Among my favorite topics of discussion is yapping about the worth of music, of songs relative to influence or longevity.

For example, I say Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was the most influential tune of the 1990s. Duh. No shit.

However, I also say Alanis Morrissette's "You Oughta Know" was right behind it. For as much trash as she released afterward, her mid-1990s classic is possibly the best female rock-n-roll song of all time.

It doesn't have the soul of a Janis Joplin classic. "Try" or "Me & Bobby McGee" come to mind. "Piece of My Heart," too.

But damn does it have some angst.

If she had just stayed on that path (damn you, Dave Coulier!), Alanis might have been the next Janis. Alas, she recorded "Ironic" and several other frivolous pieces o' crap. "Hands In My Pocket" is the exception though. I've got a soft spot for that track.

On the other hand, I don't know that her hit had much influence on other female artists. Perhaps, Tracy Bonham? Her hit "Mother Mother" was quite full of angst, and Dilana kicked the snot out of it on Rock Star the other night.

When I think of songs from this decade, however, only a handful come to mind, and I don't know that any will have staying power. First and foremost, I think the song of the decade, thus far, is "Clocks" by Coldplay.

It's soft with the piano but hard with the intensity, pop feel but worthy of a rock arena. Plus, it catapulted Chris Martin's group into an echelon of band maintained by folks like U2. Reminds me very much of U2's "Beautiful Day," which is one of their best.

My buddy T and I also think highly of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out." It's got groove but definite new wave, punk-like roots. Although it wasn't a big hit, Interpol's "Narc" is just 10-out-of-10 perfect, and damn do they sound like Roxy Music.

This decade, so far, has been all about the acoustic solo artist. John Mayer. Jack Johnson. David Gray (whose album "White Ladder" might be the best of the decade so far). Ryan Adams (who might be the best of the bunch, even if he records a new CD every three weeks).

Nevertheless, I've decided what song would take the honors on the female side of the rock-n-roll train this decade. As much as I don't like that whole Linkin Park, Staind, P.O.D. sound, Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life" has yet to grate on my ear.

Her voice is sexy, dramatic. The song has depth and texture, musically. Oddly enough -- and don't laugh -- the only other song from a woman that I think compares so far this decade is Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone." Maybe somebody needs to trigger my memory here, but it won't change how great that song is on its own.

In fact, I've read a number of places about other rock-n-rollers, credible folk, who have said, "Hell, dude, that's good s***." Not like when Sonic Youth covered the Carpenters, but like in a "Why didn't somebody bring US that song?" sort of way.

Still, the only one among these that will have a ton of influence, I suspect, is "Clocks," which I hearby declare officially -- until I think of some other tune (this ain't scientific, people) -- the best rock song of the decade thus far.