As a child of the early 2000s, I grew up listening to some pretty good music. Of course my parents introduced me to some of their favorites, like AC/DC, Journey, and .38 Special, but I gained appreciation for bands of my time as well. The music was rough from just coming out of the 90s, but they all had catchy and somewhat meaningful lyrics. This list is a compilation of some of my favorite bands from the time (and still) that don't get as much attention as they deserve.

1. Seether

Everyone knows this South African, post-grunge, alt. metal band from a few of their top hits like "Fake It", "Country Song", and especially "Remedy". If you can't remember what I'm talking about then take the time to look them up on YouTube, trust me, you won't be disappointed.

2. The Calling

Don't tell me you don't remember these guys. Just look up their most popular song "Wherever You Will Go" and get back to me. Sadly, this American post-grunge band has been on hiatus for quite a while and will probably not be coming back.

3. The Script

Unlike The Calling, these guys are still going and have had some pretty recent hits. These guys are probably better known because of their pop sound and being played regularly on Top 40 stations. I feel like everyone knows their songs, but never remember their name. Some of their more popular songs are "Breakeven", "The Man Who Can't Be Moved", and "For The First Time". I admit, they didn't become popular in the US until the later 2000s, but they still deserve some recognition.

4. Lifehouse

I honestly really love this band. They have some serious tunes like "Whatever It Takes", "You and Me", "Halfway Gone", and of course "Hanging by a Moment". Every time one of these songs pops up on Pandora or the radio, its time to jam. I'm not even ashamed because they're just that good.

5. Creed

Again, this band is a favorite of mine. This is yet another post-grunge, alternative metal band, but this is literally all we had during the 2000s. I have a Pandora station dedicated to just this band because this kind of music just pumps me up. All I have to say is "Arms Wide Open" and you'll know what I'm talking out.

6. Saving Abel

One of my all-time favorite songs was written by this band. I am so thankful they are still active because their music makes my day when I hear it. Some of their most popular songs include "18 Days", "The Sex is Good", and "Addicted". If you haven't heard then in a while, please take some time to bless yourself with a song or two.

7. Three Days Grace

All I have to say is "I Hate Everything About You". If you don't know this song you've either been living under a rock for the past 13 years or you were born after 2010. Either way, you should go ahead and listen to this and some of their other songs as well, like "Animal I Have Become", "Never Too Late", and "Break".

8. Linkin Park

These guys are still going strong as a band. If you've never heard the name, you've probably heard a song or two. Try "Leave Out All the Rest" and "In the End". All of their other songs are great as well, but those two are probably their most popular.

9. Evanescence

My early teenage years were FILLED with Evanescence. I honestly just wanted to be a rock princess like Amy Lee. Even if you aren't a fan of the band, you know the song "Bring Me to Life" by heart. My goals in life as a pre-teen were to date a cute boy, get good grades, and hit the last note in "Bring me to Life".

10. Nickelback

So these guys get so much backlash and I have yet to figure out why everyone thinks they're a joke and that their music isn't good. I personally LOVE their music because they 1) have catchy lyrics and 2) bring a sense of nostalgia every time I listen to them. They have classics like "How You Remind Me", "Photograph", "Rockstar", "Far Away", and "If Today Was Your Last Day".

11. Hinder

Hinder has a special place in my heart. Their song "Lips of an Angel" was my, and many other girls', first ever slow dance. I think their sound is very similar to Nickelback because of raspy lead vocals, but they are still a good band. And they're still active which makes my heart happy.

12. Three Doors Down

Last, but certainly not least, is Three Doors Down. I don't know a single person who doesn't know the chorus to "Kryptonite". In the early 2000s this band pumped out a couple of big time tunes like "Here Without You" and "When I'm Gone". Although their newer music isn't played mainstream, they still have great music being made.

I probably missed a few favorites so please comment them below and leave your favorite song! I also realize I mentioned the most popular and radio-played songs by each group. I did that on purpose because I know some people only go radio deep on bands. Trust me, I know each band has way better, less known songs.