The approach of Y2K was scary for some people. Luckily, there was some excellent music to welcome them to the new millennium.
From the queen of pop herself, Britney Spears, to the many boy bands of the time, the best songs from 2000 were diverse and unforgettable.
“Ms. Jackson” By OutKast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYxAiK6VnXw
Song year: 2000
An iconic and timeless song, Ms. Jackson is one of OutKast’s most adored and well-known songs. The duo delivers sassy lyrics in this upbeat and scandalous song. Andre 3000 and Big Boi have smooth verses and an amusing chorus that is hard not to sing along to.
“Bye Bye Bye” By NSYNC
Song year: 2000
A sad and somewhat petty song, Bye Bye Bye is one of NSYNC’s most loved songs. The song is about someone breaking up with their unpleasant lover. They expect a fight, but they’ve put up with enough and are ready to move on. To this day, it’s a potent breakup anthem for people leaving toxic relationships.
“I Hope You Dance” By Lee Ann Womack
Song year: 2000
One of the softer and sweeter songs from the year 2000, I Hope You Dance is an emotional song. A mother sings about hoping her daughter will enjoy life to the fullest and be grateful. This enchanting song is about taking the opportunities life brings your way and enjoying every moment you can.
“Kryptonite” By 3 Doors Down
Song year: 2000
Kryptonite is one of the best songs by the alternative rock band 3 Doors Down. With irresistible guitar riffs and an edgy grit, this romantic song has a bold vibe with sweet lyrics. Like superman, the singer has a weakness, which is the love of his life. With a classic 90s-esque video, this song exemplifies how some artists in 2000 still exuded the funky spirits of the previous decade.
“Yellow” By Coldplay
Song year: 2000
Coldplay will always be known for its soft, emotional, and sometimes depressing lyrics. And Yellow, one of their most popular songs, is no exception. The song speaks about the beautiful stars and a delicate romance between two people who may not be in the best places in their lives.
“Who Let the Dogs Out” By Baha Men
Song year: 2000
It’s hard to find any English-speaking person who has never heard of this song. With woofing, smooth rap verses, and an unforgettable chorus, this is easily one of the most memorable songs from the year 2000. The dogs referenced in the song are the men looking for a lover so the song is amusing and layered with innuendos and jokes.
“Oops!… I Did It Again” By Britney Spears
Song year: 2000
Britney Spears was the queen of pop in the early 2000s, and this song cemented her as a pop legend on the charts. The bold beats and Britney’s unmistakable voice makes this sexy song about leading someone on one of the best pop bops of all time. And how could anyone forget the stunning red jumpsuit from the music video?
“Bent” By Matchbox Twenty
Song year: 2000
Matchbox Twenty is another one of the best bands from the late 90s and early 2000s. This song is similar to many others in their discography, but this one topped some of the charts in 2000. It has a catchy and vulnerable chorus that resonated with many and has a definitive rock sound that was still very popular at the time.
“Stan” By Eminem
Song year: 2000
Stan was a fairly controversial song when it first came out, as it has strong themes involving stalking, murder, violence, and mental illness. Eminem raps from the perspective of an unhinged fan who is obsessed with him, spitting some of the most clever and slightly disturbing verses.
“One More Time” By Daft Punk
Song year: 2000
When it comes to dance music, no one does it better than Daft Punk. One of their funkiest and best songs is One More Time. It features electronic sounds and steady percussion, making it an easy song to jam out to. It has a hype-up vibe and the overall theme is celebration and fun!
“It’s My Life” By Bon Jovi
Song year: 2000
An anthem for all teens and young people set on being independent and living their life how they want, It’s My Life is a classic rock song about rebellion and freedom. The momentary silence before the exciting chorus creates a sense of anticipation and excitement every time you listen to it.
“Give Me Just One Night” By 98 Degrees
Song year: 2000
While the boy band 98 Degrees may fall below NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys, Give Me Just One Night was a massive hit that many people will recognize. It has Latin flair and the dazzling voices of the band members, creating a romantic and sensual song.
