These 30 Best Songs from the 2000s will Take You Back in Time to the era of MySpace, Skinny Jeans, and Flip Phones

Updated on September 13, 2024

Music is an important part of our lives, and it can have a profound impact on our generation. In the 2000s, there was a lot of great music, and it helped to shape our youth.

1. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

“Mr. Brightside” is a classic rock song that represents the sound of the 2000s. 

It was released in 2003 and became very popular quickly. 

This song is about jealousy and paranoia in a relationship. 

Its melody is catchy and has a strong guitar riff and drumbeat. 

The lyrics are easy to understand and the chorus is catchy.

“Mr. Brightside” is a good song for parties and road trips. 

2. “In Da Club” by 50 Cent

“In Da Club," released in 2003, became a massive hit, making 50 Cent a household name in the hip-hop world. 

Dr. Dre produced the song, which features a catchy intro and a driving beat.

“In Da Club” was a party anthem throughout the 2000s.

Its infectious energy and boastful lyrics captured the essence of nightlife and celebration. 

This timeless classic remains an essential addition to any playlist featuring music from the 2000s.

3. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

"Viva La Vida" is a powerful and uplifting song released by Coldplay in 2008. 

The lyrics are inspired by history and religion and talk about power, losing power, and getting back on top. 

The beautiful melody of the song, with its symphonic elements, makes for a truly special listening experience.

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A Reddit user commented “It's my absolute favorite song, and I think one of the most iconic Coldplay songs. I think it might be a stretch to call it the best of a decade and all time though.” 

This proves that "Viva La Vida" was a hit all over the world and became Coldplay's most successful song, leaving a lasting mark on the music of the 2000s.

4. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem

“Lose Yourself” is a powerful hip-hop song that broke down barriers and became a symbol of determination and never giving up. 

It came out in 2002 as part of the music for the movie "8 Mile." 

The song tells the story of Eminem's personal struggles and his drive to make it in the music business. 

Its lyrics and music are both strong and thought-provoking, making it one of Eminem's best songs. 

This song inspired people all over the world to overcome their own challenges, making it a must-have for any 2000s collection.

5. “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé, Jay-Z

In 2003, Beyoncé released "Crazy in Love", which marked her debut as a solo artist.

It also showcased her incredible vocal range and star power. 

The song was a mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, and it was very catchy. 

It topped the charts and made Beyoncé one of the most popular singers of the 2000s. 

The music video for the song was also very popular, and it helped to make Beyoncé a cultural icon.

6. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast

"Hey Ya!" by Outkast became a big hit in 2003. 

The song was written by André 3000, who also sings on it. 

It has a mix of funk, pop, and rock music and is sure to get you moving. 

The song evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Twitter users, who reminisce about the good times associated with it.

Its catchy chorus and dance moves made it a popular choice for parties and clubs.

It was also a big hit on the radio and helped to spread its message of joy and celebration.

7. “Umbrella” by Rihanna, Jay-Z

In 2007, Rihanna released "Umbrella," a song that featured rapper Jay-Z. 

It quickly became one of the most popular songs of the 2000s.

The lyrics of the song talk about protecting someone who is going through a difficult time.

It has a catchy tune and a memorable "ella, ella, ella" refrain.

Jay-Z's appearance as a guest artist on the song contributed to its popularity.

“Umbrella” was a huge success worldwide and made Rihanna a global superstar.

8. “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

“Bad Romance” was a defining moment for Lady Gaga and had a major impact on the music industry.

It came out in 2009 and shows Gaga's unique mix of pop, electronic, and dance music

This song captured Gaga's creative goal of crafting a song that embodies a fusion of darkness and elegance.

The song has a catchy synth-driven melody, along with Gaga's powerful vocals.

Its avant-garde music video and fashion-forward imagery made Gaga a pop culture icon of the late 2000s.

9. “Toxic” by Britney Spears

In 2003, Britney Spears showed that she had grown as an artist with her song “Toxic.”

The lyrics are about a dangerous and addictive relationship. 

“Toxic” has a sexy and mysterious sound with a strong beat.

The song's bold production was praised by critics and was a commercial success.

This song won Britney her first Grammy Award and made her a pop icon of the 2000s.

10. “TiK ToK” by Kesha

“TiK ToK” made Kesha famous and helped to create the party-pop sound that was popular in the late 2000s. 

