these hardworking Swedes, and all their struggles translated to a thing of pure beauty. Everything about the song is light, airy and soft to the touch; it swells up inside you and provides a near catharsis release of all worries and cares, leaving only a shy smile behind.

2.) Gnarls Barkley- “Crazy”

“St. Elsewhere” was chocked full of these depressed, sometimes suicidal, often heartbreaking ballads in a therapeutic process for heart and soul Cee-Lo, but Danger Mouse’s genre defying, unparalleled hook disguised the sadness into the song of the summer a few years ago boasting a yet unheard new sound.

3.) TV On The Radio- “Wolf Like Me”

TVOTR has shown a knack for catching the mood of the moment in their songs, and never more so than with “Wolf Like Me,” a restless, frustrated anthem baring angsty howls and chunky, menacing guitar that tear into your flesh with the faintest, hopeful light shining miles away.

4.) Franz Ferdinand- “Take Me Out”

My personal introduction to ‘alternative,’ “Take Me Out” set a pretty high standard. The duel nature of this song nearly leads to a complete different track one-minute in, but the song remains united in its foot stomping, Euro-chic finesse.

5.) Spoon- “The Way We Get By”

Britt Daniel proves to be able to do more than most with the simplest arrangement with this one. It is quite simply song writing perfection. Nothing is more poppy and wonderful than Spoon, and those piano rattles and gentle tambourines breath more life than more complicated compositions.

6.) Outkast- “Hey Ya”

The most widely appealing, but still wildly inventive, little ditty to come across all decade, “Hey Ya” is a true blend of genres. It had everyone moving and grooving, and also birthed the genius saying of “shake it like a Polaroid picture.” There is nothing to hate about this marvel.

7.) M.I.A.- “Paper Planes”

The riled, dysfunctional nature of M.I.A. seemed to forbid any sort of true crossover hit, but the more contained, though still bizarre, flair of “Paper Planes,” punctuated by those signature guitar shots proved to be just the trick on the way to radio wave domination.

8.) Phoenix- “1901”

Musical gold to be shared by all, “1901” shines as bright as the city at night, buzzing with neon and beaming street lights that traces an unforgettable night of love, passion and discovery.

9.) Kanye West- “Touch The Sky”

Any number of his singles could have claimed this spot, but “Touch The Sky” reaches above all others with the most triumphant, winning swirl of horns and vintage percussion that matches West’s cocky bravado.

10.) Bloc Party- “Banquet”

Simultaneously about growing up and, in doing so, growing apart from a lover, Bloc Party contrasts the weighty matter with colorful, angular dance riffs recalling post-punk in a modern, hip fashion.

11.) The National- “Mistaken For Strangers”

A rather gripping, honest look at moving away from old friends and relationships, becoming someone you hardly recognize, and the moody, dark atmosphere the guitar riffs and thick percussion evokes complements that sentiment.

12.) Daft Punk- “One More Time”

It’s one for the time capsules, a wonderful, unabashed reach at doing nothing more than getting at least a foot tap out of you. Most people succumb to full-blown dance fever though, and nothing makes Daft Punk happier.

13.) Radiohead- “Everything In Its Right Place”

When I think of “Kid A,” I think of two things: brilliance and this sound. Nothing sums up the lingering, distant, barren feeling of the album, all while achieving this mind bending beauty you can’t begin to understand.

14.) Vampire Weekend- “A-Punk”

Hype never felt more realized than with Vampire Weekend’s debut, and never more so than in “A-Punk.” Afro-pop, Ivy-League hooks, whatever. It’s a good pop-rock song that is as cheery as they come.

15.) The Walkmen- “The Rat”

There is something rather morose and fervent about “The Rat,” a sensation born out of the breakneck drum crashes and jostling guitar shimmers that bore beside Hamilton Leithauser’s full on vocal belt that jars you back to yesterday.

16.) Yeah Yeah Yeahs- “Maps”

You hear that jittery guitar strum at the beginning? That’s a star being born. Karen O left a mark that may never be reached again with “Maps” the most hauntingly beautiful thing to be born this decade.

17.) Animal Collective- “My Girls”

I could toss dozens of adjectives to describe this ever changing, mishmash of sounds and textures, but the thing to know is that Animal Collective proves to be true artists with this, a true masterpiece.

18.) Modest Mouse- “Float On”

An unexpected radio hit, everyone identified with the uncharacteristically cheerful lyrics and loose, aquatic flow to it all that gave every listener a reason to smile.

