107 Best 2000s Songs
The 2000s were a great decade for music. Not only were there more creative songs being made, but listening to them became more accessible with the rise of the internet.
No matter which genre of music you’re into, we have some nostalgic tunes you’ll likely know and love. Here are the best 2000s songs.
Contents
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Song Year: 2003
The White Stripes wrote and recorded the song “Seven Nation Army” to describe the negatives that come with fame.
The lyrics describe a story in which a man comes into town, and everyone he knows is talking about him behind his back.
“I'm a Believer” by Smashmouth
Song Year: 2001
Neil Diamond is the original songwriter that created the lyrics to “I'm a Believer,” and the Monkees recorded and released the hit in 1966.
Smashmouth produced a cover of this song for the movie Shrek, where Donkey sings it at Shrek and Fiona's wedding.
“Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
Song Year: 2007
“Paper Planes” is somewhat of a satirical tune, though many fans didn't pick up on the underlying message.
M.I.A. essentially satirizes the negative stereotypes of illegal immigrants, such as being violent, forging documents, and not contributing to society.
“Misery Business” by Paramore
Song Year: 2007
Singer Hayley Williams wrote the lyrics for this hit based on her experience in high school.
The song describes the singer who wins over a boy in her class who originally wanted to be with the hourglass-shaped popular girl.
“My Band” by D12
Song Year: 2004
“My Band” is a rap song about the misconception that Eminem was the singer of the band D12.
It grew in popularity for its catchy tune and funny banter within the lyrics.
“Small Town Southern Man” by Alan Jackson
Song Year: 2007
This is a country tune about Alan Jackson's father and being raised with the hospitality of a small-town Southern man.
It got first place on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, his first since “Remember When.”
“Try Again” by Aaliyah
Song Year: 2000
This song is featured in Romeo Must Die, where “Try Again” artist Aaliyah starred in her first movie role.
“Try Again” won MTV Video Music Awards for Best Video For a Film and Best Female Video.
“Soul Survivor” by Jeezy (ft. Akon)
Song Year: 2005
Jeezy wrote “Soul Survivor” with inspiration from his own life. The lyrics discuss themes of people growing up in rough neighborhoods, selling drugs, and crooked cops.
This song charted at #4 in the United States and #16 in the United Kingdom.
“Stacy's Mom” by Fountains of Wayne
Song Year: 2003
“Stacy's Mom” is a story about a child who had a crush on his buddy's mom. The lyrics are based on one of songwriter and bassist Schlesinger's friends who thought his grandma was hot.
This song succeeded commercially and hit the #1 spot on iTunes' Most Downloaded Songs. It was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance.
“Day ‘N’ Nite” by Kid Cudi
Song Year: 2008
This song is about a “lonely stoner” who finds peace at nighttime. Cudi was in a bad place emotionally and wrote this song to get his feelings out.
Although he wrote one of the best 2000s songs cathartically rather than to be a hit, it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and ranked #15 best songs of 2009 by Rolling Stone.
“Get Low” by Lil Jon
Song Year: 2002
“Get Low” is a hip-hop song about going to the club. It grew in popularity and was a typical song at nightclubs for its high-energy beat.
“Always on Time” by Ja Rule (ft. Ashanti)
Song Year: 2001
This song shares the highs and lows of a relationship. Ja Rule originally planned on making this a solo venture, though Gotti persuaded him to add Ashanti.
Maybe adding her in was the right choice because this song became one of the top songs in the early 2000s.
“Lose Control” by Missy Elliott (ft. Ciara & Fatman Scoop)
Song Year: 2005
This song by Missy Elliott is about how music makes you feel when you're dancing along and losing control.
Fatman Scoop and Ciara joined Missy Elliott to create a fantastic trio for this hit. Elliott chose “Lose Control” as her final song during her 2015 Super Bowl halftime show performance.
“SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake (ft. Timbaland)
Song Year: 2006
When you listen to this song, it may be surprising that it was an early 2000s hit. It has a mix of electronic dance music and a poppy beat that was unique during this period.
“I'm Already There” by Lonestar
Song Year: 2001
Lonestar wrote this slow country tune to describe the feeling of being with a loved one in spirit when you cannot be there physically.
McDonald got the idea for the title after a phone call with his little boy, Rhett. His 4-year-old asked him when he'd be home, and he said, “I'm already there.”