It was released in 2009 and had great success in clubs and on the radio.

This track has a catchy electro-pop beat that is made up of strong synths and a memorable chorus. 

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According to Reddit users thi song united generations

The song's rebellious and carefree lyrics connected with the 2000s audience. 

11. “Yeah!” by Usher, Lil Jon, Ludacris

In 2004, “Yeah!” came out and quickly became one of the most important songs of the decade.

The song mixes elements of crunk, R&B, and hip-hop to create an exciting and catchy anthem. 

It has a memorable melody that is easy to sing along to.

Also, Usher's smooth and soulful vocals make it even more enjoyable. 

The lyrics talk about partying and dancing, which made it a popular song in nightclubs and parties during the 2000s.

12. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

“I Gotta Feeling,” released in 2009, became a worldwide hit that spread a message of positivity and excitement. 

The Black Eyed Peas came together to create an uplifting and catchy song that was sure to get people moving. 

It is a catchy and upbeat song that encourages people to have fun and make the most of their lives.

This song captures the optimistic spirit of the 2000s and remains a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

13. “Hot in Herre” by Nelly

“Hot in Herre” was a smash hit song released by Nelly in 2002. 

It blended hip-hop and pop styles to create a catchy and irresistible summer song. 

The song has a bouncy and energetic tune.

The lyrics talk about attraction, temptation, and the desire to dance and have fun. 

With its fast pace and flirty lyrics, the song became a must-have for clubs, parties, and summer playlists. 

14. “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado, Timbaland 

In 2006, singer Nelly Furtado teamed up with producer Timbaland to sing “Promiscuous,”

It features a catchy and alluring melody, characterized by its hypnotic beat.

The unique production style of Timbaland and the captivating vocals of Furtado combined to create a captivating and enticing atmosphere. 

Furtado's and Timbaland's back-and-forth exchanges on this track create a dynamic and engaging listening experience for listeners.

15. “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake

"Cry Me a River" was released in 2002 and marked a turning point in Justin Timberlake's career. 

It is a song about heartbreak and betrayal, and it was inspired by Timberlake's breakup with Britney Spears. 

This song has a haunting and atmospheric melody, and Timberlake's vocals are full of emotion. 

The lyrics are about feeling hurt and betrayed, and about wanting to move on. 

“Cry Me a River” was a hit song, and it is still considered to be one of Timberlake's best songs.

16. “Gold Digger” by Kanye West, Jamie Foxx

“Gold Digger” was released in 2005. It is from the album "Late Registration" by Kanye West.

This song is based on a sample of Ray Charles' “I Got a Woman.”

It has a catchy beat and talks about love, money, and relationships. 

The song also makes fun of people who only care about money. 

“Gold Digger” was a big hit and made Kanye West a very famous artist.

17. “Yellow” by Coldplay

In 2000, Coldplay released their breakthrough song “Yellow,” which quickly became a beloved anthem of the decade. 

The song is distinguished by its melodic and atmospheric sound.

It features ethereal guitar riffs and Martin's heartfelt vocals. 

Its introspective lyrics explore themes of longing, vulnerability, and the enduring beauty of unrequited love. 

“Yellow” rapidly gained popularity, resonating with listeners worldwide.

18. “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston

“Beautiful Girls” introduced Sean Kingston as a rising star and became a defining song of the 2000s.

The song's success comes from its mix of reggae, pop, and R&B, making it a fun summer song. 

It has a happy and upbeat sound, based on a sample of Ben E. King's famous hit “Stand by Me.”

The lyrics talk about love, relationships, and the difficulties of love. 

According to a Twitter user, this song is a classic for kids in the 2000s.

Its radio-friendly sound made it very popular, and it was played everywhere.

19. “In the End” by Linkin Park

“In the End” is a powerful and emotional song by the American rock band Linkin Park. 

It was released in 2001 and became one of their most successful singles. 

Chester Bennington's powerful vocals and Mike Shinoda's contrasting rap verses add to the song's emotional impact.

The lyrics are about the challenges of life and the importance of never giving up. 

This resonates with many people who are facing difficult times in their lives.

“In the End” is still popular today and continues to inspire people all over the world.

20. “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

“You're Beautiful” became a defining ballad of the 2000s. 

The song's essence lies in its intimate and heartfelt portrayal of unrequited love.

It features a simple yet captivating melody, carried by acoustic guitar. 

