Every decade has its own distinctive music, some of which may be excellent while other tracks might fall flat or even be subpar.
the 2000s produced some incredible rock songs that should receive more recognition than they receive. From pushing rock into nu metal without going too far; their lyrics capture the restless spirit of an era that was far more complex than it seemed on the surface.
System of a Down – “Chop Suey”
System of a Down’s debut single to break through the charts was “Chop Suey!”; today it remains one of their most beloved songs and one which helped establish them globally. Many fans consider it their unofficial anthem as well as it being their highest charting song on Toxicity album.
This catchy yet politically charged track features catchy guitar riffs and lyrics about an emotionally distraught person attempting to commit suicide; all those around him mistakenly think he is just looking for help. Furthermore, its release around 9/11 only increased its popularity further.
The song can be hard to grasp at first listen, yet has a lasting impression on fans. The chorus is catchy and its music intense; but its lyrics stand out most. The working title for the song was ‘Self-Righteous Suicide’ which makes sense once verses have been heard; its words vivid enough to shout along to rather than necessarily being fully comprehended by listeners.
Puddle of Mudd – “Come Clean”
After years of struggle as a working class independent rock band, Wes Scantlin and Puddle of Mudd finally received their breakthrough with the release of their major label debut album Come Clean in 2001. It propelled them quickly onto mainstream charts and allowed them to land opening slots on large tours alongside acts such as Nickelback and Linkin Park.
The lead single from their breakthrough album quickly shot to number two on the US Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and became their biggest hit to date. An unforgettable rock music fan experience awaits them decades from now!
At this point in their career, it can be hard to be too enthusiastic about any release by this band, as it seems as though they’ve fallen into a rut, recycling the same formula that worked on their debut album. All tracks on this release are excellent but overall this album lacks creativity or innovation and serves only to sell units at high rates – although genre fans should still find some pleasure here.
Wolfmother – “Joker and the Thief”
Each decade goes through what the renowned music and pop culture writer Chuck Klosterman refers to as its own unique “Zeppelin phase.” The 2000’s was no different; with bands such as Wolfmother emerging as part of this larger movement that saw primordial guitar riffs and Gotterdammerung drums return as fan-favorites across the world.
Their hit single “Woman” remains an anthem, but “Joker and the Thief” was what truly propelled this Australian bar band onto the map. With its infectious yet psychedelic beat and instrumental rise-and-fall melody, “Joker and the Thief” quickly rose in popularity after video game placements such as Guitar Hero II and Madden NFL 07 increased exposure for this Aussie bar band.
Coldplay showed their ability to craft catchy, melodic songs during this decade; one such track “Yellow” illustrated this perfectly and reached #1 on Billboard Modern Rock chart in America.
Radiohead was another prominent band to emerge during this era, making waves with their innovative sound while receiving critical acclaim. Their album “In Rainbows” is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever, and this song — an emotive ballad about longing for companionship — helped achieve that status.
Disturbed – “Stay”
Disturbed first emerged onto the rock scene with their debut 2000 album The Sickness as one of rock music’s heaviest acts, mixing metal and hard rock into their signature sound to usher in a new era of modern music. Through songs like Stupify and Down With the Sickness they quickly rose to become one of the most beloved bands of this decade.
Their live performances were legendary. Attracting massive audiences who packed arenas, and famed for their incredible pyrotechnics – these shows set the bar for what a concert could be.
After taking a brief hiatus in 2010, Immortalized marked their triumphant return with strong material that proved they hadn’t lost any of their signature sound or style. Heavy melodies remain intact while pop elements have also been introduced for an album that should please fans of previous efforts by this band.
Silversun Pickups – “Lazy Eye”
This power ballad combines emotional lyrics about being in an abusive relationship with an infectious dance beat to form a captivating power ballad that quickly reached number one on Billboard Hot 100 charts in early 2000 and stayed there for several weeks, becoming relatable to many individuals who have ever found themselves in similar circumstances.
The 2000s was an exciting era of rock music, as numerous bands experimented with various genres to produce unique fusions of sounds. Ranging from post-punk influences to dark, atmospheric songs, these bands kept audiences interested with powerful performances and raw energy.
Silversun Pickups is a band that successfully blends elements of 1990s grunge with synth pop to form their distinctive sound. Their fourth album, Better Nature, showcases this combination in its enigmatic sound and moody feel. Frontman Brian Aubert’s androgynous vocals stand out among other elements; his presence remains integral to their sound; yet an overabundance of garish guitar parts and upfront vocal pickups hamper the track considerably.
The Postal Service – “Such Great Heights”
For early 2000s music fans, The Postal Service created one of the defining tracks from their only album Give Up: an atmospheric piece of indie electronic pop. Their debut was soundtracking both Veronica Mars and various UPS commercials; today it remains one of their signature tunes.
Tamborello and Gibbard make an amazing duo; both players deserve equal billing without either trying to out-shout the other. That was what made them such a hit at first and remains one of their hallmarks today – both were given equal billing in this band!
Iron & Wine covered this song in 2013 and managed to add their own touch by making the track their own. While The Postal Service may still reign supreme as far as magic is concerned, Iron & Wine made their version much more relaxing, pretty, and melodic; you should check both versions out; I&W’s acoustic cover is definitely superior among both. Other artists such as Streetlight Manifesto and Postmodern Jukebox have also covered this track; M&Ms famously used this version as part of their advertising campaign in 2000s rock song was covered famously by I&W for M&Ms ad campaigns.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Maps”
As the 2000s began, many bands pushed the limits of what rock music could be. Of particular note were groups like Yeah Yeah Yeahs who redefined art-school punk through their 2003 debut Fever to Tell. Their sound was unique on the music scene with eclectic primal screams and intricate guitar accompaniment integrated seamlessly into their work.
“Maps,” one of their best songs from their debut album, has long been considered one of their best works. The video for it showcases them performing at a high school gymnasium with different light filters shining on them while playing, creating an atmospheric and vivid representation of when and where it was recorded.
This song is an engaging, energetic, and powerful experience. Karen O is a rock star on stage, from her signature lurches to her energetic dance moves in her stretchy unitard, drawing you in with passion as she delivers lyrics like an emotive call to action. A key moment in their career and one of the finest of the 00s; its timeless message still resounds across generations today.