100+ Best Songs of the Early 2000s – Complete List

The early 2000s were an iconic time for music. It was a time when boy bands and girl groups reigned supreme, when Hip Hop went mainstream, and when everyone wanted to learn how to play the guitar.

In addition, rock music continued to be popular, with bands like Green Day and Linkin Park enjoying mainstream success.

And not to forget country music also saw a resurgence in popularity, with artists like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill topping the charts.

But what were the best songs of the early 2000s? Well, the answer is subjective, but we’ve compiled a list of 100+ songs that we believe are some of the best from this era.

Here are 100 of the most popular songs from the early 2000s, that are sure to get you reminiscing about this iconic time period in music history.


Best Early 2000s Songs

There are many great songs released in the early 2000s, but these 10 defined the era for many people. These are the songs that you couldn’t escape, whether you loved them or not. Follow along with the Spotify playlist below to know why.

  1. Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake
  2. Californication – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
  3. Fallin’ – Alica Keys
  4. In The End – Linkin Park
  5. One More Time – Daft Punk
  6. Yellow – Coldplay
  7. In da Club – 50 Cent
  8. Lose Yourself – Eminem
  9. Beautiful day – U2
  10. Complicated – Avril lavigne

Country Songs of the Early 2000s

Country music was experiencing a resurgence in the early 2000s. New artists were emerging, and the sound of country music was evolving. There was a renewed interest in traditional country music, and Nashville was once again becoming the center of the country music scene.

The early 2000s also saw a rise in the popularity of alternative country music. This subgenre blended traditional country music with elements of rock and roll, folk, and bluegrass. As a result, attracting a whole new audience to the genre.

Here are some of the best country songs from the early 2000s.

  • What Was I Thinkin’ – Dierks Bentley
  • I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
  • Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw
  • Austin – Blake Shelton
  • Suds in the Bucket – Sara Evans
  • Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) – Big & Rich
  • Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) – Alan Jackson
  • The Good Stuff – Kenny Chesney
  • Beautiful Mess – Diamond Rio
  • Somebody Like You – Keith Urban

Rap songs of Early 2000s

The early 2000s rap scene was dominated by artists such as 50 Cent, Eminem, and Ja Rule. These artists were known for their hard-hitting lyrics and uptempo beats. This was in stark contrast to the more mellow and introspective style of rap that had emerged in the late 1990s.

As the 2000s progressed, we also saw the rise of Southern rap. Artists such as Lil Wayne and T.I. were putting their own spin on the rap genre and becoming hugely popular in the process.

Here are some of the best early 2000s rap songs:

  • Numb – Linkin Park
  • In Da Club – 50 Cent
  • Without Me – Eminem
  • Cleanin’ Out My Closet – Eminem
  • Get Low – Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
  • Lose Yourself – Eminem
  • Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliott
  • What We Do – Jay-Z
  • Bad Boyz – Shyne
  • Lean Back – Fat Joe

Early 2000s Pop Songs

Just like any other decade, pop music was thriving in the early 2000s. There were so many great pop stars and songs that it was hard to stand out. However, there were a few artists and songs that managed to break through and become true icons of the decade.

What made these artists and songs stand out? There were a number of factors, but two of the most important were their unique sound and their ability to connect with fans. Pop music in the early 2000s had a sound that was all its own, thanks in part to the growth of electronic music. This helped artists like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Lady Gaga become superstars.

Another key factor was their ability to connect with fans. Social media was still in its infancy in the early 2000s, but these artists still found ways to connect with their fans online and offline.

That said here are some of the best pop songs of the early 2000s that will give you a taste of what made this decade so special.

  • Family Affair – Mary J. Blige
  • Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
  • What a Girl Wants – Christina Aguilera
  • South Side – Moby Ft. Gwen Stefani
  • The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
  • I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack with Sons of the Desert
  • Hanging by a Moment – Lifehouse
  • Doesn’t Really Matter – Janet Jackson
  • The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
  • Breathe – Faith Hill

Rock Songs of the Early 2000s

Many people think of the early 2000s as a pop music decade, but that’s not entirely accurate. While pop music was definitely popular, there were also a number of other genres that were thriving. One of these was rock music.

