Originally posted by The Artists

'40s: I agree with most others that Frank Sinatra defines this decade. The question becomes instead, who is the runner-up? I choose Bing Crosby, although arguments could be made for Glenn Miller, the Andrews Sisters and Louis Armstrong.

'50s: Elvis Presley is the King! This decade even has its own defining song: Bill Haley and the Comets' "(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock." So, who is the runner-up? To me, there are actually two, since this decade is essentially split around the advent of the rock era.

'60s: Without a doubt, the Beatles rule. They even have their own cultural phenomenon named after them, Beatlemania! Who could be considered second? The Rolling Stones? The Beach Boys? The Supremes? In terms of pop culture, I'll say Bob Dylan.

'70s: I love Elton John and Olivia Newton-John, but when I think of the '70s, I think disco, and, therefore, the Bee Gees define this decade. (Outside of North America, ABBA might be cited heavily). Elton John has to settle for runner-up status.

'80s: Michael Jackson and Madonna as a tie for the '80s. No need to explain their obvious impacts.

'90s: Grunge or Lilith Fair? Lilith Fair was (and is again) a collection of female singer-songwriters (which have always existed), while grunge was a new subgenre. The foremost grunge band was Nirvana, which defines this decade to me. Sarah McLachlan and her Lilith Fair compatriots tie for second. (I'd even note the Spice Girls for their "girl power" imagery).

'00s: While the deserving Eminem remains distinct, popular and brilliant, I would also suggest Beyonce. I think it's important to break away from the concept that such rankings include only individual acts, i.e., not including Beyonce's stamp on the charts, including songwriting credits, music videos and concert tours while a member of Destiny's Child.

In terms of Hot 100 success, eight of Destiny's Child's 10 top 10s reached that level in the '00s. Those songs plus Beyonce's 13 solo top 10s make her the only person (though not "act") to achieve the most Hot 100 top 10s in the '00s.

And, that's not even considering her accomplishments on the R&B/hip-hop, dance and album charts and success in motion pictures. Talk about ubiquity.

'10s: Lady Gaga is likely the most buzzed-about, while the Black-Eyed Peas have so far shown the most staying power atop the Billboard Hot 100. It will be interesting to find out how the rest of the decade plays out.

Originally posted by The Songs

'60s: "All You Need Is Love," the Beatles. Based on the band performing the song on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1964, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" might equally be fitting, but the Fab Four's 1967 No. 1 perhaps better sums up the pro-peace songs that defined a large portion of '60s songwriting.

'70s: "Stayin' Alive," Bee Gees. While I picked Elton John as my choice last week for artist that first comes to mind for the decade, his talents have outlasted the trio's output since each act's '70s chart high points. With disco's heyday largely confined to that decade, it's hard to find a song that mere seconds into its intro better conjures up so many things '70s, from disco beats to John Travolta's dance moves (and blinding white wardrobe).

'80s: "Material Girl," Madonna. In the decade of "greed is good," a signature song about materialism by the Material Girl might best showcase the '80s mindset. Since his death last year, an argument could be made for Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and "Beat It." Musically, all three songs feature the decade's trademark mix of synth-infused pop, dance and rock that pervaded so many '80s hits.

'90s: As music became more niched, it's difficult to choose just one decade-defining song for the '90s. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" could represent rock, Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places," country and Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," pop and R&B/hip-hop. Nirvana helmed the grunge invasion, Brooks is SoundScan's all-time best-selling album artist (68.5 million) and Houston's song, similar to numerous '90s R&B ballad hits by the likes of Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey, was a monster radio song that had the additional benefit of being associated with a box office smash, "The Bodyguard."

'00s: Beyonce's "Crazy in Love," featuring Jay-Z, isn't a bad choice because it was so iconic in pop culture and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone, but once "American Idol" blossomed, pure pop music surged in downloads and at top 40 radio. Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" has since become a blueprint for the female power-pop that has blanketed radio since, with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Pink and others building up resumes featuring comparable hooks and production. Taylor Swift - an artist who defines taking advantage of the decade's new media to build and maintain success - deserves a mention for "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me," the latter track becoming the first country crossover to top the all-format Nielsen BDS-monitored Radio Songs chart last year. Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" additionally revived acceptance for mainstream dance music.

'10s: Eight months into the decade, let's go with the current Hot 100 leader: Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie," featuring Rihanna. The song continues a trend previously employed by Rihanna of adding pop hooks to an otherwise all-rap song. We'll see if the concept continues and even expands further to other genres, such as rapper B.o.B dabbling in rock, thanks to Hayley Williams' vocals on "Airplanes," and artists such as Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker blurring the boundaries of rock and country.

Originally posted by Haus_of_Nicole

Do you have a link pls?

Originally posted by Haus_of_Nicole

Do you have a link pls?

Originally posted by Satellites

Originally posted by GaGaFan

GaGa.

Originally posted by Rico Shameless v2

Michael, Madonna, Eminem & GaGa Only if MJ could still be here to rule with them

Originally posted by melomano

I'm happy for Beyoncé

Originally posted by UnusualBoy

I just wonder where's Brit? but congrats to Gaga & Bey!

Originally posted by UnusualBoy

I just wonder where's Brit? but congrats to Gaga & Bey!

Originally posted by Haus_of_Nicole

To be fair, if Gaga is on there, so should Britney. If Gaga is considered influential, Britney should be there since she influenced her...which she herself admits.