“Long Time Gone” by The Chicks (Previously The Dixie Chicks)
Song Year: 2002
The Chicks covered this song in 2002 that described the poor state of contemporary country music. Their lyrics make references to country music legends Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.
Although the melody is upbeat and has a bluegrass tune, the words imply that they have a pessimistic outlook on the future of country music.
“My Humps” by Black Eyed Peas
Song Year: 2005
“My Humps” isn't a song known for its deep and soulful lyrics but rather how the good beat made you forget about the ridiculousness of the words.
Fergie sings about men gawking at her and threatening drama if they touch her “humps.” You may remember Michael Scott using this song as his ringtone in seasons of The Office.
“Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance
Song Year: 2006
Gerard Way, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance, described this song as a commentary about kids viewed as “meat” by society and the government.
The lyrics discuss how the world acts terrified of teenagers, so they keep them on a short leash. Other verses take the point of view of a homicidal teen who is scared of teenagers.
“Without Me” by Eminem
Song Year: 2002
Whether you're an Eminem fan or not, there's no question that he's one of a kind. The rapper describes how everything is empty and boring without having him to talk about.
He disses the F.C.C., Moby, Limp Bizkit, and Chris Kirkpatrick in the lyrics. He also takes a stab at Ms. Cheney, who once described Eminem's music as “despicable.”
This song hit #1 in the United Kingdom and #2 in the United States.
“Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz
Song Year: 2005
This song is about the negative things people do to make themselves feel good, such as addictions and bad habits.
“Feel Good Inc” also shares a message to stop thinking about what will make you feel good and to love others instead; love makes the world go 'round.
“Dear Maria, Count Me In” by All Time Low
Song Year: 2007
Although “Dear Maria, Count Me In” didn't have much, if not any, radio support, it quickly blew up—becoming one of the best 2000s songs—and is still a number one song in many millennial minds.
The song is about a girl Gaskarth grew up with, Maria. She was a dancer, and he thought it was empowering how she took control and did what she had to do to make ends meet.
“Ms. New Booty” by Bubba Sparxxx
Song Year: 2006
Bubba Sparxxx is a one-hit wonder in hip-hop, but this one hit performed exceptionally well.
It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, giving him his highest-charting single. “Ms. New Booty” is also certified Gold by the RIAA, garnering sales of half a million units.
“Work It” by Missy Elliott
Song Year: 2003
When you think of “Work It” by Missy Elliott, you may reminisce on how you tried to figure out what the secret phrase was in the backward chorus.
Elliott revealed that the mystery lyrics were a mistake, as the engineer accidentally reversed the verse before it. They happened to line up with the beat, so she left it.
After her Super Bowl performance, this song made the Hot 100 chart and had a resurrection to the #35 spot.
“I'm Gonna Getcha Good!” by Shania Twain
Song Year: 2002
Shania Twain and her producer husband, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, wrote this song together to add as a single for her album, Up!
Twain sings a song about confidently landing the man you desire. It would be one of her biggest worldwide hits, even charting in new countries she hadn't hit prior.
“1985” by Bowling for Soup
Song Year: 2004
This is a song about nostalgia. The lyrics describe a woman who is still living in the past when she was a teenager in 1985.
You may notice lyrical references to '80s music icons, including Whitesnake, U2, Blondie, and MTV and '80s movies like The Breakfast Club.
“You're Gonna Go Far, Kid” by The Offspring
Song Year: 2008
Frontman Dexter Holland sang lyrics about the guy who manipulates other people in high school and will likely grow up to land a career where his tactics will “take him far.”
“You're Gonna Go Far, Kid” hit the top of the U.S. Modern Rocks tracks chart and made the opening credits of the movie National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Freshman Year.
“I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie
Song Year: 2005
This song has a melancholy tune with lyrics to match. In the music, the vocalist describes his love for his girlfriend, saying they'll meet again in the afterlife.
Although the lyrics are somewhat dark, it sends a beautiful message that many songs don't touch on. It may not be something people think about often, but it's relatable.
“Hanging by a Moment” by Lifehouse
Song Year: 2000
Jason Wade—the lead singer and songwriter—wrote this post-grunge song about the feeling of wanting a moment to last a little longer before it slips away.
This would be Lifehouse's biggest hit. It slowly rose on the U.S. charts, eventually reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Wish You Were Here” by Incubus
Song Year: 2001
“Wish You Were Here” shares a similar sentiment as the above song, “Hanging by a Moment.”
