35 Best Songs From 2001

Many music fans think certain years produce more hits in specific genres than others. However, when you look at the best songs from 2001, you see hits in all genres. If you want to listen to good music from 2001, check out these top songs in no particular order.

Fallin' by Alicia Keys

Song Year: 2001

This R&B ballad was the lead single from Keys' debut studio album, “Songs in A Minor.” The single dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks and won five Grammys, including Song of the Year and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Keys credits the song's success due to the universal experience of love as shared in the lyrics.

U Remind Me by Usher

Song Year: 2001

The single, written and produced by Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Usher, was the lead single from Usher's third studio album, “8701.” The lyrics are about a man who wants a relationship with a woman, but she looks so much like his ex that it pains him to see her. It received a nomination for Best R&B Song at the 2002 Grammy Awards.

Sick Cycle Carousel by Lifehouse

Song Year: 2001

Lifehouse released “Sick Cycle Carousel” as the lead single from their debut album “No Name Face.” The song reached number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart, and it is one of Lifehouse's most popular songs. The lyrics are open to interpretation so the listener can get what they want from the mysterious song.

Break Ya Neck by Busta Rhymes

Song Year: 2001

Busta Rhymes released this song as the lead single from his fourth studio album, “Genesis.” The song reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's lyrics embody creativity and high energy, while the music uses clips of “Give It Away” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Let Me Blow Ya Mind by Eve featuring Gwen Stefani

Song Year: 2001

Rapper Eve featured No Doubt lead singer Gwen Stefani on the first single from her second album, “Scorpion.” The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002, and the song charted in several countries worldwide. The single brought Eve mainstream popularity beyond her hip-hop and rap background.

Get Ur Freak On by Missy Elliott

Song Year: 2001

Missy Elliott worked with producer Timbaland on her third studio album, “Miss E… So Addictive.” This song, the first single, reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a top 40 hit worldwide. It won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video in 2001. The song includes samples of Japanese and German languages and is among the best hip-hop songs.

I'm Real by Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule

Song Year: 2001

“I'm Real” is a song by Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a top ten hit in other countries. It was a commercial success and helped to establish Lopez as a successful artist in the music industry. She was previously considered an actress, though this single is from her second album.

Izzo (H.O.V.A.) by Jay-Z

Song Year: 2001

Kanye West produced this single for Jay-Z, which includes samples from the Jackson 5 hit, “I Want You Back.” It was the first single from his sixth studio album, “The Blueprint,” and reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Jay-Z's most popular songs.

My Way by Limp Bizkit

Song Year: 2001

This song was Limp Bizkit's fourth single from their third album, “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.” The song's introspective lyrics by lead vocalist Fred Durst reflect much of the personal struggle he's felt throughout his life. The song reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a theme song for WrestleMania.

Survivor by Destiny's Child

Song Year: 2001

One of the most famous songs starting with S is “Survivor,” written and produced by Beyoncé, Anthony Dent, and Mathew Knowles. It was the title track and lead single from Destiny's Child's third studio album. The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won a Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Raise Up by Petey Pablo

Song Year: 2001

Petey Pablo's single “Raise Up,” produced by Timbaland, was the lead single from his debut album “Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry.” He released the follow-up album, “Still Writing in My Diary: 2nd Entry,” in 2004. The song was a commercial success, certified gold, and reached the top ten on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

All for You by Janet Jackson

Song Year: 2001

“All for You” is the first single from Janet Jackson's seventh studio album with the same title. The song samples a song by Change and addresses the excitement of flirting with someone new. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks and reached number one in several other countries. It won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2002.