With the release of Linkin Park’s album Hybrid Theory, rock music experienced a resurgence in popularity. This was followed by other successful rock albums, such as Green Day’s American Idiot and Foo Fighters’ One by One.

These albums and others like them proved that rock music was still relevant and is here to stay. In fact, many of the early 2000s rock songs on this list are still popular today.

So without further ado, here are some of the best early 2000s rock songs:

  • Its My Life – Bon Jovi
  • Last Resort – Papa Roach
  • How You Remind Me – Nickelback
  • Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down
  • In The End – Linkin Park
  • Change (In the House of Flies) – Deftones
  • Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle) – Limp Bizkit
  • Fat Lip – Sum 41
  • One Step Closer – Linkin Park
  • Down with the Sickness – Disturbed

Early 2000s Songs you Forgot About

The early 2000s was a decade of great music. However, there are bound to be some songs that have slipped your mind over the years.

One such song is “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne. Released in 2002, the song was a major hit, reaching number one in several countries. However, over time it has been largely overshadowed by Lavigne’s later work.

Another song that you may have forgotten about is “In Da Club” by 50 Cent. The song was a huge hit when it was released in 2003, but it has since been overshadowed by 50 Cent’s other work.

Here are a few more early 2000s songs that you may have forgotten about:

  • All the Small Things – Blink-182
  • Seven nation Army – The White Stripes
  • Where is the Love? – Black Eyed Peas
  • The Reason – Hoobastank
  • With Arms Wide Open – Creed
  • Like a Stone – Audioslave
  • Broken – Seether
  • This Love – Maroon 5
  • Bye Bye Bye – NSYNC
  • Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira

Early 2000s Dance Songs

The early 2000s was a time when electronic music was really coming into its own. There were all sorts of different styles of dance music being made, and the scene was constantly evolving.

This was a time when DJs were starting to become more and more popular, and people were really starting to appreciate the art of mixing songs together.

The early 2000s was also a time when dance music started to cross over into the mainstream. This was thanks in part to songs like “Yeah!” by Usher, which fused R&B with EDM to create a sound that was irresistible.

Other early 2000s dance songs that were huge hits include:

  • Crazy in Love – Beyonce
  • Get Busy – Sean Paul
  • One More Time – Daft Punk
  • Toxic – Britney Spears
  • Hero – Enrique Iglesias
  • Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira
  • Bye Bye Bye – NSYNC
  • Satisfaction – Benny Benassi
  • Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child
  • Lady (Hear Me Tonight) – Modjo

Love Songs of the Early 2000s

Every decade has its own share of love songs, and the early 2000s were no different. But 2000s love songs were more often about breakups and heartache than they were about happy endings.

Regardless, these songs were able to perfectly capture the ups and downs of young love. So whether you’re nostalgic for your first love or happy that those days are behind you, these songs will resonate with you.

Some of the best early 2000s love songs include:

  • In Love with You – Erykah Badu
  • Fell in Love With a Girl – The White Stripes
  • Why Don’t We Fall in Love – Amerie
  • My Love – Westlife
  • Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop) – Erykah Badu
  • This Love – Maroon 5
  • Playground Love – Air
  • Where Is the Love? – Black Eyed Peas
  • 21 Questions – 50 Cent

Early 2000s Hip-Hop Songs

Hip Hop experienced a major resurgence in popularity in the early 2000s. This was largely due to the prominent and innovative artists that were active in the scene at the time.

Acts like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne brought a new level of mainstream attention to the genre, while also pushing its boundaries in terms of sound and style. As a result, hip hop became one of the most dominant musical styles of the decade.

Here are some of the best early 2000s hip-hop songs that helped define the genre:

  • Lean Back – Fat Joe
  • In da Club – 50 Cent
  • Ms. Jackson – OutKast
  • Get Low – Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
  • Hot in Herre – Nelly
  • Lose Yourself – Eminem
  • Grindin’ – Clipse
  • Bad Boyz – Shyne
  • Country Grammar – Nelly
  • Tipsy – J-Kwon

Worship Songs of the Early 2000s

The worship music scene of the 2000s was marked by a renewed focus on classic hymns and spirituals, as well as an increased interest in contemporary Christian music. While there was no one “sound” that defined the decade, worship leaders and musicians were drawn to a more stripped-down and organic approach to music-making, often incorporating acoustic instruments and simple arrangements.