Lead singer Brandon Boyd shares lyrics of being in a beautiful moment and wanting to share it with a loved one.
This first single peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and hit #4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock tally.
“Angel” by Shaggy (ft. Rayvon)
Song Year: 2000
This song is about loving the person you're with and sticking with them through the good and bad times.
Shaggy had two hits on his album “Hot Shot,” “Angel,” and “It Wasn't Me.” Both songs reached the top of the charts in the United States, and the album sold over six million copies.
“Need You Now” by Lady A
Song Year: 2009
You may know the artist as Lady Antebellum rather than Lady A; the band changed the name to avoid any association with slavery.
“Need You Now” was the name of both the hit song and the album, which sold a million units within four weeks of release. It hit the top of the Adult Contemporary charts after ten weeks.
“Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service
Song Year: 2003
“Such Great Heights” is a song about perspective; from far away, everything may look perfect, though up close, there are flaws.
The lyrics are a metaphor for relationships as couples must accept their partners' imperfections while also recognizing their faults.
“Lisztomania” by Phoenix
Song Year: 2009
“Lisztomania” was the opening track and lead single of Phoenix's fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.
The song title comes from 19th-century composer Franz Liszt who had women emphatically swooning over him. Heinrich noted the frenzy and coined the term “lisztomania” to describe it.
“Shake It” by Metro Station
Song Year: 2007
Trace Cyrus, Miley Cyrus's older half-brother, was the lead singer of Metro Station and was 18 years old during this song’s release.
It hit its peak at #10 in the United States and made the top ten lists in several other countries, including Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
“Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun
Song Year: 2008
The song lyrics can be confusing when you listen to them, and that's because the band prefers it this way.
However, despite the mysterious lyrics, the upbeat melody quickly caught the attention of fans. It won the 2009 ARIA Award, the Australian equivalent of an American Grammy award.
“It's My Life” by Bon Jovi
Song Year: 2000
Although Bon Jovi released a solo album in '97, this was the first song released by the band in half a decade.
“It's My Life” peaked at #1 in several countries and charted within the top 10 in many others. It hit its peak at #33 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
“Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi (ft. MGMT)
Song Year: 2009
“Pursuit of Happiness” is the third single from rapper Kid Cudi's debut album. Although many fans think of this song as a happy song about a carefree lifestyle, it sends a darker message.
Instead, the lyrics share a dark tale of regret, pain, and escapism with drugs and alcohol, specifically drinking and driving.
“Everything Is Alright” by Motion City Soundtrack
Song Year: 2005
This song tells the story of a man with a mental health issue, likely ADHD, who wants to feel like himself, so he quits taking his medication.
His friends and family are worried about his problem, so they continue to ask him if he's okay. Although he says, “Everything is alright,” they don't believe him.
“Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
Song Year: 2006
“Crazy” is a song about losing your mind and feeling as if you're going insane, especially during challenging phases of life.
It spent nine weeks at the top of U.K. charts and would be the most downloaded song in the country.
“Ain't No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage the Elephant
Song Year: 2008
The song has a rhythm that's easy to sing along to, causing it to become Cage the Elephant's biggest hit, reaching #3 on the Alternative Songs chart.
Shultz penned the song on drywalls and paper plates while he worked a construction job before writing everything down at home.
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
Song Year: 2004
This song depicts a secret place where a couple can feel happy while they discuss their feelings when they feel like they're drifting apart.
“Somewhere Only We Know” peaked at #3 on the U.K. Singles Chart within a week of selling.
“In Da Club” by 50 Cent
Song Year: 2003
Initially, the intention was for D12 to rap over the track for the 8 Mile soundtrack.
The deal with D12 never came to fruition, and luckily for 50 Cent, he was able to record and release his first single.
It held the top spot of the U.S. Hot 100 for nine weeks and was a top song at nearly every club.
“Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven
Song Year: 2007
Finger Eleven's hit song “Paralyzer” wasn't initially meant to take off. The band was playing a riff so their photographer would have something to take pictures of.
After playing the song, they saw its potential; and they were right. This would be the band's first #1 on the Modern Rock and Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.
“The Reason” by Hoobastank
Song Year: 2004
This love song shares the singer's perspective, who regrets upsetting the woman he loves and tells her she's the reason he's determined to be better.
The single peaked at #45 on the Billboard 200, though it skyrocketed to 3rd place after the show Friends featured it on their final episode.
