Rolling Stone Ranks U2 and Fontaines D.C. Among Top 21st Century Rock Songs

Rolling Stone has released a new list ranking the 200 best rock songs of the 21st century. The publication included two Irish acts in its final ranking: U2 and Fontaines D.C.

U2's 2000 hit 'Beautiful Day' holds the 22nd position on the list. The song appears directly above David Bowie's 'Blackstar' at 23rd and Coldplay's 'Yellow' at 24th. Rolling Stone credited The Edge's guitar work and Bono's vocals for the track's impact. The magazine called it 'one of the most exciting return-to-form moments any major band has pulled off.'

Fontaines D.C. secured the 61st spot with 'Starburster.' The track comes from the band's 2024 album 'Romance.' It appears on the list near Mastodon's 'Blood and Thunder' and Bloc Party's 'Banquet.' The selection reflects the band's standing in contemporary rock.

The list includes a wide range of artists and styles. Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out' ranks 15th. It sits above My Chemical Romance's 'Welcome to the Black Parade' at 16th and LCD Soundsystem's 'All My Friends' at 17th. System of a Down's 'Chop Suey!' is at 34th, while Queens of the Stone Age's 'No One Knows' holds the 36th position.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'By the Way' ranks 50th. Further down the list, Wheatus's 'Teenage Dirtbag' takes the 72nd spot, just behind Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone.' The ranking shows a mix of arena classics and critical favorites.

The list also includes songs that blend rock with other genres. Taylor Swift's ten-minute version of 'All Too Well' ranks 33rd. Beyoncé and Jack White's 'Don't Hurt Yourself' sits at 46th. Olivia Rodrigo's 'Good 4 U' places fourth, ahead of tracks by The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and Foo Fighters.

Radiohead's 'The National Anthem' holds the fifth position. The top three consists of The Killers' 'Mr. Brightside' in third and The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' in second. Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Maps' takes the number one spot. The song is from the band's 2003 debut album 'Fever to Tell.'