One of the most popular worship bands of the 2000s was Hillsong United, a group from Australia that blended traditional hymns with modern rock music. Other notable artists include Chris Tomlin, who wrote some of the most popular praise and worship songs of the decade.

  • How Great Is Our God – Chris Tomlin
  • Here I Am to Worship – Tim Hughes
  • Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman
  • God of Wonders – Third Day
  • Redeemer – Nicole C. Mullen
  • O Praise Him (All This for a King) – David Crowder Band
  • Kindness – Chris Tomlin
  • You Are/You Are Lord – Hillsong Worship
  • Forever – Chris Tomlin
  • Word of God Speak – MercyMe

Alternative Songs of the Early 2000s

Alternative music is a genre of music that emerged in the early 1990s in the United States. It is defined by its rejection of mainstream popular music and typically features eclectic and experimental sounds.

Alternative music was first coined as a term to describe punk rock bands that were not mainstream. However, over time, the term came to be used to refer to all types of non-mainstream music.

That said, the early 2000s were a particularly strong decade for alternative music, with many great bands and artists emerging. Some of the best early 2000s alternative songs include:

Here are some more early 2000s alternative songs that are still popular today:

  • In the End – Linkin Park
  • The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
  • Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
  • The Reason- Hoobastank
  • Yellow – Coldplay
  • Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Ocean Avenue- Yellowcard
  • Numb – Linkin Park
  • Bring Me to Life – Evanescence
  • Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – Green Day

Early 2000s Songs with Trumpets

The use of trumpets in popular music has a long and storied history. While the instrument is often associated with classical and jazz music, it has also been used in a wide variety of popular music genres, including rock, pop, and hip-hop.

The early 2000s were a particularly good decade for songs with trumpets, as the instrument was used in a number of popular songs across multiple genres. Here are some of the best early 2000s songs with trumpets:

  • The National Anthem – Radiohead
  • Nice Weather for Ducks – Lemon Jelly
  • Rock the House – Gorillaz
  • Memory Loss- Deltron 3030
  • Destination Calabria – Alex Gaudino
  • Float On- Modest Mouse
  • Breathe In Breathe Out – Ye
  • Straight to… Number One – Touch and Go
  • Time Is My Everything – Ian Brown

Early 2000s Club Songs

When it comes to club songs, there are a few things that make them stand out from the rest. Firstly, they need to be upbeat and get people moving on the dance floor. Secondly, they need to be catchy and memorable so that people will keep singing them long after they’ve left the club. And finally, they need to be unique so that they don’t get lost in the sea of other dance tracks.

A good club song can make or break a night out, and DJs take this into account when selecting their music. They know that people want to hear songs that they can groove to and sing along with, and that’s what sets a good club track apart from the rest.

So, if you are looking for some good club songs from the early 2000s to play on your next night out, then look no further than this list.

  • Castles in the Sky – Ian Van Dahl
  • Where’s Your Head At – Basement Jaxx
  • Heaven- Yanou
  • Drop the Pressure- Mylo
  • Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger – Daft Punk
  • As The Rush Comes – Motorcycle
  • Sandstorm – Darude
  • Finally – Kings of Tomorrow
  • La La Land – Green Velvet
  • Dooms Night Remix – Azzido Da Bass

R&B Songs of the Early 2000s

R&B music was at its peak in the 2000s. The decade began with the release of Alicia Keys’ debut album, Songs in A Minor, which sold over 12 million copies.

This followed the success of Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which won five Grammy Awards in 1998.

What’s more, the early 2000s also saw the rise of R&B girl groups, such as Destiny’s Child and TLC.

This meant that there were a lot of great R&B songs released in the early 2000s. Although it is impossible to list them all, here are some of the best:

  • Foolish – Ashanti
  • Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake
  • Differences – Ginuwine
  • Untitled (How Does It Feel) – D’Angelo
  • Yeah! – Usher
  • I Don’t Want To – Toni Braxton
  • If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
  • Wifey – Next
  • Why Don’t We Fall in Love – Amerie
  • Dance Tonight – Lucy Pearl

Emo Songs of the Early 2000s

Many believe that the emo scene of the 2000s was one of the most creative and innovative periods for the genre. There was a lot of experimentation with sound and style, and bands were constantly pushing boundaries. This resulted in some truly unique and unforgettable songs.

