Back in the good ole days, better known as ten years ago, we were blessed with some of the greatest songs ever. To this day, I can still listen to Summer Hits of the 2000’s without having to use any of my skips. Artists today should be saying, “Oops I did it again” when it comes to their lyrics. It seems like everyone is singing about the same stuff, whether it be twerking or daisy dukes and tailgates.
There will always be the songs everyone remembers from the 2000’s: “Bye Bye Bye”, “Crazy In Love”, “Hey Ya!”, and “Yeah!” But what about the ones who don’t get the credit they deserve? Lucky for you, I’m here to make you remember.
1. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”- Green Day. 2004
Green Day has a track record full of great songs and only picking one would be hard for everyone. This song in particular, won them a Grammy for best record of the year. The sound, the lyrics and Billie Joe’s voice all make this song a hit. Everyone I was friends with in 5th grade loved this song and rightfully so.
2. “Gold Digger”- Kanye West. 2005
I’m not saying Kanye’s a fortune teller, but… I kind of am. Regardless of whom the song is about it’s catchy and that’s all that really matters. If you’re in your 20’s and haven’t known the words to this song at some point in your life then you’re doing it wrong.
3. “Cry Me A River”- Justin Timberlake. 2002
JT never slowed down after N*SYNC split (R.I.P). “Cry Me a River” was on his debut solo album and is allegedly about Britney Spears. In reality, it doesn’t matter who the song is or isn’t about because this song is better than their relationship ever could have been. Let's be honest though, their AMA denim ensemble will live on in our hearts forever.
4. “Georgia”- Ludacris, Field Mob. 2005
I’m not going to lie...when this song came out I wanted to be from Georgia. If you don’t like rapping along to “pecan country like catfish with grits, candy, yams and chitlins, gram’s homemade baked biscuits” then go back to wherever you came from and drink a “pop”. I know I’m not the only one who gets excited whenever this song comes on and I don’t think it gets the recognition it deserves.
5. “Get Ur Freak On”- Missy Elliot. 2001
When Missy Elliot came on stage at the Super Bowl I think the world forgot who Katy Perry was. It doesn’t even take two seconds to realize what song this is and all of America rejoiced.
6. “1, 2 Step”- Ciara. 2004
Speaking of Missy Elliot, this song got her and Ciara a BET award for best collaboration in 2005. Goodies as a whole was one of the best albums in 2004 and only picking one song was tough.
7. “Hollaback Girl”- Gwen Stefani. 2004
Whether you love her (like me) or hate her you can’t deny her talent. Whether it’s in fashion, television, music or just being an awesome mom it seems like Gwen can do it all. Even though her life is literally bananas right now she deserves a spot on every list of good songs from the 2000’s.
8. “Crazy”- Gnarls Barkley. 2006
This song broke the genre and age barrier. This song alone got Gnarls Barkley 20 award nominations. Whether you like CeeLo Green or not you have to admit this was a catchy song.
9. “Here It Goes Again”- OK Go. 2005
The music video for this song automatically gave it a spot on the list. Personally, I am a terrible dancer and just the thought of being told I had to dance on 6 treadmills would terrify me. They make it look easy and if you haven’t already seen the music video I demand that you do so now. You won’t regret it.
10. “Since U Been Gone”- Kelly Clarkson. 2004
What would pop music in the 2000’s be without Kelly Clarkson? She is one of the few things we can thank American Idol for. Like a lot of the artists on this list...just picking one song was hard. Just when we thought the song couldn’t get any better she paired up with her mother-in-law Reba. Between the two of them this song has been nominated for 13 awards.
So the next time you're listening to a new song about the same old stuff, turn off the radio and listen to the good stuff.
