35 Best Songs From 2001
Contents
The Space Between by Dave Matthews Band
Song Year: 2001
Dave Matthews Band released “The Space Between” as the lead single from their fourth studio album “Everyday.” The lyrics address feelings of loneliness and the desire for connection, which go nicely with the music video. Dave Matthews plays an acoustic guitar on an empty dock before an old man’s boat reaches him and the rest of the band appears.
Family Affair by Mary J. Blige
Song Year: 2001
Mary J. Blige worked with Dr. Dre for the lead single on her sixth studio album, “No More Drama.” “Family Affair” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It won the Grammy award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2002. Blige performed the song at the 2022 Super Bowl LVI halftime show.
Like Spinning Plates by Radiohead
Song Year: 2001
Radiohead isn’t a band that gets tons of airplay like other artists on this list, but “Like Spinning Plates” was a standout song in 2001. It was the B-side of the single “I Might Be Wrong.” The song stands out because it’s a live performance of the unreleased song “I Will,” played in reverse.
Wish You Were Here by Incubus
Song Year: 2001
Incubus started making music in 1991, but “Wish You Were Here,” the lead single from their fourth studio album, “Morning View,” was their breakout hit. It reached number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and is still one of their most popular songs. The lyrics address longing and nostalgia while remaining happy at the moment.
Captain Easychord by Stereolab
Song Year: 2001
Stereolab is a British-French rock band that formed in London in 1990. “Captain Easychord” captures the band’s signature sound of 1960s pop, featuring lush harmonies and electronic keyboards. The lyrics are English but include French phrases and a philosophical overview that contrast nicely with the upbeat tempo.
Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me) by Train
Song Year: 2001
“Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” is the first single and title song from their second studio album. The song hit number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top five on the Adult Top 40 chart. Singer Pat Monahan says he wrote the lyrics after his mother passed away from cancer. Though Train has other singles, this is one of their most famous.
Imitation of Life by R.E.M.
Song Year: 2001
American rock band R.E.M. had dozens of hits in the 90s and released “Imitation of Life” as the lead single from the album “Reveal.” The lyrics address the struggles of fame and the way the media affects the lives of celebrities. It was a fitting topic for a famous band releasing their eleventh album.
I’m a Believer by Smash Mouth
Song Year: 2001
Smash Mouth covered this song for the soundtrack of the 2001 film “Shrek.” Neil Diamond wrote it in 1966 for the Monkees to perform. It was a number-one hit for the Monkees, and the Smash Mouth version reached number 25 on the Billboard charts.
Lifetime by Maxwell
Song Year: 2001
American singer-songwriter Maxwell released his third studio album, “Now,” in 2001. “Lifetime” was the first single, with emotional lyrics addressing devotion and commitment. Maxwell sings about wanting to try and work things out instead of letting his life continue on without meaning.
Hella Good by No Doubt
Song Year: 2001
No Doubt released this single as a farewell on their fifth album, though they reunited in 2012. It was a catchy, moody way to ensure they stayed in the listeners’ minds, with sexy vocals and danceable beats. The single is a result of the band’s partnership with hip-hop producers the Neptunes and shows their musical versatility.
How You Remind Me by Nickelback
Song Year: 2001
Nickelback released “How You Remind Me” as the first single from their third studio album, “Silver Side Up.” Most fans now consider it their signature song since it’s so recognizable. It was one of the most successful singles of the 2000s and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal in 2003.
Mad Season by Matchbox Twenty
Song Year: 2001
Matchbox Twenty broke onto the rock scene in the late 90s. “Mad Season” was the first single and title track of their second studio album. The lyrics address the band’s struggle to stay level-headed after fame, but many listeners relate to it as trying to make a relationship work despite the difficulties.
Top Songs From 2001, Final Thoughts
These top songs from 2001 represent just a small sample of the many great hits of the year. Whether you listen to pop, rock, rap, or country, there were a lot of great hits that year in all genres of music. Singers, bands, and rappers were all creating innovative songs that took over the airwaves and made 2001 an impossible year to forget.
