My Top Ten Songs of the 2000s
My Top Ten Songs of the 2000s
May 29, 2019
The first decade of the 21st Century has probably been the best one so far. I’m not just saying that because it’s when I was brought into this world, I’m saying that because it was the least stressful decade of my life. Kidding… sort of. I do miss it because it was a million times easier (I’m not ready to be an adult, man. I’m just not). But here’s to the first decade of the 21st Century, when times were easier (except in 2008) and music was better. This is my list of the 10 best songs from the first decade of my life (eight years technically).
10. “Clocks” by Coldplay
“Clocks” was released in 2002 on the album “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” It was written by Chris Martin, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman. This song uses the paradox of always wanting to be punctual while also feeling a need to carpe diem. It won Record of the Year in 2004.
I chose this song because I remember hearing it a lot and never knowing what it’s called. I love listening to the piano in the beginning and the song in general.
Listen to “Clocks” here.
9. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
“Back to Black” was released in 2007 on the album of the same name. This was Amy Winehouse’s final studio album before she kicked the bucket. It was written about the ending of her on again, off again relationship.
I chose this song because I think it’s a really good song, even if other people don’t agree. I like the bari sax sound that makes its presence known and the brassy tone adds even more to it.
Listen to “Back to Black” here.
8. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
“Hurt” was released in 2003 as a single. A few months after the music video for this song was released, Cash’s wife passed away, and after that, the house the couple had lived in for over 30 years burned down. This song was originally released by Nine Inch Nails. You can listen to the original Nine Inch Nails version here.
I chose this song because every time I listen to it, I get goosebumps. I can feel the emotions dripping from his voice. It was also featured in the 2017 Wolverine movie, “Logan.”
Listen to “Hurt” here.
7. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
“Complicated” was released in 2002 on the album “Let Go.” It was written by Graham Edwards, Lauren Christy, Scott Spock, and Avril Lavigne. This song is about pretending to be something you aren’t and was her first single.
I chose this song because it reminds me of childhood and it’s a fun song to listen to.
Listen to “Complicated” here.
6. “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
“Use Somebody” was released in 2008 on the album “Only By the Night.” It was written by Matthew Followill, Jared Followill, Nathan Followill, and Caleb Followill. Caleb Followill wrote the lyrics one day after a surgery when he was on medication and feeling a little blue.
I chose this song because it’s one that I never knew the name of (until now, that is) or who it was by. I also learned that Kings of Leon started in a club called “Trash” and that’s also where Amy Winehouse found her muse, according to the latest episode of the podcast DISGRACELAND. (I also did a review of DISGRACELAND, you can read it here).
Listen to “Use Somebody” here.
5. “Feel Good Inc.” by the Gorillaz
“Feel Good Inc.” was released in 2005 on the album “Demon Days.” It’s kind of saying “reality sucks, live with it.” You don’t always have to feel good, that’s not healthy.
I chose this song because it’s, obviously, a good song, and I enjoy listening to it. It’s also one of the only songs I listen to by the Gorillaz, along with “Clint Eastwood” and that’s pretty much it.
Listen to “Feel Good Inc.” here.
4. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was released in 2004 on the album “American Idiot.” The entire album is the story of “Jesus of Suburbia” and this song in particular is about Jesus struggling with depression. It was one of their most popular songs.
I chose this song because I can remember listening to it on the radio, along with “American Idiot” and it was a blast. Radio in the early 2000s was dope, man. It was awesome.
Listen to “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” here.
3. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
“Viva La Vida” was released in 2008 on the album “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.” The title means “Live the Life” in Spanish and was taken from a painting by the great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
I chose this song because of a personal reason I’m not going to share on here but just know it’s great.
Listen to “Viva La Vida” here.
2. “American Idiot” by Green Day
“American Idiot” was released in 2004 on the album “American Idiot.” It’s a political song about how much Billie Joe Armstrong hated George W. Bush.
I chose this song because of its political punkiness (yes, I know that’s not a word).
Listen to “American Idiot” here.
Honorable Mentions:
“No One Knows” by Queens Of The Stone Age
“Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
“Hard To Explain” by The Strokes
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
1. “Gives You Hell” by the All American Rejects
“Gives You Hell” was released in 2008 on the album “When the World Comes Down.” This song is giving the finger to someone you hate without actually showing that it’s about them. This is All American Rejects’ most successful hit to date.
When I was little, I knew all the words to this song. Whenever it came on the radio, I would make my mom mad by belting out the lyrics. It was awesome. I miss elementary school.
Listen to “Gives You Hell” here.
I hope you enjoyed this series! This is my last Top Ten Songs of the decade until next year when I’ll do My Top Ten Songs of the 2010s! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!