“If You’re Gone” By Matchbox Twenty
Song year: 2000
If You’re Gone is another rock song from Matchbox Twenty that exemplifies the vulnerability and emotion in their lyrics. With soft guitar strums and a slower beat, this song can easily be heartbreaking but has an element of hope that can be very inspiring.
“She Bangs” By Ricky Martin
Song year: 2000
Ricky Martin made a classic and super sexy song with She Bangs. It’s all about dancing and loving and feisty women. Ricky Martin’s energy is unmatched and he has an inviting and lovely voice. The song relies heavily on sexual lyrics and Latin beats, which is Martin’s quintessential vibe.
“In the End” By Linkin Park
Song year: 2000
Probably the most well-known song from the hardcore band Linkin Park, In the End is a dramatic and slightly eerie song. It combines rap verses with a softly sung chorus. With an edge of anger and a bold attitude. This song made it sway into many video games and is one of the most representative songs of 2000.
“The Real Slim Shady” By Eminem
Song year: 2000
Eminem has had many hits over his years in the industry, but The Real Slim Shady is easily one of the most popular and now nostalgic rap songs. With raunchy lyrics about women and sex, Eminem treats the entire song as a joke with some insightful lines sprinkled throughout. But the song makes one thing very clear: there is only one real Slim Shady, and it’s Mr. Mathers.
“It’s Gonna Be Me” By NSYNC
Song year: 2000
The year 2000 was great for the boy band NSYNC, as their songs landed on the charts more than once and every girl in the US was crushing on them. The song has a slower beat than other NSYNC songs, and it’s about going after a girl with the confidence that she’ll choose him.
“I Wanna Be With You” By Mandy Moore
Song year: 2000
Some people think Mandy Moore’s acting career overshadowed her musical endeavors. And they may be right. But this soft and emotional song made it on the charts in 2000, featuring her angelic voice and delicate aura. The song has a simple and romantic message about wanting to be with someone.
“Say My Name” By Destiny’s Child
Song year: 2000
Before Beyonce went off to do her own thing, Destiny’s Child was one of the hottest groups. The song talks about how the narrator’s lover is behaving weirdly, so the singer begs him to say her name and make everything seem okay again.
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing” By Jennifer Lopez
Song year: 2000
JLo’s music used to hit the charts too. In this song, she expresses her frustration over her man giving her gifts and money over spending time with her or offering affection. She declares that her love is free because she has her own money and doesn’t need a man to support her.
“Party Up (Up in Here)” By DMX
Song year: 2000
In this song, you can hear DMX’s unmatched raspy voice and intense raps. The song is about partying and people getting what they deserve when they ess with DMX. Is it the nicest song? No. Is it an absolute jam when it comes on in the club? Indubitably.
“I Try” By Macy Gray
Song year: 2000
Macy Gray didn’t have many hits throughout her career, but this sweet and delicate song holds a place on many playlists. She has an unusual and beautiful voice that perfectly delivers this song’s message about not being able to leave her lover. Walking away from love is hard, and this song attests to that.
“Californication” By Red Hot Chili Peppers
Song year: 2000
The Red Hot Chili Peppers stayed on the top charts for a while with this moody and catchy song. Both the music video and lyrics are odd and cryptic, but that didn’t stop people from loving the jam-band-y energy of this funky rock song.
“Goodbye Earl” By The Chicks
Song year: 2000
When this song came out, this girl group was still going by The Dixie Chicks. While they changed their group’s name, they kept their sunny and funny energy. In this song, they sing about the story of a girl who married an abusive man named Earl, who she and her friend decide needed to kick the bucket. It has the familiar country twang and a distinct sentimentality.
“What a Girl Wants” By Christina Aguilera
Song year: 2000
Competing for the queen of pop music crown against Britney Spears in the 2000s was the charming and adorable Christina Aguilera. In this song, Aguilera sings about what’s important to her in a relationship set to a slow and sultry beat that picks up at the chorus and then comes back down. It’s boppy and sugary with a romantic side.
“Adam’s Song” By Blink-182
Song year: 2000
Blink-182 hit the charts in 2000 with this song about depression, loneliness, and similar themes. The sound is neither sad nor happy, but the lyrics are decidedly sad and sensitive. The lyrics take a story format and perfectly show the angst and confusion teenagers and young people feel.