19.) Friendly Fires- “Jump In The Pool”

Numerous dance rock bands have made their contributions, but no song was as exotic, immersive, chilling and gripping as “Jump In The Pool,” a song tracking the defining moments of your life.

20.) The Kooks- “Naïve”

Built around a very straightforward guitar riff and simple rock formation, “Naïve” is made exceptional by Luke Pritchard’s charming accent and winning passion that the moving words are delivered with.

21.) MGMT- “Kids”

MGMT started a full-blown indie-dance rock craze between the duo of “Kids” and “Time To Pretend,” simultaneously drawing the bridge between indie and pop music even closer. “Kids” with its wild, spirited fervor, is simply undeniable.

22.) Gorillaz- “Clint Eastwood”

A completely new, and yet unmatched, sound that even still feels light years away, “Clint Eastwood” feels totally out of this world, disoriented, confused, spacey, and most of all, incredibly catchy.

23.) Cold War Kids- “Hang Me Up To Dry”

There’s almost something a little off to “Hang Me Up To Dry,” a certain off-key, off-rhythm feel that only lends itself to gripping you even harder while passionate yelps and piano clangs bring you to a sway.

24.) Arcade Fire- “Rebellion (Lies)”

A big, stomping anthem that crawls beneath your skin in moments of welcomed beauty and self-recognition. Lush strings and a hoard of percussion rattles all merge for a unified, marching efficiency.

25.) The White Stripes- “Fell In Love With A Girl”

A simple garage blast that introduced the world to Jack White, who would quickly become our generation’s music icon. No tricks, just good melodies and a raucous, unbridled energy.

26.) Grizzly Bear- “Two Weeks”

A quaint, chamber pop ballad that becomes both immediate and expansive under Grizzly Bear’s ever cautious eye; it’s a love song without being so ostentatiously so, a silent nod to the listener’s intelligence.

27.) Justice- “D.A.N.C.E.”

Incredibly stylish and modern, a somewhat schizophrenic dance hook built around children chanting and light as air synthesizers combat old school R&B with futuristic dance hall melodies.

28.) Beck- “E-Pro”

A return to form for Beck after his Tropicana indulgences heavy on his previous pair of releases, old flavors came back with dysfunctional samples and raucous guitar throbbing.

29.) TV On The Radio- “DLZ”

Feeling eerily well suited to the moment of its release with recession worries setting in and a presidential shift on the immediate horizon, ominous tones leave a glimmer of hope flickering at the end of the tunnel.

30.) LCD Soundsystem- “All My Friends”

A rather frank discussion on getting older pelted with unrelenting guitar and keyboard lines make growing old sound a little more bearable.

31.) Animal Collective- “Fireworks”

Crackling, bubbling trickles over stumbling guitar drifts that many try to emulate but very few come close to matching.

32.) Sufjan Stevens- “Chicago”

A starry country drive peers over to a full, beaming city skyline only to turn around into that empty highway of sparkling chimes, dipping over hollowed drums.

33.) Outkast- “B.O.B.”

A caustic, dangerous explosion of brash, frantic rhymes that perfectly fit the loony demeanor of Andre 3000 with Big Boi giving it just the right amount of glaze.

34.) Kings of Leon- “Kings of the Rodeo”

There’s something positively Oklahoman about “King of the Rodeo” as the bass practically two-steps beside a boot stomping beat and Caleb Followill’s Dixie growl.

35.) The Strokes- “Last Nite”

Effortless style oozes out of hazy pangs amped up against Casablanca’s new millennia Frank Sinatra cool and city wail.

36.) Wolfmother- “Woman”

Fist-pumping, cherry-picking, lovemaking retro time warp of warbled organs and booming guitar howls that feels authentically Zeppelin.

37.) The Raconteurs- “Steady, As She Goes”

Vintage guitar zoom of crashing cymbals and schizoid guitar twangs further cementing Jack White’s musical Midas touch.

38.) Phoenix- “Long Distance Call”

Conspicuous European stylishness at heart in a vogue indie tune popping with rosy rattles and resonant electro drops.

39.) Broken Social Scene- “Fire Eye’d Boy”

Politely caustic piece of nonchalant wonderment that transforms everyday instruments into a foreign, exotic gaze.

40.) Spoon- “I Summon You”

It’s a very simple, heartfelt beauty that makes this song feel as though its being sung directly to you in the comfort of your own bedroom.

41.) Kings of Leon- “California Waiting”

Opening cowbell strikes signal a charming Southern rock tale of wanting to steal away to another place.

