This Xtina Song Is So 2000

If you've spent the last 17 years arguing with yourself and others about which song is the most year 2000 song, I have some more kindling to add to your debate fire: I believe the Y2K-iest track is the second single off of Christina Aguilera’s self-titled debut album. I realize that is a bold statement to make; barn burners like "Oops!... I Did It Again," "Bye Bye Bye," and "Say My Name" are not only some of the greatest pop records of '00, but some of the greatest pop records of all time. However, as Billboard pointed out in this Monday's edition of the recurring "This Week In Billboard Chart History" feature, Xtina’s “What A Girl Wants” was the first new No. 1 song in 2000 on the weekly-released Hot 100 chart. And much like the ocean under the moon, the always delightful "What A Girl Wants" started the New Millennium on a smooth note.

On Jan. 15, 2000, Aguilera's single trekked up to the peak of Hot 100 Mountain, told the previous titleholder to hit the road, planted its flag, and rang in the New Millennium. What song did “What A Girl Wants” oust, you wonder? Oh, just a little juggernaut of a record called “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas. For twelve weeks straight, “Smooth” remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, casually flicking beads of sweat at any track who dared try to usurp it. "Smooth" was one of the biggest songs of 1999. It was one of the biggest songs of the late '90s. And as far as any of us could tell, it was poised to be one of the biggest songs of '00.

But in January of 2000, "What A Girl Wants" did the seemingly impossible when it took the crown, scepter, and throne from “Smooth.” Let's don't forget about it.

"What A Girl Wants" was the first song to take over the Hot 100 in the year 2000 and it toppled the behemoth of '99 that was "Smooth"? As far as I'm concerned, the only way a song could be more Y2K would be if it was about computer bugs and nonperishable food items.