Fans were also heavily invested in the community aspect of emo culture. They created online forums, websites, and social media groups to discuss their favorite bands and connect with other fans. This fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among listeners.

Though the emo scene has changed a lot since the early 2000s, the songs from that era continue to resonate with fans today. Here are some of the best:

  • Hands Down – Dashboard Confessional Hands Down
  • The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
  • Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team) – Taking Back Sunday
  • Until the Day I Die – Story Of The Year
  • The Taste of Ink – The Used
  • The Recluse – Cursive
  • The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows – Brand New
  • The Anthem – Good Charlotte
  • Ocean Avenue – Yellowcard
  • Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! At The Disco

Karaoke Songs of the early 2000s

Whether you want to admit it or not, we’ve all done it. We’ve all belted out our favorite songs in the shower, in the car, or at a karaoke bar. And there’s nothing wrong with that! Karaoke is a great way to let loose and have some fun.

But if you’re going to do karaoke, you need to pick the right song. The song you choose should be one that you know all the words to and that you can sing without any hesitation. It should also be a song that people will actually want to listen to.

With that in mind, here are some great karaoke songs from the early 2000s that you might want to consider singing the next time you’re at a karaoke bar:

  • I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
  • Toxic – Britney Spears
  • It Wasn’t Me – Rik Rok and Shaggy
  • The Real Slim Shady – Eminem
  • My Humps – Black Eyed Peas
  • Oops!… I Did It Again – Britney Spears
  • Bye, Bye, Bye – NSYNC
  • Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
  • Sk8er Boi – Avril Lavigne
  • Fallin’ – Alicia Keys

Pop Punk Songs of the Early 2000s

Pop-punk is a genre of music that emerged in the mid-1990s as a fusion of punk rock and pop music. The genre is characterized by its fast tempo, catchy hooks, and youthful energy.

Pop-punk became widely popular in the early 2000s, thanks in part to the success of bands such as Blink-182 and Green Day. These bands brought the genre to the mainstream and helped to make it one of the most popular genres of music at the time.

Despite its popularity, not all pop-punk songs from the early 2000s were great. In fact, many of them were pretty terrible. However, there are a handful of tracks that stand out as being truly excellent. Here are those songs:

  • Flavor of the Weak – American Hi-Fi
  • Until the Day I Die – Story Of The Year
  • The Rock Show – Blink-182
  • The Anthem – Good Charlotte
  • Memory – Sugarcult
  • My Friends Over You – New Found Glory
  • Sweetness – Jimmy Eat World
  • Stupid Kid – Alkaline Trio
  • I Woke Up in a Car – Something Corporate
  • Riot Girl – Good Charlotte

Hype Songs the early 2000s

The early 2000s were a time when club culture was at its peak. People were going out more than ever before, and they wanted to hear music that would get them hyped up and ready to dance.

This meant that there was a lot of pressure on DJs to deliver the goods. They had to play the latest and greatest tracks that would get the crowd moving.

Fortunately, there were plenty of great songs released in the early 2000s that were perfect for getting people hyped up. And we have done our research to find the best ones.

Here it is! These are the songs that you need to hear if you want to get hyped up:

  • Lose Yourself – Eminem
  • Mr. Brightside – The Killers
  • Remember the Name – Fort Minor
  • Bring Em Out – T.I.
  • In da Club – 50 Cent
  • Beautiful Day – U2
  • Get the Party Started – Pink
  • Knuck If You Buck – Crime Mob
  • Can’t Be Touched – Roy Jones Jr.
  • One More Time – Daft Punk

Early 2000s Hit Songs

In this section, we will be looking at some of the biggest hits from the early 2000s. These are songs that were massive international successes and have stood the test of time since then.

  • Don’t Lie – Black Eyed Peas
  • First Date – Blink-182
  • I Write Sins Not Tragedies – Panic! At The Disco
  • Dance, Dance – Fall Out Boy
  • Video Phone – Beyoncé

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! These are some of the best songs from the early 2000s. We hope you enjoyed this list. If you did, be sure to share it with your friends. And if you think we missed any essential tracks, be sure to let us know in the comments section below.