“I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco
Song Year: 2005
The song is about a groom overhearing that his bride has been cheating on him. Lyricist Ryan Ross gained inspiration for the lyrics after a breakup.
The song reached No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and continues to be the band's most played song on alternative radio stations.
“Ms. Jackson” by OutKast
Song Year: 2000
The mother of singer Erykah Badu inspired the group to write this song. Andre Benjamin, a rapper in Outkast, wanted to write this song as a way to tell his side of the story.
Although Badu's mother's actual name is Kolleen Wright, she knew it was about her when she heard it.
Even if she didn't accept the apology, Outkast could celebrate the success this song brought them.
“Shape of My Heart” by Backstreet Boys
Song Year: 2000
What would the 90s and early 2000s be like without Backstreet Boys? In this hit song, the narrator shares his hope that his love interest will accept him as he is in metaphors.
“Shape of My Heart” would earn a Grammy Award nomination for the Best Pop Performance by a Group with Vocals or Duo.
“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down
Song Year: 2000
Though many fans believe this is a homage to the Superman movies, it's got another more profound meaning.
The lyrics ask someone you love if they'll be there when you're down. Additionally, will they be by your side during your successes?
“Face Down” Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Song Year: 2006
This rock song is about a man who abuses the woman he's dating. At the song's beginning, she hides bruises with makeup but leaves him by the end.
“Face Down” is the first single from their debut album. It peaked at #24 in the U.S. and #4 in New Zealand.
“Here It Goes Again” by OK Go
Song Year: 2006
“Here It Goes Again” is an upbeat song about waking up after a one-night stand and realizing you're falling for the person.
The band's lead singer, Damian Kalush, claims that this scenario happened to him, and he even married her.
“Me & U” by Cassie
Song Year: 2006
The theme of this song is simple; it's about sex. Its lyrics depict the narrator waiting for a guy she's been wanting to be with.
“Me & U” is the first single by singer Cassie, which reached #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in the top 40 for almost five months.
“Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind
Song Year: 2000
“Never Let You Go” is an upbeat, romantic song about staying committed to someone you love. Allegedly, the muse behind the lyrics is Charlize Theron.
This song peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard hot 100 and remained at the top in Canada for three weeks. It also hit the top charts in several other countries, including Iceland and New Zealand.
“Sugar We're Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy
Song Year: 2005
“Sugar We're Goin' Down” hints at jealousy; the narrator wants to be a girl's boyfriend, but he's not. The lyrics imply that he means nothing to her and wants her to feel the same.
This hit sold over four million copies in the United States by 2013 and was upgraded to 4x Platinum certification by the RIAA.
“Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects
Song Year: 2008
“Gives You Hell” is the first single from the band on their third album. It's a tongue-in-cheek message about a person you hate.
Many fans could relate to the lyrics, which hit the #1 spot on the U.S. Pop charts. It was their biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
Song Year: 2002
The lyrics in this song describe a situation many teenage girls could relate to; their boyfriend is amazing behind closed doors but acts differently in front of his friends.
Lavigne was a teenager herself during this song's release in 2002. This song appealed to adults, leading it to make the #3 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart.
“The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem
Song Year: 2000
“Slim Shady” is one of Eminem's alter egos. In this track, rapper Eminem throws shade at a slew of relevant pop culture and celebrity references at the time.
Although it was meant to be a parody of stereotypical pop songs, many listeners didn't get the irony.
“That's Not My Name” by The Ting Tings
Song Year: 2007
This song was initially released as a limited edition record and garnered massive success during its release.
TikTok trends brought the song back to life. “That's Not My Name” plays during the videos of others listing misspellings or mispronunciations of their name.
“Every Time We Touch” by Cascada
Song Year: 2005
Cascada is a German club act, though this song became a massive hit in the United States thanks to the “Yanou Candlelight Mix.”
The song gets its chorus from the Scottish singer Maggie Reilly from her piece with the same title.
“Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet
Song Year: 2003
“Are You Gonna Be My Girl” would be Jet's first hit song that would gain even more fame from its use in the well-known iPod commercials.
This song peaked at #23 on the singles chart. The group re-released the piece after it was featured in Vodaphone ads, causing it to rise to #16.
“Float On” by Modest Mouse
Song Year: 2004
This easy-going melody pairs with uplifting lyrics that reassure its listeners that everything will be alright.