42.) Cut Copy- “Feel the Love”

Composed adoration brought through with electro sensibilities built open a beach warm oceanic wash of acoustic strolls.

43.) Santigold- “Creator”

Alien verbal jangles launch off over a pad of squirming synth squiggles and earth shattering bass loops.

44.) Silversun Pickups- “Well Thought Out Twinkles”

Grungy swashes murk underneath high-pitched yelps and successive drum rolls with fists clinched tight.

45.) The Maccabees- “First Love”

Shaky love story goes into a stuttering staccato then emptying into a full-scale brassy bravado.

46.) Brand New- “Sowing Season (Yeah)”

Chest beating power anthem that proves just as vulnerable as potent with pouring drums and furious calls prevail before drowning.

47.) Radiohead- “Pyramid Song”

A bleak, burdening future opens up to a forsaken, dried out landscape with exquisite piano arpeggios providing a small sliver of hope.

48.) Air Traffic- “Charlotte”

Wild energy bounces off the walls with hurricane guitar slashes fighting for space against drum smashes and whirling vocal drifts.

49.) Evangelicals- “Skeleton Man”

A slow processional that molds into a freak show funeral, with ominous groans and banshee cries echoing across an open room of laser lights and confetti cannons.

50.) Peaches- “Kick It”

Verbal squabble pits Peaches against a very formidable Iggy Pop with the listener winning in the end.

51.) New Young Pony Club- “Ice Cream”

Modish barren set-up with just enough guitar eruptions and melting vocals to get your feet tapping.

52.) The Darkness- “I Believe In A Thing Called Love”

Whether it was a parody or homage, I will never know, but what I do know is that these glam-metal hooks are catchy as hell.

53.) Arctic Monkeys- “A Certain Romance”

Honest lyrics carry this politely assembled indie rock riot of crashing percussion and shimmering guitar riffs.

54.) The Black Keys- “Strange Times”

Danger Mouse production glosses The Black Keys blues-funk into a captivating single without erasing their blurry core.

55.) Death From Above 1979- “Romantic Rights”

Scratchy neon metal thrashes via simple two-piece arrangement collect into a fuzzy, fiercely good time.

56.) Ra Ra Riot- “Each Year”

There’s something saddening, but joyous about this string driven tune flaunting sorrowful vocal tugs.

57.) Jay-Z- “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”

Jay-Z at his cockiest, roaring with swagger over a glitzy, NYC fidgety beat.

58.) Dead Weather- “Treat Me Like Your Mother”

How nasty can you get? I’m betting not this much. Rock n’ roll glory slinks by sludgy organ and chin busting drum wallops.

59.) Tokyo Police Club- “Tessellate”

Energetic flash of intelligent songwriting with smart words and even brighter song construction and keyboards flickers.

60.) The Features- “The Idea of Growing Old”

Lyrics carry this straightforward ditty with a slight charming Southern-ness seeping throughout.

61.) Bon Iver- “For Emma”

Coffee house romances sound much more honest and true with this earnest, haunting display of affection.

62.) I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness- “We’re Still the Weaker Sex”

Disjointed, writhing indie malice popped with bursting guitar blasts and pithy audible spouts.

63.) Grand Hallway- “Seward Park”

Wispy piano breezes and footstep percussion stroll along with a broken hearted vocal melody.

64.) Band of Horses- “No One’s Gonna Love You”

Oceanic plunge of waving guitar rays and effervescent drum bubbles on its way to becoming a deep-sea romance.

65.) Klaxons- “Gravity’s Rainbow”

Manic rave rhythm that oozes like busted neon onto a dance floor being pounded out by a steady stream of bar hoppers.

66.) Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin- “Some Constellation”

Uncomplicated, stripped-down ballad brings lakeside stargazing to mind with luscious airy strums and heartfelt libretto.

67.) At The Drive-In- “One Armed Scissor”

Spastic modern rock propulsion chomping a taste for experimentation as well as an ear for melodies.

68.) Interpol- “Obstacle 1”

Panging echoes and bass flusters fall into vacant city streets for Paul Banks to howl his sorrow onto.

69.) Glasvegas- “Geraldine”

Sweating passion pumps beside steady drums with guitar swirls and deep calls culminating in an arctic blizzard.

70.) Lykke Li- “Little Bit”

Heartbreaking, bleeding melody that flurries like snow dashing between Lykke Li’s vulnerable puffs of words.

