Rolling Stone magazine recently unveiled its list of the 250 best songs released in the 21st century so far. Out of this extensive compilation, only two metal songs secured a place. This limited representation highlights a broader trend in how the publication categorizes and ranks music from the heavy metal genre compared to rock and pop.
The two metal tracks recognized on the list are Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder" and System of a Down's "Chop Sue!". Both songs are considered influential within their genre and have maintained popularity since their release.
Key Takeaways
- Rolling Stone's list of 250 best 21st-century songs includes only two metal tracks.
- Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder" ranked at No. 230.
- System of a Down's "Chop Sue!" appeared at No. 174.
- This pattern mirrors a previous Rolling Stone list for 21st-century albums.
- Rock music received significantly more entries on the list than metal.
Metal's Limited Presence on the List
Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder," from their 2004 album Leviathan, secured the 230th position on Rolling Stone's ranking. This track is known for its aggressive sound and complex musical structure.
Higher up the list, at number 174, was System of a Down's "Chop Suey!". This song comes from their 2001 album Toxicity and is recognized for its unique blend of heavy riffs and unconventional vocal styles.
Fact Check
- Mastodon: "Blood and Thunder" (2004, Leviathan) - Ranked No. 230.
- System of a Down: "Chop Sue!" (2001, Toxicity) - Ranked No. 174.
This outcome is consistent with a related list published by Rolling Stone earlier this year. That list, which ranked the 250 best albums of the 21st century, also featured only two metal albums. These were the same parent albums for the songs included in the new ranking: Leviathan at No. 171 and Toxicity at No. 159.
"The consistent inclusion of only two metal entries across both song and album lists suggests a defined editorial perspective on the genre's overall impact within the 21st century's broader musical landscape," said a music industry analyst familiar with the publication's trends.
Comparison to Rock Music
Rock music, as a broader category, saw much greater representation on Rolling Stone's list. Dozens of rock tracks from various subgenres were included, highlighting a more diverse selection compared to metal.
For example, Green Day's "Jesus of Suburbia," a pop-punk anthem, appeared at No. 205. Evanescence's goth-rock hit "Bring Me to Life" was ranked at No. 195. My Chemical Romance's "Welcome to the Black Parade," an emo-glam track, reached No. 96.
Genre Definitions
Metal often refers to heavier, more aggressive music characterized by distorted guitars, strong rhythms, and powerful vocals. Rock is a broader genre encompassing many styles, from punk and alternative to classic rock, often with more mainstream appeal.
Further up the list, several other popular rock songs from the 21st century received recognition. Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Goin Down" was ranked at No. 79. Paramore's "Still Into You" secured the No. 63 spot, and The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" came in at No. 26. These tracks represent the pop-punk and garage rock revival movements that gained significant traction in the early 2000s.
Top-Ranking Rock Songs
The highest positions for rock music on the list were claimed by The Strokes and The White Stripes. The Strokes' "Last Nite" achieved the No. 12 spot, demonstrating the influence of the garage rock revival.
The White Stripes' iconic "Seven Nation Army" reached an even higher position, landing at No. 4. This song is widely recognized for its distinctive guitar riff and has become a staple in popular culture.
According to music critics, these selections reflect the songs' significant cultural impact and enduring popularity. They represent a blend of critical acclaim and commercial success within the rock genre.
Other Notable Rock Entries
- Green Day: "Jesus of Suburbia" (No. 205)
- Evanescence: "Bring Me to Life" (No. 195)
- My Chemical Romance: "Welcome to the Black Parade" (No. 96)
- Fall Out Boy: "Sugar, We're Goin Down" (No. 79)
- Paramore: "Still Into You" (No. 63)
- The Killers: "Mr. Brightside" (No. 26)
- The Strokes: "Last Nite" (No. 12)
- The White Stripes: "Seven Nation Army" (No. 4)
These entries showcase the diverse range of rock subgenres that have shaped the 21st-century music scene, from alternative and indie rock to pop-punk and emo. The list aims to capture the most impactful and memorable songs since 2000.
The full list of 250 songs is available on the Rolling Stone website. It provides a comprehensive look at the publication's assessment of the 21st century's musical output so far.
Loudwire's Perspective on Metal Music
Other music publications, such as Loudwire, have also recognized the contributions of Mastodon and System of a Down. Loudwire included both "Blood and Thunder" and "Chop Sue!" on its own list of the greatest metal songs of the past 25 years.
Loudwire's lists specifically focus on the metal genre, providing a dedicated platform for these artists. This specialized approach often leads to broader representation for metal bands compared to general interest music publications.
Both Mastodon and System of a Down also appeared on Loudwire's list of the best metal albums of the past 25 years. This further solidifies their standing within the metal community.
The differing inclusions across various publications highlight the subjective nature of music rankings and the varied criteria used by different editorial teams. While Rolling Stone offers a broad overview, specialized outlets provide deeper dives into specific genres.