The song's universal theme resonates with those experiencing similar emotions.

It topped charts globally and established Blunt as a prominent singer-songwriter of the decade.

21. “Who You Gonna Call” by Missy Elliott

“Who You Gonna Call” is a perfect example of the creative music production style that made Missy Elliott famous. 

The beat has a futuristic feel and includes Elliott's signature funky rhythms. 

The lyrics are fun and playful, and she uses different voices to represent different characters. 

The song's catchy chorus, which includes a reference to the Ghostbusters slogan, makes it a great song to play at parties. 

This energetic song would be a great addition to a playlist of other high-energy hip-hop and dance songs.

22. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift 

Taylor Swift released in 2009 “You Belong With Me.” This song is a mix of pop and country music. 

It is about a young person who is in love with someone who is not in love with them. 

This song is very personal and it has resonated with a lot of people. 

It was nominated for a Grammy Award and it is a popular song to slow dance to. 

The song is also very catchy and it is perfect for singing along to on a road trip or at a slumber party.

If you are making a playlist of 2000s music, this song is essential. 

23. “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley

The hit song "Crazy" took over the airwaves in 2006, proving that experimental pop could also be timeless. 

The song's simple yet catchy melody provides the perfect backdrop for the haunting vocals.

This song captures the feeling of falling madly in love. 

Its unique blend of 70s soul and modern pop sounds made it stand out on the radio at the time.

According to Twitter users this song was a source of strength and comfort.

The emotional resonance made it a popular choice for dramas and film soundtracks. 

24. “I'm Yours” by Jason Mraz

“I'm Yours” is a lighthearted declaration of love and commitment.

Mraz expresses his heartfelt promises over cheerful ukulele strumming and whistling. 

The song's charming simplicity resonated with listeners, becoming the longest-charting hit ever. 

This catchy and upbeat tune perfectly captures the nostalgic feeling of sing-alongs on road trips of the late 2000s. 

25. “Fallin'’ by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys' debut single, “Fallin',” introduced her as a talented pianist.

The song's fusion of old and new sounds helped pioneer alternative R&B, making Keys a superstar. 

With its heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals, “Fallin'” remains a classic ballad about love's joys and sorrows. 

This contemporary R&B cornerstone deserves a spot on any playlist representing the 2000 culture. 

26. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

“The Middle” is an upbeat rock song by the American band Jimmy Eat World. 

It has a catchy melody and energetic guitar riffs

The song's message of perseverance and self-acceptance connected with many young people who felt like outsiders.”

Twitter users believe that this song is one of the greatest songs ever.

This track became an anthem for alternative rock music in the early 2000s. 

27. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga

"Poker Face" catapulted Lady Gaga to stardom with its catchy melody that combined dance and pop music. 

The song's lyrics describe hiding one's true feelings in a romantic relationship.

Fans and critics saw deeper meanings related to sexuality, identity, and living authentically. 

“Poker Face” shattered airplay records with its driving synth beat and unconventional structure.

28. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

The beautiful and emotional ballad "Chasing Cars" became popular for its heartwarming simplicity. 

The song is stripped down to the bare bones, featuring vulnerable lyrics and gentle piano chords. 

Its simple structure reflects the feelings of stillness and intimacy. 

Lead singer Gary Lightbody wrote the song while struggling with insomnia and trying to find meaning in life. 

“Chasing Cars” has been used in many TV drama montages where characters reflect on love and loss. 

29. “The Reason” by Hoobastank

“The Reason” features a driving melody and soaring guitar riffs, giving it a broad appeal that transcends genres. 

The lyrics express regret and longing, adding a layer of vulnerability that resonates with the audience. 

Hoobastank pioneered a new wave of nu metal that embraced romantic vulnerability and introspection. 

This song stands as a testament to this softer side of nu metal, capturing the emotional complexities of love and loss.

30. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne

"Complicated" became a summer anthem in 2002. It is a song about not wanting to fit in.

This song made pop music more edgy and paved the way for other pop-punk artists. 

This song defines the rebellious spirit of the 2000s

Also, it always brings back good memories for people who grew up with it.

Even though Lavigne didn't invent punk-pop, she made it popular and introduced it to a lot of young people. 

In conclusion, these songs capture not only the wide range of musical styles that defined the decade, but also the essence of the era itself. They inspire us to move, sing along, and fondly recall the past.