Lead singer Isaac Brock recently lost two friends and needed reassurance. Although Modest Mouse often writes about depressing things, they wanted to write a happier album.
“Oops! I Did It Again” by Britney Spears
Song Year: 2000
Just about everyone in the world knew who Britney Spears was, and a lot of her fame derives from this song.
The “oops” in the song is about Britney once again breaking someone's heart. Although this album wasn't as successful as her first, it still sold a whopping 10 million copies in the U.S.
Spears would be the only female artist to earn a Diamond certification within her first two albums.
“Check Yes Juliet” by We the Kings
Song Year: 2007
“Check Yes Juliet” is the debut song by the alternative rock band, We the Kings. This song would be their biggest hit on Billboard charts.
It peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2011, it rose to #26, causing it to get certified by the Australian Recording Industry Association.
“X Gon' Give It to Ya” by D.M.X.
Song Year: 2003
This song was a hidden track on D.M.X.'s greatest hits album and ended up being his most successful international single.
D.M.X. was a household name by the early 2000s, but he wrote this song to share with his fans that even though he's famous, he's still connected to them.
“Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson
Song Year: 2004
Gretchen Wilson is essentially the country music version of Avril Lavigne. She has her image and twists in her songs.
Wilson wrote this song for the “redneck women” who will never be the supermodels living lavish lifestyles and that there's nothing wrong with that.
She was #1 on country charts for five weeks and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
Song Year: 2001
“The Middle” is a relatable song about how you don't have to be like everyone else to be popular. The message is to be more accepting of you and keep going.
Fans loved the meaning behind this hit, causing it to rise to the top of the Modern Rock Chart in 2001 and the #5 Hot 100 chart in 2002.
“Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty
Song Year: 2003
This song is about the moments in life where everything seems to go wrong.
“Unwell” hovered at the top of U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40 charts and spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart.
“Here (in Your Arms)” by Hellogoodbye
Song Year: 2006
The song's lyrics depict simplistic feelings of love; two people like one another, start dating, and the world doesn't complicate things.
This song peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum in the U.S. It also hit the top ten spots in the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry
Song Year: 2008
Katy Perry stated that she wrote this song about an ex-boyfriend she had difficulty figuring out. One minute he'd act interested, and then he'd fall off her radar for a while.
“Hot N Cold” topped the charts in multiple countries, including Canada, Germany, Holland, and Turkey.
“Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
Song Year: 2006
“Welcome to the Black Parade” is about a patient dying in the hospital. “The black parade” is his journey to death.
The entire album follows a similar theme, following the patient through a challenging series of events.
“Country Grammar” by Nelly
Song Year: 2000
Nelly wrote this country-like hip-hop tune as a debut for his solo album. It features a mixed Missouri twang and midwestern references with a poppy rap beat.
His first solo album was significantly successful, producing four charting singles, including “Country Grammar.”
“Don't Cha” by The Pussycat Dolls (ft. Busta Rhymes)
Song Year: 2005
This song is about a woman who playfully taunts a man about his girlfriend, asking him if he wishes his girl was more like her.
The song was commercially successful, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching the top of charts in 15 other countries.
“Toxic” by Britney Spears
Song Year: 2003
Britney Spears saw massive success in the 2000s, including her song “Toxic.” The song is about a woman who is crazy about a guy who is like a toxic addiction.
After her big hit, “Oops! I Did It Again,” her success slowly declined. This song would bring Spears back to the Top 10 charts and boost her career at the time.
“Thnks fr th Mmrs” by Fall Out Boy
Song Year: 2007
This rock song is about two people who were together but now only see each other for casual sex.
Fall Out Boy joked that they dropped the vowels when their record company suggested shorter song titles.
“Bye Bye Bye” by ‘NSYNC
Song Year: 2000
This song is about a guy who grows impatient at the end of a relationship and is ready to leave for good.
“Bye Bye Bye” is the first single from ‘NSYNC's second album, which achieved record-setting sales at 2.4 million copies in the first week.
“Best of You” by Foo Fighters
Song Year: 2005
The lyrics are about self-reflecting and not letting others deter you from reaching your potential.
“Best of You” is Foo Fighter's highest charting track, peaking at #18 in the United States and #4 in the United Kingdom.
“Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
Song Year: 2008
“Poker Face” is an analogy about bisexuality, according to Lady Gaga. She stated that men must read a woman's “poker face” to understand what she's thinking.