71.) Editors- “Munich”

A robust bluster of strings and drums that rattle beneath a deep, melancholic tone bulging at the ends.

72.) Kanye West- “All Falls Down”

Kanye flexes a bit of range with “All Falls Down,” a rather honest narrative heightened with acoustic punches.

73.) The xx- “Islands”

Minimalist romance tale punctuated with bumping bass hooks and whispering vocals.

74.) Fruit Bats- “When U Love Somebody”

Retro key rays illuminate this grassy love song smelling a bit like that scent after rainfall.

75.) Grizzly Bear- “Knife”

The same gorgeous, prodding masterpieces we have come to expect from Grizzly Bear, with a slightly dangerous, almost violent feeling throbbing beneath the splendor.

76.) The Flaming Lips- “Silver Trembling Hands”

The freaky and beautiful fight it out in which beauty eventually overcomes the copper snarl with its icy breakdowns.

77.) N.E.R.D.- “Rock Star”

Abrasive, coarse marriage of hair-metal riffs and grungy hip-hop loops that pound you into submission.

78.) Maritime- “Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts”

An awe-shucks hook hugs you tightly with buoyant singing and crashing cymbals keeping things afloat.

79.) Dear and the Headlights- “Sweet Talk”

Modest Mouse meets Midtown in a rare attempt at melding indie sensibilities with emotional delivery.

80.) The French Kicks- “So Far We Are”

Distinctly romantic European shimmy with a killer sense of style about it works to break your heart in minutes.

81.) Basement Jaxx- “Romeo”

Becoming a club banger from the Blade Runner timeline, it’s rather subdued compared to more thumping Jaxx tracks, but much more lovely indeed.

82.) Elefant- “Misfit”

Can’t help but we missed out on an indie-rock juggernaut with this washed-out, whooshing single.

83.) Andrew Bird- “Heretics”

There’s a very romantic, full feeling to “Heretics,” lightened by dragging strings and gentle bells and chimes.

84.) Born Ruffians- “I Need A Life”

A sort of dysfunctional beauty radiates from this gutsy ballad that has every instrument graining against the other in just the right way.

85.) White Rabbits- “The Plot”

Lively vivacity courtesy of White Rabbit’s prominent percussion section highlighted with endearing lyrics and howling vocals.

86.) The Dears- “You and I Are a Gang of Losers”

An ember like slow burn that tugs at your heart strings and might let loose a tear or two during its pulling piano churn.

87.) Queens of the Stone Age- “Feel Good Hit of the Summer”

Rattling off a list of drugs only works if your Josh Homme, and you have this vicious of a guitar/drum duel roaring beneath.

88.) The Helio Sequence- “Keep Your Eyes Ahead”

Finely executed, exquisitely unique ditty that shows electronic loops can be earthy after all with its forested, Northwestern vibe.

89.) The Shins- “Kissing The Lipless”

Minimal indie anthem focusing on James Mercer’s lovely coos and light guitar strikes bubbling below.

90.) Rogue Wave- “Lake Michigan”

Built around a tribal drum hook, lifted with lovely guitar swirls, then given life with gorgeously simple acoustic strums.

91.) The Bravery- “An Honest Mistake”

New Wave for the new millennium, melting pulsating percussion and reverberating bass with zipping guitar and lyrical chimes.

92.) Apples In Stereo- “Energy”

Fitting name for a near uncontrollable bundle of energy bounding with its grassy guitar strums and gleaming vocals.

93.) The Cool Kids- “Black Mags”

Static-heavy, club banger with meteor splashing synth curls and raw, but buttery, flow referencing ladies and bikes.

94.) Tegan and Sara- “Back In Your Head”

Poignant and unadorned, the thumping piano and drums coil below smooth as silk vocals.

95.) Flight of the Conchords- “Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room)”

Surprisingly beautiful ballad that doesn’t sound like the typical comedy song until it has you in stitches with its clever wordplay.

96.) Voxtrot- “Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives”

Echoing guitars meld with more pronounced elements garnished with lovely vocals and lyrics.

97.) Jamie Lidell- “Another Day”

It’s impossible not to smile with this vintage soul glow beaming brightly.

98.) Crystal Castles- “Vanished”

Takes Van She’s “Sex City” sample and transforms it into a twitchy, evocative thing.

99.) Digitalism- “Pogo”

Daft Punk meets anger issues in this pulsing electro concoction.

100.) Estelle- “American Boy”

Glammed-out, true futuristic spirited ballad with nice touches from Mr. West.