“Porcelain” By Moby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJWlBfo5Oj0
Song year: 2000
The famous DJ Moby has always made out-of-the-box music that departs from what is normal and common. While the lyrics are rather eerie and dark, people fell in love with the mysterious and pleasant sound, with many overlapping instruments and vocals. The song talks about the delicacy of relationships, with soft piano notes throughout.
“What’s Your Fantasy” By Ludacris
Song year: 2000
Ludacris was one of the biggest rappers in 2000, and this song was a major hit. It’s all about sex and pleasing his woman. He asks about his woman’s fantasy and tells her he wants to do whatever she wants. Ludacris’ insanely fast rap flow is captivating and the song has an energetic and edgy sound.
“The Way You Love Me” By Faith Hill
Song year: 2000
Country pop star Faith Hill immortalized her name with this adorable and lovable song where she sings about how much she appreciates and values her partner. From how he kisses her to how he treats her, he’s the love of her life and she wishes he could see himself how she does.
“Teenage Dirtbag” By Wheatus
Song year: 2000
The concept of a rebellious teenager is not new, but it will also never get old. This song is about a teenager who is hopelessly in love with a girl who is way out of his league since he’s just a dirtbag. It’s an anthem for anyone who felt like a loser in high school or a stupid teenager. Even teenage dirtbags can find love, as the music video shows!
“Lucky” By Britney Spears
Song year: 2000
This 2000 song is about a fictional girl named Lucky who lives an extravagant and busy life. She lives in Hollywood and everyone thinks she’s the luckiest girl in the world. But she is secretly sad and lonely. It’s a typical song about how hard fame can be.
“Better Off Alone” By Alice Deejay
Song year: 2000
Alice Deejay found some fame with this upbeat electronic song that was very different from other music at the time. She sings to her lover, asking if they think they’d be happier without her. It has a super funky beat that masks the somewhat sad and vulnerable lyrics.
“Shape of My Heart” By Backstreet Boys
Song year: 2000
The late 90s and early 2000s were ruled by boy bands, including the Backstreet Boys. In this song, the lyrics are about taking your time to get to know your crush. The singer wants to show the girl he likes his heart, so they can have a beautiful relationship. This song isn’t particularly exciting but is easy to listen to and has a cute message, which made it popular in 2000.
“Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” By Nine Days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIANBamMgas
Song year: 2000
This song is a tribute to a special girl. The lyrics talk about how sad but beautiful this girl is and how life doesn’t always go how you want it to. Life is unpredictable and imperfect, but that doesn’t make it less beautiful, and the song communicates this while appreciating the beautiful but imperfect girl.
“Can’t Fight the Moonlight” By LeAnn Rimes
Song year: 2000
A dance anthem if there ever was one, Can’t Fight the Moonlight is a catchy and smooth song about how love is sometimes irresistible. LeAnn Rimes sings about falling under each other’s spell beneath the moon and how you should just let go and love one another instead of trying to fight it.
“With Arms Wide Open” By Creed
Song year: 2000
With Arms Wide Open is one of Creed’s most touching and emotional songs. Creed’s lead singer has a distinct and deep voice that delivers warm and loving lyrics. The slow rock beat behind his rich vocals is a classic 2000s sound, making it an instant hit on the radio. The lyrics are somewhat mysterious but sweet and inviting.
“Graduation (Friends Forever)” By Vitamin C
Song year: 2000
A highly appropriate song to end this list with, Vitamin C’s Graduation song has been played at hundreds if not thousands of high school graduations over the years. It’s all about moving on and leaving people behind. It’s not hateful or sad but has a nostalgic and sentimental vibe. It’s one of those songs that make you want to sway with your arms in the air.
Top Songs From 2000, Final Thoughts
Many of these songs from the year 2000 still make it onto current playlists, appear in movies, or even play on the radio.
Songs like Who Let the Dogs Out and Bye Bye Bye will always hold a place in the hearts of anyone around in the 2000s. So enjoy the rollercoaster of genres that is this list of top songs from 2000!