Rock music has long been a favorite genre, but the 2000s saw some truly revolutionary bands emerge. Ranging from grunge-influenced alternative acts to progressive metal acts, these artists helped shape rock’s future.
Linkin Park was known for their emotive lyrics and mesmerizing melodies. Their signature track, “Numb,” still resonates today.
The Killers
In an otherwise forgettable decade of 90s reimaginers, The Killers made waves with 2004’s Hot Fuss. Although latecomers to the early 2000s post-punk revival (their glittery aesthetic stood in stark contrast to The Strokes’ Converse and jeans and Interpol’s sophisticated black suits), their bold image and captivating hooks did not limit their success and persisted into today.
The Killers have always been avid followers of post-punk bands like Joy Division and New Order, as well as ’80s new wave music that helped inspire their unique sound. Perhaps most influential was Las Vegas itself – frontman Brandon Flowers has often spoken about its influence on his songwriting process and many of their best tracks feature scenes set within its clubs.
Their inaugural hit ‘Mr Brightside’ stands as testament to this fact; many indie rock songs that saw success at the turn of the millennium quickly faded from memory within one year or less; but not this song; ‘Brightside’ endured with widespread appeal across radio play, clubs and charts, becoming one of the Killers most beloved tracks.
Throughout their career, The Killers have explored topics often neglected by rock music, including marriage and fatherhood. On their 2008 album Day & Age they deliberately moved away from sexually explicit love-centric material found on Sam’s Town; then on 2017’s Wonderful Wonderful they explored masculinity in ways both unique and nuanced – for instance ‘The Man’ depicts Flowers as a parody of male celebrity aspirations while its video features deserts, Las Vegas and other symbols of American culture which encourage reading the song as an allegory or cautionary tale.
The Strokes
The Strokes rode an epic wave of paid hype that would eventually fade, yet few can dispute that their instant success deserved to last so long. Their self-titled debut album created an explosion in guitar-based rock in Britain and America, inspiring such bands as The Libertines, Franz Ferdinand, and Arctic Monkeys all to claim its influence as part of their sound.
At their debut shows, The Band attracted capacity crowds of music journalists and record company execs alike who were mesmerised by five New York twentysomethings dressed impossibly cool. Their snarling riffs and anthemic rhythms seemed to tap into some sort of electric current running through New York City itself; one could argue this was all just manufactured image put forth by NME; however, truth be told this group did have an aura all their own.
Julian Casablancas exuded an effortless cool that seemed both authentic and effortless; these were kids playing rock music simply for fun; supported by an exceptional group of musicians that gave the band its unmistakably exciting sound.
Even more than 20 years since Is This It was released, its significance remains as vital. Although The Strokes may have hit an artistic dead end with Room On Fire, Is This It inspired a massive revival with bands such as IDLES, Fontaines D.C and Twin Peaks taking their cue from its lithe economy and melodies. That is an impressive feat for any debut album but particularly one so instantly classic as Is This It.
Green Day
Green Day was an unexpected success when they released Dookie in 1994. Not only did their grunge-influenced album top the charts, but it was also widely hailed as an influence to future rock musicians – specifically punk musicians who came after. Furthermore, their blend of punk energy with catchy melodies inspired many bands while their lyrics covered topics that could relate to everyone.
American Idiot was released shortly thereafter, increasing their popularity exponentially. This groundbreaking rock album took on an unconventional musical concept following the story of Jesus of Suburbia – something critics and fans both applauded; thus encouraging the band to push musical boundaries even further with future releases.
With songs such as “Bang Bang” and “Troubled Times,” the band explored politics and social issues. Their latest album, 21st Century Breakdown, continued this theme; although not released before 2016, its theme of justice and freedom still spoke volumes of political climate at that time.
The 2000s witnessed the emergence of several influential rock bands that left an indelible mark on rock music, from those still active to bands that have left their mark across genres. Some bands from this era are still making music today while others have left an imprint elsewhere – inspiring many young musicians with punk rock influences or those looking for something fresher to create their own styles and sounds – the best rock music from this period has left its mark on so many. From punk rock fans to those looking to branch out there is something perfect out there for everyone – whatever style or sound that suits you personally there’s sure to be something perfect out there for you in 00s rock music from this decade!
Linkin Park
Linkin Park was an influential rock band of the 2000s, thanks to their catchy hooks and heavy sound. Their debut album Hybrid Theory earned three Grammy nominations and went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. Their sound blended elements from alternative rock, nu metal and rap-rock into something truly original that resonated with audiences worldwide; their relatable lyrics and powerful performances cemented their status as one of the decade’s top bands.
While some may have disapproved of their choice to utilize rap music in their musical style, it was an integral element. Their songs could express feelings of pain and resentment that many teenagers could relate to. Chester Bennington’s tragic passing at 41 was an immense loss in rock history but will live on through their iconic songs.
Foo Fighters were another notable group that came into prominence during the 2000s. Their high-energy shows and groundbreaking music helped pave the way for many contemporary rock bands; many of their hits like “Time of the Season” and “Summer’s Here” remain timeless classics today.
The White Stripes were one of the bands heavily impacted by the 2000s. Their stripped-down approach to rock music captivated audiences and cemented them as one of the most influential bands of that decade, featuring bluesy riffs and catchy hooks that set them apart from their contemporaries. Muse stood out as another creative band from that decade, mixing alternative, progressive, symphonic elements into their sound for an unprecedented approach that earned them an avid following among listeners and critics. Their cinematic soundscapes and impressive musicianship earned them loyal support from listeners as well.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ signature blend of punk and funk earned them the distinction as pioneers of modern rock. Their experimentation in sound design and emotive lyrics set them apart from their peers; further evidenced by their continued popularity throughout the 2000s.
Suck My Kiss by RHCP stands as an incredible showcase for their band’s tight and aggressive sound, featuring some of Flea’s signature riffing as well as an extraordinary performance by frontman Anthony Kiedis; making this song one of their crowning achievements during their golden period.
After the success of their breakthrough debut album, The Chili Peppers continued their musical evolution on subsequent albums by adding more jazz and soul elements into their already diverse sound. Working closely with producer Danger Mouse, their music became more melodic and textural while their innovative genre-fusions continued to push boundaries and set precedents.
Californication was widely considered one of the Chili Peppers’ finest works alongside their seminal debut Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Some diehard fans may scoff at its gentler approach, yet its memorable songs and catchy beats won them global success.
Californication stands out as one of the defining albums of the 2000s; its expansive double album covers all aspects of their ethos. Exploring Los Angeles as an ironic city where pretty surfaces mask dark undercurrents, Californication features some of their most introspective lyrics to date; Under the Bridge stands out as another highlight capturing Kiedis’ loneliness like no other song can.