This song reached the top 10 of the Hot 100 list in the United States and rose to the top in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and Denmark.
“Laffy Taffy” by D4L
Song Year: 2005
Laffy Taffy was a popular chewy candy in the 2000s but became a metaphor for how women can move and stretch their bodies.
Buying ringtones was trendy in the early 2000s, and the beat worked seamlessly for this purpose. Though it sold half a million digital downloads, it sold over three million ringtones.
“Kids” by MGMT
Song Year: 2007
This song began as a joke when the group decided to make a stereotypical pop song for fun.
Once they broke it down, they saw the potential for a hit. The track was nominated at the Grammy Awards for the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
“Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard
Song Year: 2003
This is a song about nostalgia, where the songwriters reminisce over their younger days when they hung out on Ocean Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Ocean Avenue” launched Yellowcard into the mainstream, where it got spins on MTV and made mainstream radio. It was double-platinum certified by the RIAA.
“Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy
Song Year: 2008
This rap song by Soulja Boy Tellem is about staying confident about where you're going, despite what the haters say behind your back.
“Turn My Swag On” gained success, peaking at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It sold over a million downloads in the United States and over five million ringtones.
“Pop, Lock & Drop It” by Huey
Song Year: 2006
“Pop, Lock & Drop It” was not only a catchy song to sing along to but turned into its dance. If you did the routine when the song came out, it might be a little harder on the knees today.
Huey released this as his first single from his debut album. It would become his first and only hit, peaking at #6.
“Got Money” by Lil Wayne (ft. T Pain)
Song Year: 2008
Aptly named, this rap song by Lil Wayne is about showing off your money if you got it.
It was initially a digital download on iTunes. Lil Wayne and T-Pain would perform the single at the B.E.T. awards in 2008. This song also reached #19 in Hip-Hop songs in 2008.
“All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
Song Year: 2007
This pop-country hit by Kid Rock would become the summertime anthem at the time.
It's got a happy but easy-going melody with nostalgic lyrics about smoking, drinking, making love, and singing “Sweet Home Alabama.”
It hit the Top 40 of the Country and Modern rock chart in the United States and rose to #1 in multiple countries.
“Drop It Like It's Hot” by Snoop Dogg (ft. Pharell Williams)
Song Year: 2004
This song is about dropping it low on the dance floor. Other rappers wrote similar songs about this particular dance move, such as Lil' Jon & Eastside Boyz's song, “Get Low.”
Snoop Dogg references his affiliation with the Crips while rapping about the “blue flag” and “left side.”
Hot Pockets partnered with Snoop and used a play on word with the new title “Pocket Like It's Hot.”
“Grillz” by Nelly
Song Year: 2005
The early 2000s was the height of Nelly's career, and he'd have another best-selling song, “Grillz.” This song is about the cosmetic dentistry rappers get to depict wealth.
“Untouched” by The Veronicas
Song Year: 2007
“Untouched” is a song about long-distance relationships. It depicts the feeling of having so much passion for the person you love, but the distance makes you feel “untouched.”
It peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, #8 in the United Kingdom, and #2 in Australia.
“It's Been Awhile” by Staind
Song Year: 2001
Lead singer Aaron Lewis sings about beating himself up because he lost the woman he loved, who made him a better man.
Because he continues to repeat the self-destructive cycle, he realizes “it's been a while” since he's felt whole.
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
Song Year: 2004
Guitarist Dave Keunig wrote about Brandon Flowers's experience with an ex who cheated on him.
It grew in popularity, peaking at #10 in the U.S. and the U.K., and was the longest-charting single on the U.K. Singles Chart at five years and ten months as of March 2022.
“Buy U a Drank” by T-Pain
Song Year: 2007
In this song, the singer heads to the club and offers to buy a beautiful woman a drink to take her home with him.
On Bebo, T-Pain expressed that he wanted to write a song about couples who met at a bar after a man bought the woman a drink.
This song gained commercial success and rose to #1 in the United States.
“In the End” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2000
The lyrics in this song depict the struggles that Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin Park, dealt with growing up.
It topped numerous worldwide music charts and peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
“Absolutely (Story of a Girl) by Nine Days
Song Year: 2000
This is a song that John Hampson wrote about his girlfriend, who he later married. She was ready to tie the knot, but he kept stalling, causing her to cry.
Although this song topped the charts and made it to an episode of Dawson's Creek, the band couldn't follow up with another hit.
“Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence
Song Year: 2003
Evanescence lead singer Amy Lee wrote this song about a man she would marry. At the time, he was an acquaintance, but he seemed to “see inside her.”
Across the table, he looked into her eyes and asked, “Are you happy?” The way he saw something in her inspired her to write her #1 hit, which would launch her career.
“Yeah” by Usher (ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris)
Song Year: 2004
This song is about a man in a club seduced by a beautiful woman who he should say no, but the devil on his shoulder is saying, “Yeah!”
It hit the top of the charts and stayed #1 for 12 weeks before being replaced by his newest single at the time, “Burn.”
“Crazy Rap” by Afroman
Song Year: 2001
Every millennial knows this song by heart, though most of us had no business listening to this song at the time.
This comedy rap song became famous for its hilariously dirty lyrics where Afroman and his friends rap about sexual experiences and the roadblocks along the way.
“Chop Suey!” by System of a Down
Song Year: 2001
This song is about drug overdose, though it's a high-energy song rather than somber like similar addiction tunes.
Guitarist Daron Malakian revealed that the song describes the issue with how people are looked at differently when they pass from an overdose.
“Let's Get Married” by Jagged Edge
Song Year: 2000
“Let's Get Married” is a song originally recorded by Al Green. It describes a man who pleads with his girlfriend to get hitched.
It rose to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart for three weeks.
“Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich
Song Year: 2004
This tongue-in-cheek country song, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” is a metaphor for having sex.
Country fans loved the catchy tune and suggestive lyrics, causing it to reach #11 on the U.S. Billboard U.S. Country chart.
“Honestly” by Cartel
Song Year: 2006
“Honestly is a song about a couple who breaks up and lies to themselves by telling themselves they don't need each other. The man eventually reveals how he feels about her.
This debut single by Cartel was on MTV's Discover and Download and part of the soundtrack for the movie John Tucker Must Die.
“Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Song Year: 2006
According to Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis, “Dani” is an amalgamation of all the women he's met in his life. “Dani” also appears in other of their songs.
“Dani California” made music history by being the second song to debut at the top of the Modern Rock chart, where it held for 14 weeks.
“Beverly Hills” by Weezer
Song Year: 2005
In this song, the narrator fantasizes about living a life of luxury living in Beverly Hills, though he knows he wouldn't belong there.
“Beverly Hills” was Weezer's first hit that landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and rose to the top of the Mainstream Rock chart.
“Tik Tok” by Kesha
Song Year: 2009
Before “Tik Tok' became a social media app, it was known as a party song by the female artist Kesha.
This song achieved commercial success and topped the charts in 11 countries, including the U.S.
“Umbrella” by Rihanna
Song Year: 2007
The term “umbrella” is a metaphor for support, which singer Rihanna promises to provide no matter how successful she becomes.
It was an instant hit and rose to #1 in the charts in most countries where the song was released.
“The Funeral” by Band of Horses
Song Year: 2006
“The Funeral” is a melancholy song not about literal funerals but refers to special occasions where gift-giving is required.
It gained massive success, landing on multiple T.V. shows and films. In 2009, Pitchfork Media named it the 67th greatest song of the 00s.
“What Would You Do?” by City High
Song Year: 2001
This is a morality tale about a mother who does whatever she has to do to take care of her kid, implying she's either a prostitute or a stripper.
“What Would You Do?” was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal during the Grammys.
“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani
Song Year: 2004
“Hollaback Girl” is the song we sing in our heads when we try to remember how to spell “bananas.” A “Hollaback Girl” is a lesser cheerleader who yells in the background.
It became a massive success and is the only #1 hit with a prominent tuba.
“I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney
Song Year: 2007
“I Go Back” is a country song about nostalgia by Kenny Chesney. It goes through the various phases of life that come “faster than you think.”
It became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Song charts. The same album had multiple hits, including the #1 charting song, “When the Sun Goes Down.”
“American Idiot” by Green Day
Song Year: 2004
The title of this rock song by Green Day refers to the state of the U.S. at a time when the nation was under control by biased media. Some may say that not much has changed.
Although it was nominated for album of the year, it lost to Ray Charles' album, Genius Loves Company.
Top Songs Of The 2000s, Final Thoughts
No matter which type of tunes you were into in the 2000s, it was a great decade for music. Now that you know the best songs of the 2000s, you can make an impressive nostalgic playlist.
