These 10 Early 2000s Classics Will Make You Hit Repeat!
Here you will find a selection of the most popular 2000s hits. We guarantee that you will find the perfect song to make you feel nostalgic.
The best hits of the 2000s
A decade and a new millennium – the 2000s produced some remarkable songs. From the most popular songs and hits of the 2000s, everyone gets an earworm. And one that you won't get rid of anytime soon. The period from 2000 to 2009 has produced numerous stars whose songs are still popular today. You can recall the musical era of the 2000s here. The following songs are guaranteed to take you straight back to your youth.
Katy Perry – Hot N Cold
Genre: Pop, Dance-Pop
Album: One of the Boys
Year: 2008
“Hot N Cold” reached high chart positions worldwide. After “I Kissed a Girl” it was already Katy Perry's second chart-topping hit. The artist was awarded a platinum record. The music video begins with a wedding between Katy Perry and her boyfriend, who gets cold feet and runs away. Perry then goes on the hunt for her partner. You can see how it all ends in the video.
Eminem – Without Me
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
Album: The Eminem Show
Year: 2002
The single “Without Me” was a huge hit worldwide. The rapper produced this hit in collaboration with Jeff Bass and DJ Head. For many, the single is one of the best Eminem songs ever. In the music video for “Without Me”, Eminem and Dr. Dre portray various cartoon characters (Batman, Robin and Blade). They have the mission to prevent a boy from listening to the “The Eminem Show” CD. Together they chase the child, because the album is not intended for minors due to offensive lyrics.
In 2020, Eminem released a new HD version of “Without Me”. At the time, his fourth album, “The Eminem Show”, was the best-selling album – both in the US and worldwide. It is one of the most successful rap albums of all time.
Shakira – Whenever, Wherever
Genre: Latin Pop, Worldbeat
Album: Laundry Service
Jahr: 2001
After four albums of Spanish songs, the Colombian singer decided to produce her first English single – “Whenever, Wherever”. At the same time, the song was also released in a Spanish version with the title “Suerte”. The global hit “Whenever, Wherever” was created together with music producer Tim Mitchell and singer Gloria Estefan.
Even in 2020, “Whenever, Wherever” climbed to number one – this time due to the Super Bowl. She apparently made a lasting impression after her Super Bowl appearance. With her unmistakable hip swing, she heated up the audience at the Super Bowl.
Lady Gaga – Poker Face
Genre: Pop
Album: The Fame
Year: 2008
In collaboration with music producer RedOne, the singer Lady Gaga made her international breakthrough with her hit “Poker Face”. The song reached the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and many European countries. Worldwide, the song has sold over 9.8 million copies.
50 Cent – In da Club
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin'
Year: 2003
“In da Club” is a song by the American rapper 50 Cent. The song was produced by Dr. Dre in collaboration with Mike Elizondo. “In da Club” was a popular and typical party song of the 2000s. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 – undoubtedly a mega-highlight from the 2000s.
The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
Genre: Dance-Pop
Album: The E.N.D.
Year: 2009
“I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night” – anticipation and excitement for the next incredible night and party. That's what the song wants to convey.
DJ David Guetta created and produced the song. It has inspired many people and was one of the most popular party hits around the world.
At the 52nd Grammy Awards, the song won the award for best pop performance by a band with vocals. In total, “I Gotta Feeling” was certified eight times platinum and has sold over 8 million copies in the US. It is one of the best-selling songs of all time. In the US, the song stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks.
Justin Timberlake, Timbaland – SexyBack
Genre: Electro-R&B, Hip-Hop
Album: FutureSex / LoveSounds
Year: 2006
“SexyBack” was Timberlake's first number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The hit remained at the top of the charts for seven weeks. The song was written and produced by Timberlake together with Nate Hills, Timbaland and Tim Mosley. Justin Timberlake was able to sweep the crowd off their feet with his dance moves.
At the 2007 ceremony for the 49th Grammys, he won the award for best dance recording. “SexyBack” features electronic sounds and distorted voices paired with rap. The mix was formative for the 2000s hits. Timberlake's voice was massively edited, slowed down and unrecognizable in the song. This gave the song a very special touch and benefited from the high recognition value.
Britney Spears – Toxic
Genre: Electropop, dance-pop
Album: In the Zone
Year: 2004
Toxic is about a toxic relationship and one partner's dependency. The song won Britney Spears her first Grammy Award in the category “Best Dance Recording”. In Canada, Hungary, Australia, the United Kingdom and Norway, “Toxic” climbed to the top of the charts. In numerous other countries, the success was just as clear – top 5 positions in a total of 15 countries. The hit was created and produced by Cathy Dennis, Henrik Jonback, Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg. Originally, the song was intended for Kylie Minogue, but she declined the offer.
Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag
Genre: Pop-Rock
Album: Wheatus
Year: 2000
“Teenage Dirtbag” is a song by the pop-rock band Wheatus. The song, which is still a catchy tune for many people today, was created in collaboration with music producer Philip A. Jimenez.
The song is about a teenage outsider who has a crush on a girl. However, the girl (Noelle) doesn't seem to notice him. He talks about how he dreams about her and finally asks her out on a date to an Iron Maiden concert. Noelle ignores him and instead dates a rich and attractive boy from her school.
Beyoncé – Crazy In Love ft. Jay Z
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop
Album: Dangerously in Love
Year: 2003
The song was Beyoncé's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Overall, the song stayed at the top of the charts for eight weeks.
Beyoncé Knowles signed a contract with the company “Pepsi”, which benefited from “Crazy in Love” for its advertising campaign. Beyoncé's friend, the American rapper Jay-Z, shines with some rap verses in this hit song.
