The ’60s were defined by Woodstock and psychedelic rock.  The ’90s were the time of hip-hop, boy bands and the “Seattle Sound.”  So what will the ‘00 decade be remembered for in music?

With the decade now behind us, it’s time to look back at the top 10 most defining songs of 2000 to 2010.

10.  Johnny Cash-  ”Hurt” 2002

The last song the man in black would ever sing for us. Even though “Hurt” wasn’t Cash’s own composition-it was written by Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor- there’s no doubting the emotion Cash poured into this single.

Click here to listen to “Hurt.”

9.  The Raconteurs- “Steady As She Goes” 2006

With staccato riffs and vocals by White Stripes front man, Jack White, this song delivers a message with a bass line.  This is one of those songs that only comes around once, so it’s unlikely The Raconteurs will ever able to produce anything as infectious as this in the future.

Click here to listen to “Steady As She Goes.”

8.  Kanye West- “Jesus Walks” 2004

The most complex song West has produced thus far, “Jesus Walks” displays his talent as an emcee. This is  a talent that West hypes up and overrates, but nevertheless he shines on this track like the halo he thinks is over his head.

Click here to listen to “Jesus Walks.”

7.  Eminem- “The Real Slim Shady” 2000

The bouncing beat and irreverent and explicit delivery by Eminem make this track one of the standouts of the decade. Who doesn’t remember their parents changing the station when this song came on?

6.  M.I.A.- “Paper Planes” 2007

From the second this song starts, with its sample of “Straight To Hell” by the Clash, to the very end, this ecletic mix of ’00 pop and hip-hop stands out. As the single off of M.I.A’s 2007 album “Kala,” which was voted one of the best albums of the decade by Rolling Stone, this song was included on the soundtracks of multiple movies.

Click here to listen to “Paper Planes.”

5. Gnarls Barkley- “Crazy” 2006

Rapper Cee-lo and DJ and producer Dangermouse teamed up to make one of the greatest pop songs ever. The song is beyond catchy and Cee-lo’s great singing voice only adds to its sound.

Click here to listen to “Crazy.”

4. MGMT- “Electric Feel” 2008

The crowning jewel of electro hipster music, “Electric Feel” gets people on the dance floor. Don’t be surprised to find your body moving  whenever it comes on.

Click here to listen to “Electric Feel.”

3.  Incubus-  ”Megalomaniac” 2004

Incubus has been a mainstay of the alternative rock scene since the late ’90s, but really exploded in ‘00s  with this hard-driving song full of aurally attacking guitar riffs.

Click here to listen to “Megalomaniac.”

2. Jay-z feat. Alicia Keys- “Empire State of Mind” 2009

Jay-z’s nostalgic hit about his home, New York City, has the beat and choppy piano chords that he’s well known for.  Full of New York imagery and allusions to the golden-era of hip-hop, you won’t be disappointed. Alicia Keys singing the chorus is the icing on the cake.

Click here to listen to “Empire State of Mind.”

1. OutKast- “Ms. Jackson”- 2000

Every child who grew up in the ’00s should at least be familiar with the chorus to this song. OutKast now has two decades full of hits, this being only one of the many that could have made this list.

Click here to listen to “Ms. Jackson.”