Top 10 Best Rock Songs of the 21st Century

Rock music has been through a lot since the start of the 21st century. It has evolved, branched out, dipped its boots into other genres, and still managed to keep the guitars loud enough to annoy at least one neighbor.

Some bands stuck close to classic rock sounds, while others pushed the boundaries by blending rock with electronic, hip-hop, pop, metal, punk, or orchestral elements. No matter the style, the best songs still bring raw energy, real emotion, and the kind of riffs that refuse to leave your head.

This list is all about the rock anthems that helped define the modern era. These are the songs that filled arenas, ruled rock radio, dominated playlists, and became favorites for fans around the world.

Of course, rock fans are passionate, and everyone has their own idea of what belongs at the top. That is where you come in. Vote for the songs you think deserve the spotlight. With so many incredible tracks released in the 21st century, there is no shortage of unforgettable music to crank up and argue about.

The Top Ten

In the End - Linkin Park

I had heard it before. It's not usually my type of music. While drunk after a cousin's funeral, however, I heard it and played it over several times. It seemed very fitting. Glad I found this site to remember the name of it.

Love Chester's voice. People need to stop hating on artists like Linkin Park. These guys have actual talent. Instead, they listen to atrocious songs and artists.

One thing, I don't know why. It doesn't even matter how hard you try. Keep that in mind. I designed this rhyme to explain it all. In the End rocks. That's what I know.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day

An inspiring song. The world has become a very complex place where everyone is required to struggle in order to achieve the summit of greatness. Hence, this song tells us that it's our struggle, and only we can complete it. No one can spoon-feed you always. You have to learn to be self-dependent.

It sounds like a ribbon of perfection. The opening, the lyrics, the general vibe! It's moving and meaningful and sounds incredible!

Very good song, one of the best rock songs of the present century. In the End is not as good, but it is on top. AMAZING!
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

I don't think it's the best song on this list, but it's the only song that is near the top and could get to the top in the future and that deserves to come anywhere near the top (apart from Boulevard of Broken Dreams, but 7NA edges it for me).
It's a shame that there's a disproportionate representation of nu-metal, pop-punk, and emo in comparison to indie and alternative rock because the people voting on this poll are (mostly) the sort of degenerates that listen to Linkin Park et al. Songs like "No One Knows" and "Reptilia" are far better than every song in this top ten and aren't even on the list. I'm glad that this song is third, though, because while I believe that it is overrated and there are better garage rock songs on the list, like "Take Me Out" (which is down at 56), at least garage/indie rock has some representation.
Bring Me to Life - Evanescence

Amy Lee and Ben Moody did a great job. Best song ever.
So Far Away - Avenged Sevenfold

This is the best rock song. A7X has everything: the best guitarist, the best vocalist, the best bassist, the best drummer. This band is the perfect hard rock and heavy metal band of all time, and all of you know the band has a huge fan base at present.

One of the best songs by the best band ever. Should be at the top of the list, no doubt.

This has to be on the top. On top is a crass... A7X is the best...
Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

This song is an incredibly powerful and emotional anthem, an iconic song from an iconic album. I've always felt like I wanted to scream along with Gerard and surrender to the euphoric sensation this track creates.
My Chemical Romance has been extremely influential to millions, and I think they deserve a lot more recognition for the amazing music and messages they have shared. This album was one hell of a process for the band. It was made after Gerard got sober, so I think it's obvious how his artistic talents came out. Although their music had a darker image and lyrics, they represent the light in the darkness as they literally fought their own demons, creating absolute beauty in death.
I recently read a fantastic biography about the band's career. All the boys from the band have gone on to continue producing music, which is the best result after they broke up. Gerard has also been writing and illustrating comics, which has been his childhood dream! My Chemical Romance is still so influential. In my personal opinion, they pretty much tie with Green Day on this list: 1. Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 2. American Idiot, then 3. The Black Parade.
Numb - Linkin Park

Meteora was the perfect album because it was both heavy and soft at the same time. Love this song.

Best song in the world. No challenge!

The best song not just by Linkin Park but by any other band or artist ever made. It's better than In the End or any other rock song ever made. This song has a deep meaning and we can all relate to it. Simply the best song, deserves to be at the top.
You Know You're Right - Nirvana

Couldn't make it as a wise man, couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing...
Afterlife - Avenged Sevenfold

Who plays a better solo than Synyster Gates does in this song? Nobody! This song is amazing and has such heart! It belongs up with the best!

This song is better than every song that you will see in this top.

Awesome. One of the greatest songs of all time. Nothing beats it.
American Idiot - Green Day

The Newcomers

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Lemon Freddy - The Arcana

Perhaps one of the greatest rock songs ever written.
?
Flying High - The Arcana

The Contenders

Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down
The Pretender - Foo Fighters
The Diary of Jane - Breaking Benjamin

Best. Alternative. Rock. Song. Ever! Enough said.

One of the best songs I have ever heard...
Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Nightmare - Avenged Sevenfold

How the hell is this song not on the list? Man, such an amazing song. Deadly music. Wow, drums. Completely overdriven and electrifying. Vote, guys!

What?! This song should be at least in the top 3. Such an amazing song by A7X. The truest metal song ever.

Avenged Sevenfold are THE best rock band. They're the next Metallica.
Best of You - Foo Fighters
It's My Life - Bon Jovi
Yellow - Coldplay
New Divide - Linkin Park

What the hell? This song should be number 1. This song is superb. Chester has the greatest voice. The special effects are very good. This song has a meaning. This song is superb, just listen to it.
Great special effects by Mr. Hahn and Chester at his best. In this song, he goes to the highest pitch possible. The guitar part is very good. The robotic tabs after the second chorus sound awesome.

The hook is sung very passionately, and the use of electric guitars in this song is spectacular enough to leave you speechless. That's two things I highly commend in any rock song. That's not something you see so often nowadays with the pathetic crap by the likes of Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez.
Breaking the Habit - Linkin Park
Wheel of Time - Blind Guardian
How You Remind Me - Nickelback

Couldn't make it as a wise man, couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing...

What is this wonderful song doing down here?!

This is one of the greatest rock songs!
Killing Loneliness - HIM
Ghost Love Score - Nightwish

A monument in modern music, like a symphony played over the tunes of a rock song, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra providing the classical elements of this epic symphonic metal track. And Tarja's voice... oh, Tarja sings like an angel.
The different segments of the 10-minute track offer a wide range of moods and styles: fantasy-like, dramatic, slow, calm, wild and threatening, dreamy, and more.
(Just wish it wouldn't end with a fade-out.)
Evil Angel - Breaking Benjamin