The noughties—a decade of vibrant musical innovation—left an indelible mark on popular culture. This era witnessed the rise of genre-bending artists and the explosion of diverse sounds, from stadium anthems to introspective ballads. To celebrate this rich tapestry of music and introduce these sounds to a new generation, we've compiled a list of the best songs that defined the decade. These tracks captured the zeitgeist, blending raw emotion with unforgettable melodies; songs that resonated deeply with listeners and continue to hold a special place in our hearts. From the emotionally charged power of a certain angst-ridden rock band to the upbeat energy of a genre-defining hip-hop duo, and the melancholic beauty of a British rock group's introspective masterpiece, the variety is striking.
This collection showcases the decade's remarkable range, encompassing anthemic rock anthems that echoed the anxieties of a generation, innovative experiments in electronic and hip-hop fusion that pushed creative boundaries, and soulful melodies that transcended genre. It's a journey through a decade that saw the birth of global superstars and the consolidation of iconic artists who continue to influence the soundscape we hear today. Whether you remember these songs from your youth or are discovering them for the first time, prepare to be captivated by the timeless quality of the noughties' best. Dive in and rediscover – or discover – the soundtrack to a defining decade.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. In the End | Linkin Park | Hybrid Theory (Bonus Edition) | 2B+ |
| 2. The Scientist | Coldplay | A Rush of Blood to the Head | 1B+ |
| 3. Feel Good Inc | Gorillaz | Demon Days | 866M+ |
| 4. Boulevard of Broken Dreams | Green Day | American Idiot | 815M+ |
| 5. Hey Ya! | Outkast | Speakerboxxx/The Love Below | 719M+ |
| 6. Toxic | Britney Spears | In The Zone | 675M+ |
| 7. Seven Nation Army | The White Stripes | Elephant | 668M+ |
1. In the End (Linkin Park)
Opening with its instantly recognizable guitar riff and Chester Bennington's emotive vocals, Linkin Park's "In the End" resonated deeply with listeners upon its 2000 release. The song's raw emotion, reflecting themes of struggle and acceptance, propelled it to the top of charts worldwide, including a number 2 peak on the Billboard Hot 100. Born from intense sessions in a Hollywood studio, "In the End" became a cornerstone of Linkin Park's legacy, its enduring popularity fueled by the relatable lyrics and the band's unique blend of alternative rock and hip-hop. The song's impact transcends generations, continuing to offer solace and connection for millions.
2. The Scientist (2002)
Coldplay's "The Scientist" is a poignant piano ballad from their acclaimed album A Rush of Blood to the Head. Written collaboratively by the band, the song's lyrics explore themes of regret, longing, and the desire to undo past mistakes. Inspired in part by George Harrison's music, "The Scientist" resonated deeply with audiences, achieving notable chart success, reaching number 10 in the UK and garnering critical acclaim, including MTV Video Music Awards for its innovative reverse-narrative music video. Its enduring popularity is evident in its consistent inclusion in Coldplay's live performances and the deeply personal connections listeners continue to share, often describing its emotional impact in relation to loss and the yearning for second chances.
3. Feel Good Inc (Gorillaz - 2025)
Released in 2005 as the lead single from Gorillaz's Demon Days, "Feel Good Inc.," featuring De La Soul, achieved remarkable success. The song climbed to number two in the UK and fourteen in the US, dominating the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for eight weeks and earning numerous platinum certifications globally. Its enduring popularity is evident in its continued streaming success and consistent presence on best-of lists, including those from Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. A Grammy Award winner for Best Pop Collaboration, "Feel Good Inc" explores the complexities of seeking pleasure, contrasting darker aspects of addiction with the potential for happiness found in loving relationships, all underscored by its instantly recognizable and captivating melody. The song’s distinctive animated music video further contributed to its lasting cultural impact.
4. Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day)
While Green Day's discography boasts numerous anthems, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" released in 2004 as part of American Idiot, stands apart. This emotive power ballad, a cornerstone of the 2000s pop-punk revival, masterfully blends melancholic melodies with driving rhythms, reflecting the decade's prevalent blend of angst and catchy hooks. Its success wasn't fleeting; "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" achieved both Grammy and MTV Video Music Awards for Record and Video of the Year, respectively, solidifying its place in pop culture history. The song's exploration of loneliness and isolation resonated deeply with listeners, contributing to its enduring appeal and securing its spot among the best songs of the noughties.
5. Hey Ya! (Outkast - 2025)
OutKast's "Hey Ya!" released in 2003 from their acclaimed album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, achieved phenomenal success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and garnering critical praise, including a Grammy Award. André 3000's innovative performance, featuring him in multiple costumes within the music video, masterfully blends funk, rock, and hip-hop. Beneath the infectious beat and seemingly carefree melody, the lyrics subtly explore deeper themes of disillusionment, toxic relationships, and societal pressures surrounding commitment, showcasing the song's enduring appeal and complexity.
6Toxic
Britney Spears
2003
In The Zone
7Seven Nation Army
The White Stripes
2003
Elephant
8Fix You
Coldplay
2005
X&Y
9The Pretender
Foo Fighters
2007
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
10Mr. Brightside
The Killers
2003
Hot Fuss
11Clocks
Coldplay
2002
A Rush of Blood to the Head
12Dani California
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2006
Stadium Arcadium
13Gold Digger
Kanye West,Jamie Foxx
2005
Late Registration
14Rehab
Amy Winehouse
2006
15Crazy
Gnarls Barkley
2006
St. Elsewhere
16Paper Planes
M.I.A.
2007
17Uprising
Muse
2009
The Resistance
18Empire State Of Mind
JAY-Z,Alicia Keys
2009
The Blueprint 3
19Best of You
Foo Fighters
2005
In Your Honor
20American Idiot
Green Day
2004
American Idiot
21Lose Yourself
Eminem
2002
The Blueprint 3
22Dog Days Are Over
Florence + The Machine
2008
Lungs (Deluxe Edition)
23Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Daft Punk
2001
Discovery
24Float On
Modest Mouse
2004
Good News For People Who Love Bad News
25Maps
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2003
26All These Things That I've Done
The Killers
2004
27I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Arctic Monkeys
2005
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
28Take Me Out
Franz Ferdinand
2004
Franz Ferdinand
29Such Great Heights
The Postal Service
2003