Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s
Bands have always energized the global music scene.
Among them, the bands of the 2000s were special, with many genres emerging that hadn’t existed before.
New styles from that era—like rap rock, which adds hip-hop elements to rock, and pop punk, which blends punk with pop—remain popular today as major genres.
In this article, we’ve picked out some of the key bands from the 2000s.
Please enjoy reading to the end at your leisure!
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Best songs and hit tracks by recommended Western bands from the 2000s (51–60)
Here It Goes AgainOK Go
This is a superb rock number released in 2005 by OK Go, a band based in Chicago, from their album Oh No.
Its simple chord progression, catchy melody, and comfortable rhythmic patterns make it perfect practice material for guitar, bass, and drums.
Oh No is the band’s second album, an ambitious work recorded in Europe.
The track has been featured in numerous music games such as SSX on Tour, Rock Band, and Guitar Hero 5, earning support from music fans around the world.
It’s a classic packed with the fundamentals of instrumental performance, recommended for those looking to gain experience playing in a band.
The music video’s originality also drew attention, winning the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2007.
When You Were YoungThe Killers
Released in September 2006 by The Killers from Las Vegas, Nevada, this song marked a turning point in their musical direction.
It features a grand, expansive soundscape influenced by U2 and Bruce Springsteen, along with strikingly straightforward guitar riffs.
The lyrics, which depict the gap between youthful ideals and reality, carry a universal message that resonates with everyone.
It’s a track from the album Sam’s Town that reached No.
14 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Included in the video games Guitar Hero III and Rock Band, it continues to be loved around the world.
Because the guitar and drum parts are simply structured, it’s recommended for those who want to learn the basics of a band sound.
It’s a song that lets you fully experience The Killers’ powerful signature sound.
Last NiteThe Strokes
Known as pioneers of the early-2000s garage rock revival, the American rock band The Strokes released this track from their debut album, Is This It, which is characterized by its simple yet powerful guitar riff and energetic sound.
The opening riff—said to be inspired by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers—helped the song become one of the band’s signature hits.
Released by RCA Records, it achieved commercial success, peaking at No.
14 on the UK Singles Chart and earning a platinum certification.
In 2002, they also appeared on MTV’s live program $2 Bill, which significantly boosted The Strokes’ profile.
Its straightforward structure and catchy melody make it an ideal piece for band practice and easy to break into sections.
I Don’t Care feat. Adam GontierApocalyptica
A striking work that channels a vortex of sorrow and anger through resonant, weighty cello and powerful vocals.
Finland’s Apocalyptica, known for fusing classical soundscapes with metal, unleashes a grand number featuring Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace.
Released in 2008 from the album “Worlds Collide,” the song lays bare the feelings of a protagonist trapped in a toxic relationship.
Featured in the American TV drama “Smallville,” it also reached No.
1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
It has captured the hearts of many listeners as a track that stands by you at life’s crossroads and in those moments when you resolve to follow your own path.
Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s (61–70)
StellarIncubus
A love song that uses cosmic metaphors to express love, this track by the American rock band Incubus symbolizes the evolution of their musical style.
Released from the album Make Yourself, it is known as a song that then-vocalist Brandon Boyd dedicated to his girlfriend.
While the album as a whole carries a nu-metal sound, this piece incorporates more melodic and refined elements, and together with its music video that gained traction on MTV, it reached No.
2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in June 2000.
It was later featured in the Guitar Hero series and the Daria movie, making it widely beloved.
Its grand portrayal of romance and human bonds through the imagery of outer space is sure to resonate with anyone who deeply cherishes someone special.
Time FliesPorcupine Tree
A track by Porcupine Tree that continues to evolve with a unique musicality, rooted in a psychedelic approach and blending post-prog sounds like trance and ambient.
Taken as a single from their 10th album, The Incident, it’s a catchy number featuring ear-grabbing guitar backing and airy, floating vocals.
The song’s structure builds layer by layer and unfolds dramatically, fully showcasing the compelling appeal of progressive rock.
It’s also a standout rock tune that represents the 2000s prog scene, with melodies that are tricky yet never leave the listener behind, and a striking beauty throughout.
Rock & Roll QueenThe Subways
An anthem of youth released in June 2005 by The Subways, who burst out of the UK indie rock scene.
It’s a track defined by energetic guitar riffs overflowing with youth and passion, and powerful vocals.
As a signature song from their debut album “Young for Eternity,” it reached No.
22 on the UK chart.
In addition to being featured on the soundtracks of the Hollywood films “Live Free or Die Hard” and “RocknRolla,” the band themselves appeared to perform it in a notable scene on the hit TV series The O.C.
In 2020, they created versions in 20 languages to mark the song’s 15th anniversary.
A staple at major festivals like Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, this track is perfect for moments when you want to go all out with energy.