Debut songs by Western rock bands from the 2000s

CavortingThe Courteeners

The Courteeners – Cavorting

This is the debut single by The Courteeners, known as a band that carries on Manchester’s music scene that produced Oasis and The Smiths.

Its crunchy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and provocative vocals layered over the arrangement create an unforgettable impact the moment you hear it.

The lyrics, which declare they’ll drag down the posers in the scene, are a declaration of war from their youth.

You can’t help but feel the heat of the 2000s post-punk revival in its sound.

Released in August 2007, the track served as the lead single from the classic album St.

Jude and was named NME’s Single of the Week.

It’s a number to play when you want to experience the raw, early rush of indie rock—brimming with defiance and self-belief.

Eddie’s GunThe Kooks

The Kooks – Eddie’s Gun

Bursting onto the mid-2000s UK rock scene with an irresistibly poppy, catchy sound, The Kooks made an immediate splash.

The anecdote that their name comes from a David Bowie song also speaks to their musical roots.

Released in July 2005 and reaching No.

35 on the UK charts, their memorable debut single marked the first step in a rapid rise that would lead to the later platinum album Inside In/Inside Out.

The song’s charm lies in the buoyant rhythm crafted by its sprightly guitars and the exquisite pop sensibility woven together with frontman Luke Pritchard’s slightly affected vocals.

At the same time, their distinctive sensibility shines through as the lyrics humorously sing about a man’s earnest troubles—far from straightforward.

It’s a gem packed with the band’s youthful appeal, perfect for lifting your mood on a weekend drive.

Another NumberThe Cribs

The Cribs – Another Number

The Cribs are a trio made up of twin German brothers and their younger brother, a band that helped lead the UK indie scene in the 2000s.

Their sound, rooted in a DIY ethos, continues to captivate many listeners today.

Here is their debut track, where it all began.

Despite its lo-fi, rough-edged garage rock sound, the bittersweet, catchy melody is sure to linger in your mind.

Sung in a gritty vocal style, the lyrics convey a sense of urgency about being just another face in the crowd, as well as a heartfelt longing for connection with someone.

The song’s signature seven-note guitar riff has become an anthem at live shows, with fans breaking into a mass singalong—an unforgettable sight.

Released as a 7-inch single in November 2003, it also appears on their debut album “The Cribs,” which was recorded in just seven days—a track brimming with raw, early-days energy.

Capricorn (A Brand New Name)30 Seconds to Mars

30 Seconds To Mars – Capricorn (A Brand New Name) (Official Music Video)

This is the debut single from the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Jared Leto, who is also globally renowned as an actor.

Featured on their first album, “30 Seconds to Mars,” the track heralds the beginning of their epic story.

The cosmic soundscape woven by heavy guitar riffs and synthesizers is truly breathtaking.

Centered on the theme of being reborn into a new self, the song conveys an intense yearning for self-discovery, delivered powerfully through Jared’s near-screamed vocals.

Released in July 2002 as the band’s first single, it reached No.

31 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

It’s a track that feels empowering—perfect for moments when you want to break through the status quo or engage in deep self-reflection.

Bring Me to LifeEvanescence

Evanescence – Bring Me To Life (Official HD Music Video) ft. Paul McCoy

Evanescence is known for their distinctive sound that fuses gothic metal with symphonic elements.

The lead single from their landmark debut album, Fallen, makes a vivid impression with Amy Lee’s beautiful yet powerful vocals, heavy guitar tones, and the intense back-and-forth with a male vocalist that creates striking contrast.

Its urgent theme—seeking salvation from a numb darkness and awakening to one’s true self—deeply moves listeners.

Released in January 2003 and included on the Daredevil film soundtrack, the track also won a Grammy Award.

It’s a dramatic rock tune that reignites your inner passion when you feel stuck in the status quo.

Party TimePhoenix

Party Time

A track that became the starting point of the career of Phoenix, the French rock band that would later win a Grammy and earn worldwide acclaim.

Released in March 1997 as a DIY-spirited debut number on a 500-copy limited analog pressing from their own label.

Unlike their later, more polished sound, its guitar-centered, straight-ahead garage rock arrangement conveys the band’s early impulses directly.

Centered on the bustle and exhilaration of a party, the song brims with an energy that seems to draw listeners onto the dance floor.

An energetic rock tune that marked the opening of their history, it was also included on the album United.

Rock’n’Roll LiesRazorlight

Razorlight – Rock’n’Roll Lies

When people think of the UK rock scene of the early 2000s, many recall the frenzy of the garage rock revival.

Emerging boldly from that whirlwind was London’s Razorlight.

Their debut single, released in August 2003, perfectly embodied the era’s restlessness and energy.

Urgent drums and razor-sharp guitar riffs ignite a primal spark in the listener.

The song grapples with a longing for rock ’n’ roll and a rebellious spirit against the lies and betrayals lurking behind it.

That youthful yet cynical perspective is precisely their signature.

The track was later included on their debut album Up All Night, which went on to find success on the UK Albums Chart.

It’s a rough-edged, irresistibly compelling killer tune that heralded the start of their brilliant career.