Throughout history music has been a source of entertainment, expression, and even teaching techniques. As people, technology, and the world advanced; so has music. Music is one of the most important components in most people's lives whether they realize it or not. Recently, music has expanded into many similar and yet completely different genres and has grown substantially. The 2000's has witnessed some very creative, different, and above all influential songs and here is a list of some of the most popular not in any particular order.

15. "With Arms Wide Open"- Creed

"With Arms Wide Open" was written by lead singer Scott Stapp after he found out he was going to be a father. He didn't want his son to face the problems growing up that he had and wanted a way to express how he truly felt. And did he ever with this song Creed won a Grammy in 2000 for the Best Rock Song and also inspired The Arms wide open foundation, which helps with the fight against childhood cancer.

14. "Fallin"- Alicia Keys

Alicia's first single, and it was an instant hit. The song was written by Alicia and is meant to express the feelings that occur when caring deeply for someone. She said that after writing the song it actually helped he get through the relationship. The song on the other hand allowed Alicia to be voted as the MTV video awards best new artist in 2001

13. "Hot in Herre"- Nelly

Based off of "Bustin' Loose" by Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers, Nelly's song became an immediate party hit. This song was just about having fun and "bustin' loose" and that is exactly what everyone did and still do to this day when the song is played. Nelly says that the reason there is another "R" in "herre" is because it helps indicate that it is really hot and also because it is written in a St. Louis accent which is where Nelly is from.

12. "Bleeding Love"-Leona Lewis

Former X-factor winner, Leona Lewis, came out with this song in 2007 and it has been recorded as the biggest seller to date in the UK. Written by Jesse McCartney ( and originally meant to be on his third album) the song was about the hardships of a long distance relationship. This song set many records, one being that it was the most downloaded song in 2008 on iTunes.

11."Cry Me A River"- Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake wrote this song about Britney Spears. In the song the relationship goes downhill, because the girl is a cheater and in order to get back at her the man emphasizes how he has moved on. "cry me a river" is a term usually used to tell someone sarcastically that they are crying to much and cannot continue or they will "cry a river." Justin topped the charts with the single and won the award for the best pop vocal performance at the 2004 Grammy's.

10. "Californication"- Red Hot Chili Peppers

This song describes how the world is becoming superficial, like California. Basically stating that society is getting to a point where everything is fake and how Hollywood gives off a vibe to people that it is this wonderful land where anyone can become rich and famous. The actuality of this is that the city is somewhat of a mirage, pretty and wonderful on the outside but dark and misleading on the inside.

9. "Crazy"- Gnarls Barley

Singer Gnarls Barkley, better known as "Cee Lo Green", seems to find a new way to allow the listener to interpret the song.People seem to understand it in many different ways,but I have reached a conclusion that maybe it is a little simpler than that. I believe the lyrics seem to express how everyone is "crazy" in their own way.

8. "Hey ya!"- Outkast

Lead singer, Andre 3000, describes his concerns and doubts about a romantic relationship. As the lyrics emphasize, he wonders if his lover is just in it for "the tradition" or if she is actually serious and couldn't let him walk out the door. He also examines his doubt in a relationship at all and that he questions the point of commitment to another person.

7. "Smooth"- Santana

A hit collaboration between Rob Thomas and Santana, that was a major success for the guitarist Santana who had not had a hit in recent years.The song was first seen as "too sexual" for Santana and that is when Rob was brought in to sing the vocals. This seemed to be the perfect pairing for the two.

6. "lose yourself"- Eminem

An inspiration to everyone in the world and anyone whom is struggling to break out of their "shell." This is arguably the best song that Eminem ever came out with and the song has become sort of an anthem to people suffering through depression and their burdens. "Lose yourself" refers to a sense of becoming someone better than who everyone else has pushed you to be.

5. "Drops of Jupiter"- Train

The song was written by lead singer, Pat Monahan, about the recent death of his mother. She had passed due to lung cancer and after returning home to mourn, Pat woke up one more with a thought that "what if nobody ever really left? What if they were still here, in the atmosphere, but different somehow?" This is how the song was created, but since its' publish people see it as a strong women whom has to go out and find herself and a man who loves her enough to allow her to do that.

4. "Bye Bye Bye"- 'N Sync

Requested by my girlfriend and millions of other female crazed fans, 'N Sync had a major hit with this song. Lead Singer Justin Timberlake with the rest of the group, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick,had one of the biggest hits of the 2000s. Girls everywhere still dream of a comeback tour after the boy band split in 2002.

3. "Over and Over"- Nelly ft. Tim McGraw

This hit song written by Nelly featured a country artist by the name of Tim McGraw. The song has a great beat and it's relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship and had their heartbroken.

2. "Yeah!"- Usher Ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris

This song has a more sinful meaning behind it, but still one of the biggest hits in the early 2000's.Written about cheating on your girlfriend while she's out of town, Usher collaborates with Lil Jon and Ludacris to top the charts. This song hit number 1 in the US before in was even released and is still one of the best party songs to this day.

1."Irreplaceable"-Beyonce

Written by Ne-Yo, this song is about a woman who is addressing her lover after finding out that he is a cheater and how he can easily be replaced. This won The Soul Train Music Award for the best R&B/Hip-Hop single by a female artist. It also stayed at number 1 on the top 100 list for an astounding 10 weeks.

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