Not only as artists are the two a dream team. They have found each other's soul mate. The two artists married in 2008 and are still married today. Despite numerous marital problems and crises, the lovers stuck together.
“Crazy in Love” is also the title of a soundtrack from the romantic comedy ‘Bridget Jones's Diary’.
Sean Paul – Temperature
Genre: Dancehall, electro
Album: The Trinity
Year: 2005
There are two different versions of the song “Temperature”. The versions only differ in the rhythm. The track was produced by Rohan “Snowcone” Fuller. “Temperature” was Sean Paul's biggest hit in the US. The song spent 17 weeks in the top 10 – one of which was at number one. It was Sean Paul's first single to go platinum.
The Underdog Project – Summer Jam
Genre: Freestyle, Pop
Album: It Doesn't Matter
Year: 2000
“Summer Jam” was the result of a project involving numerous artists and producers, including Stephan Browarczyk, Christoph Brüx, Toni Cottura, Vic Krishna, Shahin Moshirian and Craig Smart.
Three different cover images were released for “Summer Jam”. The original cover image shows a basketball player just making a basket. The second version shows a woman taking a beach shower. The third version shows two men and women just plunging into a flood.
Nelly Furtado – Promiscuous ft. Timbaland
Genre: Electropop, dance-pop, hip-hop
Album: Loose
Year: 2006
“Promiscuous” is an invitation to have fun and dance. Nelly Furtado is accompanied by Timbaland on the track. The song was written by Furtado, Anthony Motz, Timbaland and Nate ‘Danja’ Hills.
The song was an international success and reached number one in the US Billboard Hot 100. The track received the “Best Pop Single of the Year” award at the 2006 Billboard Music Wards.
The music video includes numerous hot dance and flirting scenes between Furtado and Timbaland, which further emphasizes the energetic mood of the video.
Linkin Park – Numb
Genre: Alternative Rock, Nu Metal
Album: Meteora
Year: 2003
“Numb” (meaning ‘numb’ or ‘insensitive’) was re-recorded a year later, together with rap artist Jay-Z as the Numb/Encore version. This nu-metal song is instantly recognizable after just a few seconds – especially through the first keyboard notes.
The music video is about a young student who is socially excluded and struggles with herself. She escapes from the cruel world and spends her time drawing. The song “Breaking the Habit” was originally called “Drawing”.
“Numb” is one of Linkin Park's most successful releases. Only ‘In the End’ stayed longer in the Billboard Hot 100 than ‘Numb’. The track was certified quadruple platinum.
In 2017, “Numb” returned to the charts after almost 15 years, albeit for a sad reason: Chester Bennington took his own life at the age of just 41 – R.I.P. Even today, the song “Numb” is a staple in any well-stocked nu-metal playlist.
The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
Genre: Alternative Rock
Album: Elephant
Year: 2003
The distinctive guitar riff in the song was created by improvisation. The band improvised during a soundcheck before their concert in Melbourne. “Seven Nation Army” became really popular with European football fans. No football stadium in the world could (and can) do without this song, which encourages people to sing along. When Italy won the 2006 World Cup, the catchy tune “Seven Nation Army” was played over and over again. Before that, the memorable guitar riff had already been bawled by thousands of fans. Unofficially, “Seven Nation Army” served as the anthem of the Italian national team. Over time, the song also became popular as a goal anthem.
Green Day – Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
Genre: Alternative Rock
Album: American Idiot
Year: 2004
The lyrics of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” were written by Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The music was composed by the band and produced by Rob Cavallo.
The charismatic lead singer wrote this song to deal with his feelings of loneliness.
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” has sold over five million copies worldwide. The song spent a total of 14 weeks at number one in the mainstream rock charts. This song is and remains one of Green Day's most popular hits.
Evanescence – Bring Me To Life
Genre: Alternative Rock, Nu Metal
Album: Fallen
Year: 2003
“Bring Me to Life” is about personal ups and downs – the desire to make the most of your life. The protagonist realizes that she is emotionally torn and without feelings. She wants to start living her life to the full after hitting rock bottom. She meets someone and rediscovers feelings she had long forgotten. The song is best known as the soundtrack to the movie “Daredevil”.
Enrique Iglesias – Hero
Genre: Latin Pop, Pop
Album: Escape
Year: 2001
In the emotional ballad “Hero”, Enrique Iglesias asks his partner numerous questions and assures her that he can be her “hero”. A couple that can go through thick and thin. The single was a worldwide success. “Hero” made it to the top of the charts in several countries at once, for example in Switzerland, Great Britain, Australia and Canada. In Austria, Germany and the USA, the hit climbed to number three.
Rihanna – Umbrella ft. Jay-Z
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Year: 2007
In the US, “Umbrella” leapt to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Before that, Rihanna also landed a number one hit in the US with her song “SOS”.
“Umbrella” earned Rihanna and Jay-Z a Grammy Award in the category ‘Best Collaboration’ in 2008.
In ‘Umbrella’, Rihanna comforts her partner. She sings about being there for him in good times and bad. The umbrella served as a trademark and metaphorically expresses her support for her partner.
Alicia Keys – Fallin'
Genre: Neo soul, R&B
Album: Songs in A Minor
Year: 2001
Alicia Keys seemed unsure about whether to release the single “Fallin'”. Thanks to the encouragement of music producer Clive Davis, she decided to go ahead with it – with great success. The single enjoyed great success worldwide. “Fallin'“ reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100.
Alicia Keys composed the lyrics to ‘Fallin’” based on the emotions she felt during her first love affair. The hit “Fallin'” is generally seen as her signature song.
