Rolling Stone Releases 200 Best Rock Songs Ranking
In a column published on Fox News, writer Austin Perry argues that Rolling Stone magazine has lost its way with music curation following the release of their new list, “The 200 Greatest Rock Songs of The 21st Century So Far.” The compilation attempts to capture a wide-ranging mix of genres and generations since 2001, but has drawn pushback from critics who point to questionable genre blending and controversial rankings.
Controversial Top Placements and Genre Boundaries
The publication’s selection spans beyond traditional rock into hip-hop and pop, featuring artists like Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, and OutKast. The magazine defended the scope by stating that rock in the 21st century thrives through constant mutation and evolution across diverse genres.
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Country and Southern Rock Representation
While the list largely bypassed traditional country and southern rock acts, it did include several boundary-pushing country artists. The Red Clay Strays landed at number 175 with “Wondering Why,” Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit appeared at number 167 with “Cumberland Gap,” and Sturgill Simpson secured the 163rd spot with “Call To Arms.” Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, and Taylor Swift also made the cut.
Notable Omissions and Fan Backlash
Perry highlights several omissions from the Rolling Stone countdown, pointing out that Blink-182 barely registered on the list while System of a Down and Panic! At The Disco missed the top 25 entirely. Editors faced difficult choices when narrowing down tracks to 200 entries, ultimately applying a rule to avoid repeating songs by the same artist, with some exceptions for legends with too many classics to deny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country artists appeared in the ranking?
Artists such as The Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Sturgill Simpson, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, and Taylor Swift made appearances on the countdown.
How did Rolling Stone defend the genre variety on their list?
Editors at the magazine explained that rock and roll moves too fast to pin down, resulting in a wide-ranging mix of different rock styles, different generations, and different voices.
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