The 2000s were a transformative decade for music, with pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronic sounds reshaping the mainstream. From groundbreaking music videos to anthemic hits that still resonate, the following list is a look back at ten essential tracks that defined the era.

10. “Paper Planes” – M.I.A. (2007)

M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” brought an eclectic sound to the charts with its genre-bending mix of hip-hop, reggae, and world music. The gunshot samples and catchy chorus sparked controversy, but the track’s social commentary on immigration and identity made it more than just a hit; it was a cultural statement. “Paper Planes” remains a staple of 2000s nostalgia, embodying the rebellious and diverse spirit of the decade.

9. “Hot in Herre” – Nelly (2002)

No early 2000s playlist was complete without Nelly’s party anthem, “Hot in Herre.” Produced by The Neptunes, this track featured a signature blend of hip-hop and R&B with a funky, club-ready beat. It captured the summer vibe with one of the most memorable hooks of the decade, keeping dance floors packed for years and solidifying Nelly as a defining voice of the time.

8. “Take Me Out” – Franz Ferdinand (2004)

With its angular riffs and punchy, staccato rhythms, “Take Me Out” helped revive indie rock for a mainstream audience. Franz Ferdinand’s hit became an instant classic with its infectious energy and clever lyrics. The track’s release signaled the rise of a new wave of British rock and a redefined aesthetic that would dominate the mid-2000s.

7. “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson (2004)

Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” is the anthem of empowerment that launched her post-American Idol career to new heights. Mixing rock and pop with gritty, cathartic vocals, the song became a powerful break-up anthem. Clarkson’s vocal intensity and the track’s anthemic chorus made it a radio powerhouse and a template for pop-rock that followed.

6. “Stan” – Eminem feat. Dido (2000)

Eminem’s “Stan” was more than just a song; it was a narrative tour de force. The dark storytelling of a fan’s obsession with his idol gave voice to the culture of fandom in a way that was chilling and powerful. Using Dido’s haunting “Thank You” as a backdrop, Eminem crafted a track that blended rap and pop in a haunting narrative, capturing the listener with its tension and drama.

5. “Hey Ya!” – OutKast (2003)

OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” brought funk, soul, and pop to an unparalleled fusion that appealed to nearly every listener. With its upbeat rhythm and introspective lyrics, the song captured both joy and melancholy, dancing through themes of love and disillusionment. “Hey Ya!” was a game-changer, pushing boundaries with its unique sound and making André 3000 a fashion and music icon of the era.

4. “Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean (2006)

Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” was an infectious global hit that showcased her talent and Latin roots. With a perfect collaboration from Wyclef Jean, the song brought reggaeton and Latin beats to the global pop market like never before. “Hips Don’t Lie” bridged cultures, making Shakira an international star and laying groundwork for the Latin music crossover that would explode in the following decade.

3. “Crazy” – Gnarls Barkley (2006)

CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse teamed up as Gnarls Barkley to release “Crazy,” a song that blended soul, psychedelia, and hip-hop with finesse. It quickly became a worldwide hit, notable for its genre-defying sound and thought-provoking lyrics about mental health and identity. “Crazy” was one of the first tracks to go viral, thanks to digital platforms, marking a significant shift in how music spread in the 2000s.

2. “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (2003)

The Killers’ debut single “Mr. Brightside” became an anthem for heartbreak and indie rock lovers alike. Its sharp, vivid lyrics and driving guitar riff made it a crowd favorite and a staple of countless playlists. Decades later, “Mr. Brightside” continues to be an undeniable sing-along classic and one of the most enduring songs of the decade, consistently revisited by fans of all ages.

1. “Umbrella” – Rihanna feat. Jay-Z (2007)

With its unmistakable “ella-ella-eh-eh” refrain, “Umbrella” was a powerhouse track that turned Rihanna into a global superstar. The song’s polished production and emotionally resonant lyrics captured audiences everywhere, while Jay-Z’s guest verse provided an added level of hype. “Umbrella” became an anthem for resilience and friendship, perfectly blending pop and R&B and solidifying Rihanna’s place as one of the defining artists of the 2000s.